How I Write Alt Text That Helps Screen Readers and Search

Description and use

The author explains how to write alt text: decorative images use alt="", informative images get a concise 8‑15 word description tailored to product, chart, or link context, improving accessibility and SEO with minimal effort.

Problem

Many images on the web lack alt text or contain keyword‑stuffed alt that fails accessibility and SEO.

Outcome

Consistent, concise alt text improves accessibility for screen readers and SEO for search engines, without adding extra work once the habit is formed.

Workflow

• Determine if image conveys unique information; if not, set alt="".
• If informative, write one sentence 8‑15 words, avoid "image of" and keyword stuffing.
• For product photos, name product + one distinguishing detail.
• For charts, state the takeaway, not axis labels; use tables for complex data.
• For icons, use alt only if standalone; otherwise leave empty.
• For linked images, describe link destination, not appearance.
• Apply these rules consistently during image creation or upload.
• Use tools like Claude Blueprint to enforce habit.
• Review alt text by reading aloud to ensure brevity and clarity.

Evidence

Decorative images get empty alt (alt=""), never missing alt

Source

Aim for 8 to 15 words, one sentence, no "image of"

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If an image is also a link, the alt text describes where the link goes, not what the picture looks like.

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For charts, give the takeaway, not the axis labels, and push complex data into a real table.

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