Alt text on small business websites: what to write (and what to skip)
Most small business sites I look at have images with no alt text, or alt text like IMG_2041.jpg . It's a two-minute fix that helps three groups at once: people using screen readers, Google Images, and anyone on a slow connection where the photo doesn't load. What to write Describe what's in the picture and why it's there, in one short sentence: alt="Fresh sourdough loaves on the counter at Rosa's…
Many small business websites lack alt text for images, or use alt text that consists only of a file name like IMG_2041.jpg. This is a simple two-minute task that benefits three groups: individuals using screen readers, Google Images, and users with slow connections who may not have images load properly.
To write effective alt text, describe what is shown in the picture and the reason it is there in a single short sentence. For example, alt= Fresh sourdough loaves on the counter at Rosa's Bakery or alt= Technician fixing a boiler in a customer's kitchen. If the image is a button or link, such as a logo directing to the homepage, describe its function: alt= Rosa's Bakery home.
Avoid starting alt text with phrases like "image of" or "picture of" since screen readers already indicate an image. Also, refrain from including excessive keywords such as "best bakery," "cheap bakery," or "bakery near me." Such additions appear unnatural and do not aid in search rankings. Images that are purely decorative, like background shapes or dividers, should have an empty alt attribute, alt= , so screen readers can bypass them.
To verify, open your homepage, right-click a few images, select Inspect, and examine the alt attribute. If it is absent or merely a file name, mark it as a task for the upcoming week. NEXCOD specializes in creating fast and mobile-friendly websites for small businesses. For more information, visit their studio page at https://nexcod.vercel.app.
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