Introduction
Images make websites look better. They show products, offices, team members, projects and services in a way text cannot. But many people forget that Google cannot “see” images like humans do. Google needs help to understand what an image is actually about.
This is where alt tags come in.
Alt tags are small pieces of text added behind every image. Visitors usually do not notice them, but search engines do. And that makes a big difference to website visibility.
SEO Company Jaipur often finds that many business websites lose rankings simply because their images are not optimized properly. This guide explains what alt tags are, why they matter, and how to add alt tags to images in the right way.
What Is an Alt Tag?
An alt tag, also called alt text, is a short description added to an image in website code.
It tells search engines:
What the image is about
What is happening in the image
What product, place or service is being shown
Alt tags are also used by screen readers for visually impaired users. So they improve accessibility too.
In simple words, alt tags describe your images in text form.
Why Alt Tags Are Important for SEO
Alt tags help in many ways:
Help Google understand your images
Improve image search rankings
Improve overall page SEO
Improve website accessibility
Help your site look more professional
Improve chances of appearing in Google Images
SEO Company Jaipur has seen websites rank higher simply by fixing missing or wrong alt tags.
How Google Uses Alt Tags
Google uses alt tags to:
Read image relevance
Match images with search queries
Understand page context
Decide ranking strength
Without alt tags, Google guesses what your image means. With proper alt tags, you guide Google clearly.
How to Add Alt Tags to Images (Step-by-Step)
1. Adding Alt Tags in WordPress
If your website is on WordPress:
Login to your dashboard
Go to Media Library
Click on the image
You will see an “Alt Text” box
Write a short description
Save
Done.
2. Adding Alt Tags in HTML
If you use HTML, alt tags are added like this:
The text inside alt is your alt tag.
3. Writing Alt Tags the Right Way
Good alt tags should be:
Clear
Short
Descriptive
Natural sounding
Keyword relevant (but not forced)
Bad alt tag:
“seo company jaipur best seo company jaipur cheap seo company jaipur”
Good alt tag:
“SEO Company Jaipur office interior workspace”
What to Write in Alt Tags
Ask yourself:
What is shown in this image?
What is the purpose of this image on the page?
Which keyword fits naturally?
Example:
If your page is about office cleaning service and image shows a cleaner cleaning glass.
Alt tag:
“Office cleaner cleaning glass window in Jaipur”
Common Alt Tag Mistakes
Leaving alt tags empty
Keyword stuffing
Writing long sentences
Using file names only
Copying same alt tag for all images
These mistakes reduce SEO value.
Do All Images Need Alt Tags?
Most images should have alt tags.
Exceptions:
Decorative icons
Background patterns
Divider images
Main content images must have alt tags.
Alt Tags for Product and Service Images
Product and service images bring high SEO value.
Example:
Product: Wooden office table
Alt tag:
“Wooden office table for corporate workspace Jaipur”
Service image:
“AC repair technician repairing office air conditioner Jaipur”
How Alt Tags Help Local SEO
Alt tags also support local SEO by adding location relevance.
Example:
“Interior design office space in Mansarovar Jaipur”
SEO Company Jaipur uses image optimization to strengthen city and area-based rankings.
How Often Should Alt Tags Be Updated?
When you change page content
When you change service focus
When you rebrand
When you update images
Alt tags should match your current services.
Real Benefit of Proper Alt Tags
Websites with optimized alt tags often see:
More impressions
More image search traffic
Better rankings
Better accessibility score
Better user trust
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an alt tag?
Alt tag is a text description added to an image so search engines can understand it.
Can alt tags improve rankings?
Yes. They improve image SEO and page relevance.
How long should alt tags be?
Ideally 5–12 words.
Can I use keywords in alt tags?
Yes, but naturally.
Are alt tags mandatory?
They are highly recommended for SEO and accessibility.
Final Thoughts
Alt tags are small things but bring big results. Many websites ignore them and lose ranking power silently.
SEO Company Jaipur always includes image optimization as part of technical SEO because it improves trust, accessibility and visibility.
If your website images are not optimized, you are leaving free traffic on the table.