Boost Your SEO with Effective Alt Text
Updated: Sep 30
Understanding Alt Text for Your Website
Alt text (short for “alternative text”) is a written description that explains what’s shown in an image. It’s added to the image settings in your website editor. This allows search engines and screen readers to understand what the image represents.
Alt text appears if the image doesn’t load and is read aloud by screen readers. It also helps search engines interpret your content, making your page more visible in search results. If you don't customize your alt text, your image file name can pull through.
For example, with the image used in this article:
Poor alt text: image123.jpg
Good alt text: A small business owner in a light shirt looks at a camera outdoors, with trees and a blurred wall in the background on a sunny day.
Why Alt Text Matters
Accessibility
People who use screen readers rely on alt text to understand what’s displayed on a page. Without it, an entire part of your site’s message is invisible to them. This can alienate potential customers who depend on these tools.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Search engines can’t “see” images; they read the alt text to understand them. This information helps your pages rank higher and appear in image search results. By optimizing your alt text, you enhance your site's visibility.
User Experience
If an image fails to load, alt text gives users context instead of a broken box. It’s a small detail that makes your site look professional and complete. A well-structured website encourages visitors to stay longer.
How Images Strengthen SEO
Beyond alt text, images can improve how search engines rank your site when they are:
Relevant – Each image should connect to your topic or service.
Labeled clearly – Descriptive file names and captions reinforce what your page is about.
Optimized for speed – Large image files slow down your website, which can hurt your ranking.
Unique – Original photography or artwork helps your content stand out from competitors using stock photos.
When users spend more time viewing your images and engaging with your content, it signals to search engines that your site is valuable and trustworthy. This can lead to better rankings and increased traffic.
Best Practices to Optimize Images in Wix for SEO and Accessibility
Add descriptive alt text for every image. This can be done by clicking on your image and navigating to the image settings.
Rename image files before uploading (e.g., wix-studio-portfolio-homepage.jpg).
Resize images to fit the display area; large files slow down load times.
Use captions if the image adds important context.
Review your site’s accessibility tools in Wix to confirm all visuals are labeled correctly.
By describing your images clearly and optimizing how they load, you make your site easier for both people and search engines to understand.
The Importance of Image Optimization
Enhancing Load Speed
Images that are too large can significantly slow down your website. This can frustrate users and lead to higher bounce rates. To enhance load speed, always resize images before uploading them. Aim for a balance between quality and file size.
Choosing the Right Format
Different image formats serve different purposes. JPEG is great for photographs, while PNG is better for images with transparency. Understanding these formats can help you choose the best one for your needs.
Utilizing Compression Tools
Consider using image compression tools to reduce file sizes without sacrificing quality. Tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim can help you achieve this. Smaller files load faster, improving user experience and SEO.
Conclusion
Want to review this in more detail together and strengthen your site’s image SEO? Schedule a one-on-one session to walk through your pages and apply these updates step by step.
Book your 60 Minute Wix Support Session and let’s enhance your online presence together!
