Introduction
Alternative Text, commonly called Alt Text, is a description added to an image.
Alt Text helps:
- Search engines understand images
- Improve website accessibility
- Support visually impaired users using screen readers
- Improve image SEO
This guide explains how to add Alt Text to images in WordPress.
What Is Alt Text?
Alt Text is a written description of an image.
Search engines cannot view images in the same way humans can, so Alt Text helps explain the image content.
Example:
Instead of:
image1.jpgUse:
Business owner working on a laptop in a modern officeThe description should explain what the image shows.
Step 1 – Log Into WordPress
Open your browser and visit:
https://yourdomain.co.za/wp-admin
(Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name.)
Enter your WordPress username and password.
Click: Log In
Step 2 – Open the Media Library
From the WordPress Dashboard
Click: Media
Then click: Library
Step 3 – Select an Image
Locate the image you wish to optimize.
Click the image.
The Attachment Details screen will open.
Step 4 – Enter Alternative Text
Locate: Alternative Text
Enter a short but descriptive explanation of the image.
Examples:
Web hosting control panel dashboard
Business meeting discussing website design
Online store product catalogue displayed on a laptop
The description should accurately describe the image.
Step 5 – Save Changes
Once the Alternative Text has been entered, WordPress will save the changes automatically.
Your image will now include Alt Text.
Adding Alt Text While Uploading Images
When uploading a new image:
Click: Media
Then click: Add New Media File
Upload the image.
Once uploaded:
Locate: Alternative Text
Enter a suitable description before using the image on your website.
Good Alt Text Examples
Good: Business hosting dashboard showing account statistics
Good: Customer browsing an online store on a mobile phone
Good: Blue company logo on a white background
These examples clearly describe the image.
Poor Alt Text Examples
Poor: Image
Poor: Photo
Poor: Picture123
Poor: Hosting Hosting Hosting Hosting
These descriptions provide little useful information.
SEO Benefits of Alt Text
Alt Text can help:
- Improve image search visibility
- Help search engines understand page content
- Improve accessibility compliance
- Provide context if images fail to load
While Alt Text alone will not dramatically improve rankings, it contributes to good SEO practices.
Best Practices
When writing Alt Text:
- Describe the image accurately.
- Keep descriptions concise.
- Include relevant keywords naturally.
- Avoid keyword stuffing.
- Write for people first.
The goal is to describe the image, not force keywords into the description.
Common Mistakes
Avoid:
- Leaving Alt Text blank.
- Using file names as descriptions.
- Repeating keywords excessively.
- Writing descriptions that do not match the image.
These practices reduce the usefulness of Alt Text.
Conclusion
Alternative Text is a simple but important part of website accessibility and SEO.
By adding clear and descriptive Alt Text to your images, you can help search engines better understand your content while improving the experience for all visitors.
