What is the “Alt Tag”?

The term “Alt Tag” is a common misnomer in the world of web development and design. What most people refer to as the “Alt Tag” is actually the “Alt Attribute” or “Alt Text” associated with an image element. In HTML, the <img> element uses an attribute called alt to provide a text description of the image. This description is intended to convey the content and function of the image to users who cannot see it.

Why is the Alt Tag (Alt Text) Important for WordPress Users?

For those who manage or create content on WordPress sites, understanding and correctly using the alt attribute (often referred to as alt text) is vital for several reasons:

• Accessibility: The alt text ensures that users with visual impairments can comprehend the content of an image when using assistive technologies like screen readers. Proper use of alt text is a critical component of web accessibility and is required for compliance with many accessibility standards, such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
• SEO Benefits: Search engines use the alt text to understand the context and content of images. By optimizing alt text, you can improve the image’s searchability, which can aid in search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.
• Image Loading Issues: If, for some reason, an image doesn’t load on a webpage, the alt text will display in its place, offering users insight into what the image represents.

Best Practices for Writing Alt Text in WordPress

Given its importance, when adding alt text to images in WordPress, consider the following best practices:

• Be Descriptive: Ensure the alt text provides an accurate description of the image’s content and function. For instance, instead of just saying “dog,” a better alt text might be “Golden Retriever playing with a ball.”
• Stay Concise: While being descriptive, also aim to be concise. Typically, a few words to a short sentence is appropriate.
• Avoid Keyword Stuffing: It’s beneficial to include relevant keywords in alt text for SEO, but don’t overload or force them in unnaturally.
• Exclude “Image of” or “Picture of”: Starting the alt text with these phrases is redundant because screen readers already announce images.

How to Add Alt Text in WordPress

When you upload an image in WordPress, you’ll notice a field labeled “Alt Text” in the media uploader. This is where you input your descriptive text. If you’re modifying an existing image within your Media Library, you can also add or change the alt text in the same section.

Conclusion

While the term “Alt Tag” is a misnomer, the concept it refers to – the alt text or alt attribute – plays an essential role in creating accessible and optimized websites. Every WordPress user should make it a priority to include meaningful alt text with their images.