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Many beginners hear the term alt attribute and feel unsure. Some think it is a technical code. Some think it is different from alt text. The truth is simple. The alt attribute is the place where your alt text lives. It tells Google what your image shows. It also helps your readers understand the content.
This guide explains what it is and how to use it to improve your blog SEO.
Table of Contents
What Is the Alt Attribute
The alt attribute is part of the image code and contains your alt text. It tells search engines and screen readers what the image means. Without it Google has no way to understand your image.
If the image fails to load, the it shows your text in its place. It works like a small backup description that helps both your readers and your SEO.
Alt Attribute vs Alt Text
Many beginners mix these two terms. The alternative text field is the container. The alt text is the line inside it.
Think about a bottle with a label. The label is the alt attribute. The words on the label are the alt text. Both work together to describe what is inside.
When you write alt text in WordPress, you are simply filling the alt attribute.
A comparison table
| Topic | Alt Attribute | Alt Text |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A part of the image HTML code that stores the description | The actual written description of the image |
| Main role | Acts as the container for the description | Explains the image in clear and simple words |
| Purpose | Connects the description to the image in code | Helps Google and readers understand the image |
| How WordPress works with it | WordPress creates the alt attribute automatically | You write the alt text in the alt field |
| Who uses it | Search engines and assistive tools rely on it to find the alt text | Readers, Google, and screen readers read the text |
| SEO value | Signals that the image has descriptive text | Gives the actual context that improves ranking |
| Image search impact | Allows Google to index the description | Helps images appear in Google Images |
| Accessibility impact | Makes the description available for screen readers | Helps readers with vision issues follow the content |
| When the image does not load | Shows the stored text from the alt attribute | The text appears in place of the missing image |
| Connection to page SEO | Supports structure and technical SEO signals | Supports clarity and user experience |
| How it affects Google understanding | Shows Google that the image has meaning | Describes what the image means for the page topic |
| Common beginner confusion | Many think this is something they must code manually | Many think this is optional or not important |
| Example | alt=”Hostinger dashboard for new blog” | Hostinger dashboard for new blog |
| If missing or empty | Google cannot retrieve a description | The image remains unclear or meaningless |
| Keyword use | Should not contain forced keywords | Keywords can be added only if natural and relevant |
| When to leave it empty | Only for decorative or design images | Same rule applies since the text would be skipped |
| Editing difficulty | Not edited directly by beginners because WordPress handles it | Very easy to edit any time through the alt text box |
| Mistakes beginners make | Thinking it is optional or technical code they should ignore | Writing unrelated keywords instead of a description |
| Main benefit for new bloggers | Helps search engines understand image structure | Gives easy SEO wins without technical skills |
| Best practice | Always present for meaningful images | Always write a short and clear description |
| Reader impact | Supports screen readers by holding the text | Helps readers understand visual content better |
| File display behavior | Displays text if the image file cannot load | The text shown to users comes from your alt text |
| Final takeaway | The structure that stores your description | The message that tells what the image shows |
Why This Attribute Is Important for SEO
Google cannot see your image the way you do. It needs clear text to understand your topic. It gives Google this helpful context. When your alt attribute is clear, your page sends strong ranking signals.
A good descriptive attribute can also help your images appear in Google Images. This brings extra traffic to your blog.
This is a simple part of on-page SEO. It shows Google that your content is helpful and easy to follow.
Why Image Description Attribute Helps Readers
Some readers use screen readers. These tools read the alt attribute aloud to understand what the image contains. Without the alternative text, they miss important parts of your content.
Some visitors have slow internet. Images may not load. The image description provides text for the space. This makes your blog friendly and easy to read.
Simple Examples of Alternative Text Field
Here are examples that match common beginner blog posts.
- Simple keyword research example for new bloggers.
- Hostinger control panel for a WordPress setup
- Blog post layout for affiliate marketing beginners
- Systeme.io email automation setup for beginners
- Income report chart for my first affiliate sale.
These lines help Google understand the image and help your readers follow each step.
Good and Bad Alt Attribute Examples
Here is a quick look at what works and what does not.
- Bad: keyword research, SEO tool, beginner
- Good: Keyword research example inside Google Keyword Planner.
- Bad: blog setup, hosting, Hostinger beginner hosting
- Good: Hostinger control panel for a new WordPress blog
- Bad: income chart
- Good: Income report chart for the first affiliate sale
Good alternative text field describe the image. Bad ones push random keywords or give no real meaning.
7 Simple Alt Attribute Tips for Beginners
Tip 1. Describe the image in detail.
Write a short line that explains what the image shows. Keep it natural and easy to understand.
Tip 2. Keep it short.
One simple sentence is enough. Long lines confuse both Google and readers.
Tip 3. Add a keyword only when it fits.
Use your keyword when the image matches the topic. Never force it.
Tip 4. Avoid keyword stuffing.
Do not fill the image description with random SEO words. This does not help your ranking.
Tip 5. Add image context to helpful images. Screenshots, tools, charts, and tutorial images need clear alt text.
Tip 6. Leave decorative images empty. Shapes, icons, or design elements don’t need alt attributes. They only distract screen readers.
Tip 7. Use real screenshots when possible.
Real screenshots help Google understand your experience. They also help your readers trust your content.
