How I Write Alt Text That Helps Screen Readers and Search

Описание и применение

Автор описывает практику написания alt‑текста: декоративные изображения получают alt="", информативные — короткое 8‑15‑словное описание, учитывающее продукт, диаграмму или ссылку. Это улучшает доступность и поисковую оптимизацию без дополнительной работы.

Задача

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

Результат

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

Рабочий процесс

• 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.

Доказательства

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

Источник

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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