Why Alt Text Is Important for Website Images
Alt text (alternative text) is a crucial component of web accessibility because it ensures that users who cannot see images, such as those using screen readers, can still understand the content and purpose of the visuals on a page. Alt text provides a written description of an image, which screen readers can read aloud, helping visually impaired users fully engage with your website. It also serves as a fallback if an image fails to load, ensuring the message or function of the image is still conveyed.
When writing alt text, be concise and descriptive. Focus on the essential information the image provides, and avoid phrases like “image of” or “picture of,” as screen readers already announce it as an image. Including meaningful alt text not only supports accessibility standards but also improves search engine optimization (SEO) by making your content more discoverable.
Learn more about uploading images with alt text for Curriculum Strategy here.
Examples of Alt Text for Website Accessibility
Good Alt Text:
<img src="team-photo.jpg" alt="The marketing team smiling together in the office conference room">
✅ This description is concise, specific, and communicates the important content of the image, allowing users with screen readers to understand what’s being shown.
Bad Alt Text:
<img src="team-photo.jpg" alt="Image">
❌ This description is too vague and provides no meaningful information. Simply labeling something as "image" doesn’t help users understand the content or purpose of the photo.
When writing alt text, think about the image’s context and what information is important for someone who can’t see it. Avoid redundant phrases like "picture of" or "photo of"—screen readers already convey that it’s an image.