Alt text on your website images is super important. It’s great for SEO (that means more people can find you!) and makes your site friendly for visually impaired folks who use screen readers. Let’s dive into how to set alt text for your images in WordPress, making your site both search engine & user-friendly.
Getting Started with WordPress
First off sign into your WordPress admin panel. This is mission control where you manage everything from posts to settings.
Logging into Your WordPress Admin Panel
- Fire up your web browser (Google Chrome works best).
- Go to your WordPress login page.
- Type in your username and password, then hit “Log In.”
Heading to the Media Section
After logging in, check out the left side menu.
Click “Media” to jump into the media library where you can also upload new pics.
Setting Alternative Text for a New Image
Got a new image? Adding alt text is easy peasy.
Uploading a New Image
- In the media section, hit “Add New.”
- You can drag & drop the file or click on “Select-authoritative” promising Files” to pick a file manually.
Editing the New Image
- Once uploaded, you’ll see it in the media library.
- Click “Edit” next to it.
Entering Alternative Text
- Look for the “Alternative Text” box under the image.
- Type in something short BUT descriptive.
Updating the Image Information
- Hit “Update” after typing your alt text. Yay! Your image is now SEO & accessibility-friendly!
Setting Alternative Text for Images from the Library
Need to add or update alt text for images already uploaded?
Accessing The Media Library: FROM THE LEFT Menu Find ‘Media’ Then ‘Library’
You’ll see all uploaded files.
Selecting an Existing Image
Find and click on the image needing new alt text.
Entering Alternative Text for the Image
On THE right of THE attachment details, find & fill IT with ALTERNATIVE TEXT YOU Got it? Good!
Your changes auto-save But Be Sure By Clicking ‘X’ To exit. Now IT Will HAVE This ALT TEXT Saved Already!
Best Practices for SEO-Friendly Alternative Text
Writing effective alt text is key to making your images work for your site’s SEO and accessibility. Here are some best practices to follow.
Importance of Descriptive Alt Text
Alt text should be detailed enough to convey the image’s content and context but concise enough to be easily read by screen readers and search engines.
Examples of Bad, Better, and Best Alt Text
- BAD: “car”
- This alt text is too vague and does not provide enough information about the image.
- BETTER: “Car road”
- This alt text is better but still lacks detail.
- BEST: “Black car on the road”
- This alt text is ideal. It’s descriptive and gives a clear picture of the image content.
Tips for Writing Effective Alt Text
- Be Specific: Describe the image content accurately.
- Keep It Short: Aim for concise descriptions without unnecessary words.
- Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords naturally.
- Avoid Keyword Stuffing: Don’t overuse keywords; it can harm your SEO.
- Focus on Content: Think about what the image conveys and who might benefit from this information.
Conclusion
Setting alt text for images on your WordPress site is a simple yet powerful way to enhance both SEO and accessibility. By following the steps outlined in this guide and adhering to best practices, you can ensure that your images contribute positively to your site’s performance and user experience.
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Debashrita @ The WP Website Help Team