If you’re a website owner, developer, or content creator, you’ve probably heard about the importance of alt text for images. Alt text, short for alternative text, is crucial for web accessibility. It helps people with visual impairments understand what’s in the images on your site, using screen readers. It also has SEO benefits, helping search engines understand and index your images. However, writing good alt text isn’t always straightforward. Here are some common mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
1.Some Images Should Use an Empty Alt Attribute
One of the most common mistakes is thinking every image needs alt text. Not all images require detailed descriptions. Decorative images, like those used purely for design or spacing, should use an empty alt attribute (alt=””). This tells screen readers to skip these images, preventing unnecessary clutter for users.
For instance, if you have a decorative border or a purely aesthetic icon, you don’t need to describe it. Including alt text for these elements can overwhelm users with information and make their browsing experience frustrating. Always ask yourself if the image conveys essential information. If not, it’s a good candidate for an empty alt attribute.
2.Context Matters
Context is everything when it comes to writing alt text. The same image might need different alt text depending on where and how it’s used. For example, a picture of a dog on a veterinary website might need different alt text than the same picture on a pet adoption site.
Let’s say you have an image of a golden retriever. On a veterinary site, the alt text might be “Golden retriever receiving a check-up at the vet.” On a pet adoption site, it could be “Golden retriever available for adoption.” The context gives users the specific information they need based on where they are and what they’re looking for.
3.Screen Readers and Search Engines Already Know That It’s an Image
Another mistake is being redundant in alt text. Screen readers and search engines already know the element is an image, so you don’t need to start with “Image of…” or “Picture of…”. Jump straight into the description.
Instead of saying, “Image of a woman using a laptop,” just say, “Woman using a laptop.” This makes your alt text more concise and easier for screen readers to process. Remember, simplicity and clarity are key.
4.Write Alt Text as Simple Sentences
Good alt text is clear and straightforward. Using simple sentences helps ensure that everyone can understand your descriptions, including those using screen readers. Avoid complex phrases and jargon that could confuse users.
For example, if you have a photo of a sunset, instead of saying, “A stunningly beautiful sunset with hues of orange and pink casting a magnificent glow over the tranquil sea,” you could say, “Sunset over the sea with orange and pink colors.” Simple, right? It’s all about making the information as accessible as possible.
5.Don’t Repeat Captions in Alt Text
If your image already has a caption, don’t just copy and paste it into the alt text. Alt text and captions serve different purposes. Captions are visible to all users and often provide context or additional information, while alt text is specifically for those who can’t see the image.
For instance, if you have a caption that says, “John Doe speaking at the annual tech conference,” the alt text could be “John Doe at a podium,” giving a brief description without repeating the same information. This way, you enhance the user’s understanding without redundancy.
The Importance of Web Accessibility
Web accessibility is about making the internet usable for everyone, including people with disabilities. Alt text plays a significant role in this effort. By providing descriptive alt text, you ensure that all users, regardless of their abilities, can access the information on your site.
Accessible websites don’t just benefit those with disabilities. They can improve the overall user experience, increase your audience reach, and even boost your SEO. Search engines like Google use alt text to understand what images are about, which can help your site rank better in search results.
Practical Tips for Writing Good Alt Text
Here are some practical tips to help you write better alt text:
- Be Descriptive but Concise: Aim for a balance between being detailed and keeping it short. Generally, 125 characters is a good length to shoot for.
- Focus on What’s Important: Describe the most important aspects of the image. Think about what information the user needs to understand the image in the context of the content.
- Avoid Redundancy: As mentioned, don’t use phrases like “image of” or repeat the caption.
- Use Proper Grammar and Punctuation: Even though alt text might seem less formal, proper grammar and punctuation help with clarity.
- Think About the User’s Experience: Always consider how a user relying on a screen reader will interpret your alt text. Will it provide the necessary information in a clear and straightforward manner?
Common Scenarios and Examples
To make things clearer, let’s look at some common scenarios and examples of good alt text.
Scenario 1: Product Images
If you’re running an e-commerce site, your product images need good alt text. For a photo of a red dress, a good alt text might be “Red cocktail dress with ruffle sleeves.” This description is concise and gives potential buyers the information they need.
Scenario 2: Infographics
Infographics can be tricky because they often contain a lot of information. A good approach is to summarize the key points. For example, if your infographic shows the steps of a process, the alt text might be “Infographic showing 5 steps to start a blog: Choose a platform, Pick a domain, Set up hosting, Design your site, Publish content.”
Scenario 3: Event Photos
For event photos, focus on who, what, where, and when. An image from a company event might have alt text like “CEO Jane Smith speaking at the annual company meeting in June 2023.”
Conclusion
Writing effective alt text is an essential skill for anyone managing a website. It’s not just about ticking a box for accessibility; it’s about making your content accessible and useful for everyone. By avoiding common mistakes like over-describing, repeating captions, or using complex sentences, you can create a better experience for all users.
Remember, the goal of alt text is to provide essential information to those who can’t see the image. Keep it simple, relevant, and in context, and you’ll be well on your way to making your website more accessible and inclusive. Web accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a way to show that you care about all your users, making your site more welcoming to everyone.
At 216digital, our expert team can assist you in developing a strategy to make this journey of WCAG 2.1 compliance as smooth as possible. Contact us today to schedule a complementary ADA Strategy Briefing so that you can confidently take this next step into digital accessibility.
