Alternative text concept
What is Alternative Text?
Alternative text is a type of writing, text, that is used on web pages to provide information in case of loading problems, errors when linking images or any situation that prevents you from seeing the content of the image to which it is linked. It is a technique that is especially linked to both usability and SEO positioning.
A concept implemented years ago in order to provide search engines with a way to better understand the content that is hosted on a page, as well as to facilitate the work of screen readers. In general, the alternative texts contain the keywords on which the topic at hand revolves, or those that better define what appears in the image to which they belong.
Unlike captions, which appear to complement or clarify what appears in the image to which they are attached, this item only appears when the photograph or graphic cannot be seen. The legend always appears, since it usually goes at the bottom of the graphic document to expand the information.
Using alternative text is today something essential on any website that wants a good search engine positioning. Actually, as we will explain in the next chapter, it is one of the key aspects of any content if it is looking to make a good impact in the search engines.
What is Alternative Text for
Alternative text does a number of things. First, it allows screen readers to tell what exists in the image when they scan content, something ideal for disabled people to be able to fully understand everything that is dictated in content broadcast on a web.
Along with this, its main reason for existence is linked to seo. It is the best way to indicate to search engines the keywords linked to an image, and something that they have very much in mind when positioning a content among their SERPs.
Alternative Text Examples
Virtually any image we see on the Internet can reveal alternative text that serves as an example. To take an illustrative case, we are going to have access to the NeoAttack blog and, more particularly, to the publication 5 very effective techniques to increase the organic traffic of your website.
Once there, we inspect the second image and see that it has the following attribute "alt" (alternative text): "off page web positioning". If we continue and see the image with the graphic, in it the text is "Long tail keywords conversion chart". We could keep looking, but they make it clear what this type of written text is like.
More information on Alternative text
If you are looking to get more information on alternative text, we suggest you expand content with the following articles. Thus, you will also understand a little more how to improve your positioning using this concept:
