How to Optimize Image Alt Text with Keywords for SEO

To optimize image alt text with keywords for SEO, write concise, descriptive alt text that naturally incorporates relevant keywords aligned with the page content. The alt text should clearly describe the image while including primary keywords without keyword stuffing, ensuring it reads naturally for users and search engines alike.

Key practices include:

• Be specific and descriptive: Instead of generic descriptions like “a dog,” use detailed descriptions such as “a golden retriever sitting on a grassy field under a clear blue sky” to provide context and relevance.
• Integrate keywords naturally: Use relevant keywords that match the page’s focus and user search intent, but avoid repeating keywords excessively or stuffing them, which can harm SEO.
• Keep alt text concise: Aim for fewer than 125 characters to ensure screen readers and search engines can easily process the description.
• Match image type: Tailor alt text to the image type (e.g., product images should include attributes like color, brand, size; data visualizations should mention chart type and key data points).
• Prioritize alt text over title text: Google gives more weight to alt text for image SEO, so ensure primary keywords appear here if you must choose.
• Avoid vague or misleading descriptions: Alt text should accurately reflect the image content to improve accessibility and SEO relevance.
• Consider context and page topic: Include context that relates the image to the page content, helping search engines understand the image’s relevance to the overall topic.

Example for an e-commerce product image:
alt="Black leather dress shoes for men, size 10" instead of just alt="Shoes".

By following these guidelines, your alt text will improve image SEO by enhancing relevance, accessibility, and user experience without risking penalties from keyword stuffing.