Examples of Implementing Alt Text for Images

Understanding Alt Text

When it comes to web accessibility, adding alt text to images is crucial. Alt text, or alternative text, provides a textual description of an image, helping visually impaired users understand the content of a webpage. It also improves search engine optimization (SEO) by giving search engines context about the images on your site. Here are three diverse examples of how to effectively implement alt text in your web content.

Example 1: Product Images in E-commerce

In an online store, product images play a key role in attracting customers. Using alt text for these images not only aids accessibility but can also influence purchasing decisions.

For instance, a shoe retailer might display a picture of a pair of running shoes. The alt text should describe the shoes clearly, including color and style, so users with visual impairments can understand what’s being offered.

Example:
<img src="running-shoes.jpg" alt="Blue men's running shoes with white soles and reflective details">

This alt text provides essential information about the shoes, ensuring that visually impaired users get a clear idea of the product’s appearance.

Notes:

• Always include relevant details like color, style, and key features in the alt text.
• Keep it concise—ideally under 125 characters.

Example 2: Informational Graphics in Blog Posts

Blogs often include infographics or charts to convey information visually. It’s important to ensure that these images are also accessible to all users.

For example, if you have an infographic titled “The Benefits of Regular Exercise,” your alt text should summarize the key points presented in the graphic. This way, users who rely on screen readers can grasp the essential information without seeing the image.

Example:
<img src="exercise-benefits-infographic.jpg" alt="Infographic showing benefits of exercise: improves mood, boosts energy, aids sleep, and promotes weight loss">

This alt text captures the essence of the infographic, providing a clear overview of its content.

Notes:

• Use alt text to convey the main message or data points depicted in the infographic.
• Avoid phrases like “image of” or “picture of” in the alt text, as they are unnecessary.

Example 3: Decorative Images in a Website

Some images on websites are purely decorative and don’t convey any important information. In these cases, using alt text correctly can enhance accessibility without cluttering the experience of screen reader users.

For example, if you have a decorative background image on your homepage, you should mark it as decorative in the alt text so screen readers can skip it.

Example:
<img src="decorative-background.jpg" alt="" role="presentation">

In this case, the alt attribute is left empty, indicating that the image is purely for decoration and does not need to be described.

Notes:

• Use role="presentation" to signal that the image is decorative.
• Make sure to only use this for images that truly don’t add value to the content.

By following these examples of implementing alt text for images in web content, you can significantly enhance accessibility for all users, while also improving your website’s SEO performance. Remember, every image has a story to tell, and alt text is the way to share that story with everyone!