The Power of Image Alt Tags: Why They Matter
When it comes to building a website that’s not just visually stunning but also functional, accessible, and optimized for search engines, the little details matter. One of those details? Alt tags for your images.
What Are Alt Tags, and Why Do They Matter?
Alt tags (short for "alternative text") are brief descriptions added to images on your website. They serve three main purposes:
Accessibility: Alt tags make your website usable for people with visual impairments. Screen readers use these descriptions to tell users what’s in an image, ensuring everyone can navigate your site effectively.
SEO Boost: Search engines like Google can’t “see” images, but they can read alt tags. Adding relevant, descriptive alt text helps your website rank better in search results.
Fallback Content: If an image fails to load, the alt text appears in its place, giving context to what should be there.
For creative business owners—like photographers, authors, and makers—your website is all about showcasing your work. Alt tags ensure your gorgeous visuals are both discoverable and accessible, helping you connect with more people.
How to Add Alt Tags in Squarespace
Adding alt tags to your images in Squarespace is a breeze. Here’s how:
For Image Blocks:
Upload Your Image: Add your image to the image block on your page, or click on the image block if you already have an image on the page.
Update the File Name: In Squarespace, alt text is pulled from the image’s file name. Before uploading, name your file descriptively (e.g., "modern-boho-wedding-bouquet.jpg" instead of "IMG_1234.jpg"). You can edit this in the “Alternate Filename” to name your image something descriptive to help with SEO.
Add an Image Alt Text: Input a short and concise description in the “Image Alt Text” section about what your image depicts.
For Gallery Images:
Edit the Image Block: Click on the gallery block you’ve added, and select the image square that you’d like to add an alt description to.
Enter an Image Description: If you leave the description blank, Squarespace automatically uses the file name as the alt text, so make sure it is uploaded with a descriptive file name. However, you can further customize and enhance this by filling in a description.
Pro Tip:
If you’re using images in backgrounds or through design elements, these won’t typically have alt text options in Squarespace. For critical visuals, use image blocks instead to ensure you can add alt tags.
Best Practices for Writing Alt Tags
Be Descriptive, Not Wordy: Write what the image depicts clearly and concisely.
Example: "Golden retriever puppy playing in a flower garden."
Use Keywords: Include relevant keywords for SEO but don’t stuff them in unnaturally.
Keep Context in Mind: Think about how the image relates to the page content.
Why Alt Tags Are a Must-Have
Adding alt tags might seem like a minor task, but it can have a big impact. By optimizing your site for accessibility and search engines, you’re making it easier for everyone to enjoy and discover your content. Plus, it’s a sign of professionalism—showing you care about creating an inclusive experience for all visitors.
Think of it as dressing your images for success. A little time spent adding alt text now means a smoother, smarter, and more inclusive website for the long haul. It’s those small, thoughtful touches that set your site apart and keep people coming back for more.
So, don’t leave your images hanging—give them the alt text love they deserve! Got questions about image alt text? Drop them in the comments!
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