In the world of digital marketing and SEO, small details can make a big difference. One such detail is ALT text (alternative text), which plays a crucial role in website accessibility, user experience, and search engine rankings. However, many businesses—even experienced marketers—make mistakes when writing ALT text, hurting their SEO efforts.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common ALT text mistakes and how to avoid them to ensure your website is optimized for both search engines and users.
What is ALT Text & Why Is It Important?
ALT text (alternative text) is a brief description added to an image’s HTML code. It serves two key purposes:
Accessibility – Helps screen readers describe images to visually impaired users.
SEO – Allows search engines to understand and index images properly.
If you neglect ALT text, you miss out on organic traffic opportunities and risk providing a poor experience for users with disabilities. (Learn more about why ALT text matters for SEO).
READ ALSO: Importance And Benefits of Alt Text in SEO
7 Common ALT Text Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)
1. Leaving ALT Text Empty (Missing ALT Attributes)
❌ Mistake: Some websites skip ALT text entirely, either leaving it blank or using generic placeholders like alt="".
✅ Fix: Always add descriptive ALT text unless the image is purely decorative (then use alt="").
Example:
❌ Bad:
<img src="coffee.jpg" alt="">✅ Good:
<img src="coffee.jpg" alt="Freshly brewed black coffee with foam">
2. Using Keyword Stuffing Instead of Natural Descriptions
❌ Mistake: Stuffing ALT text with too many keywords (e.g., alt="best coffee shop near me affordable espresso barista latte").
✅ Fix: Keep it concise and descriptive (under 125 characters). Focus on the image’s context.
Example:
❌ Bad:
alt="SEO agency digital marketing best SEO company in India"✅ Good:
alt="Digital marketing team analyzing SEO data on a laptop"
3. Writing Overly Long or Vague Descriptions
❌ Mistake: Writing a paragraph instead of a short, meaningful description.
✅ Fix: Be specific but brief. Imagine describing the image to someone who can’t see it.
Example:
❌ Bad:
alt="A group of people sitting in an office with computers, some wearing headphones, others typing, and one person pointing at a screen while another takes notes"✅ Good:
alt="Marketing team discussing a campaign strategy in a meeting"
4. Starting with “Image of” or “Picture of”
❌ Mistake: Screen readers already announce images, so phrases like alt="image of a laptop" are redundant.
✅ Fix: Skip the fluff and describe the image directly.
Example:
❌ Bad:
alt="Picture of a blue laptop on a wooden desk"✅ Good:
alt="Blue laptop open on a wooden desk with a spreadsheet visible"
5. Ignoring Context & Relevance
❌ Mistake: Writing ALT text that doesn’t match the image’s purpose on the page.
✅ Fix: Consider where the image appears and what message it supports.
Example:
If the image is a CTA button for a free consultation:
❌ Bad:
alt="Man smiling at a computer"✅ Good:
alt="Book a free digital marketing consultation today"
6. Not Optimizing for E-commerce & Product Images
❌ Mistake: Using generic names like alt="product123.jpg" instead of descriptive text.
✅ Fix: Include product names, colors, and key features for better SEO.
Example:
❌ Bad:
alt="shoes.jpg"✅ Good:
alt="Nike Air Max running shoes in black and red"
7. Forgetting Decorative Images
❌ Mistake: Adding unnecessary ALT text to decorative elements (e.g., dividers, icons).
✅ Fix: Use alt="" for purely decorative images so screen readers skip them.
Example:
❌ Bad:
alt="Decorative floral border"✅ Good:
alt=""
Best Practices for Writing Effective ALT Text
To maximize the benefits of ALT text, follow these SEO-friendly guidelines:
✔ Be descriptive but concise (under 125 characters).
✔ Include relevant keywords naturally (avoid stuffing).
✔ Match the image’s context (think about user intent).
✔ Don’t repeat captions (ALT text should complement, not duplicate).
✔ Test with screen readers (ensure accessibility compliance).
For more tips, check out our guide on how to optimize images for SEO.
Final Thoughts
ALT text may seem like a small detail, but it has a big impact on SEO, accessibility, and user experience. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make your website more search-engine-friendly and inclusive for all users.
At [Aeronoxsolutions], we help businesses optimize their websites for maximum visibility and engagement. Need help with SEO, content marketing, or accessibility audits? Contact us today for a free consultation!