How to Add Alt Attribute to Images in WordPress
Adding an alt attribute in WordPress is simple.
- Upload your image.
- Click the image.
- Look at the right sidebar.
- Find the alt text box.
- Write one clear line that describes the image.
- Save or update your post.
WordPress automatically inserts your line into the alternative text. You do not need any code.
When You Should Leave It Empty
Some images are only for decoration. They do not add meaning. These include shapes, banners, icons, and dividers. Leave the alt attribute empty for these images.
This keeps screen readers focused on what matters and keeps your page clean.
How the Alt Attribute Builds Trust and Experience
Real screenshots from your own tools can help you build trust. When you add clear alt attributes to these images, you show your real workflow.
- My Hostinger dashboard for The Passive Circle blog
- Systeme.io funnel setup for my first campaign
These lines show that your images come from real use. They also help readers to trust your posts more.
Quick Checklist for Alt Attributes
Use this checklist before you publish your post.
- Did I add alt attributes to the helpful images?
- Does each line provide a clear description of the image?
- Is each line short and simple?
- Did I avoid keyword stuffing?
- Did I leave decorative images empty?
If yes, your alt attributes are ready for SEO.
FAQs for Alt Attribute
1. What is an alt attribute in an image
The alt attribute is a small part of the image code where your alt text sits. It tells Google and screen readers what the image contains. Without it, your image has no meaning to search engines. It is one of the most straightforward SEO steps you can take as a beginner.
2. Is the alt attribute the same as alt text
They work together, but they are not the same. The alt attribute is the container for the code. The alt text is the line you write inside it. When you type alt text in WordPress, it automatically fills the alternative text field for you.
3. Why is the alt attribute important for SEO
Google cannot read images the way humans do. It uses the alternative text field to understand the image and your topic. A clear image meaning strengthens your page signals and helps your content rank better on search engines.
4. Does the alt attribute help Google rank images
Yes. Google Images depends heavily on image description. When the description matches the image well, Google can place it in the correct category and show it for related searches.
5. How do I add it in WordPress?
Upload an image, click on it, and find the alt text box on the right side of the editor. Write a simple, clear description. WordPress automatically injects that line into the alt attribute. No coding needed.
6. How long should an alt attribute be?
A short sentence works best. Long paragraphs confuse Google and readers. Aim for five to twelve clear words that describe the main idea of the image.
7. Should I put keywords in the alt attribute?
Only when the keyword matches the image naturally, for example, if the photo shows keyword research, then using the keyword is fine. But never force a keyword that does not belong.
8. How do I check if an image has an alt text?
In WordPress, click the image and look at the alt text box. On a live site, right-click the image, choose Inspect, and look for alt in the code. Whatever appears inside the quotes is your alt text.
9. Can I leave the alt attribute empty?
Yes. Some images are only for decoration. They do not carry meaning. Empty alt attributes tell screen readers to skip them, so your blog becomes easier to navigate.
10. What happens if an image has no alt attribute?
Google sees it as an image with no context. Users with screen readers cannot understand the picture. It weakens accessibility and may reduce your SEO clarity.
11. What is an example of a good alt attribute?
Alt attribute: Hostinger control panel for a new WordPress blog.
This is good because it is clear, concise, and accurately describes the image.
12. What is an example of a bad alt attribute?
Bad: hosting, WordPress, SEO, best hosting, Hostinger.
This isn’t good because it reads like keyword stuffing and doesn’t describe the image.
13. Should every image on my blog have an alt attribute?
No. Only helpful images, such as screenshots, tutorials, product images, and charts, need alt attributes. Decorative photos, such as borders or icons, can remain empty.
14. Do emojis or symbols belong in the alt attribute?
No. They confuse screen readers and do not help Google. Use clear words that describe the image without extra symbols.
15. Does this attribute affect accessibility?
Yes. People with vision disabilities rely on screen readers to understand images. The alternative text field provides the information they need to understand your content.
16. Can AI tools write alt attributes?
Yes. Tools like ChatGPT, AltText.ai, and Canva AI can suggest alternative text field. But it is always better to check them manually to make sure the line matches your image.
17. What are some tools that generate image description attribute?
AltText.ai
ImageAltText.io
Canva AI
ChatGPT
These tools are helpful when you have many images, but you should still review the final alt text.
18. Should the alt attribute describe text inside the image
Yes, if the text is essential. For example, if the image shows a chart with numbers or a graphic with a heading, include that information in the alt attribute.
19. Can the HTML alt field improve my on-page SEO score
Yes. Many SEO tools check HTML alt field as part of their on-page checklist. Clear alt attributes improve your content structure and your SEO score.
20. Should I include brand names in the alt attribute?
Suppose the brand appears in the image or is part of the topic, yes. For example, the Hostinger dashboard or the Systeme.io funnel builder. This adds clarity and trust.
21. How many times should I use my keyword in image label text?
Use it naturally. If the image matches your keyword topic, use it once. If the image has nothing to do with your keyword, leave it out. Avoid repeating the keyword across many photos.
22. Does Google ignore empty alt attributes?
Yes. Google sees empty descriptive images as non-important images. This is good for decorative elements because it keeps your SEO signals clean.
23. Can the alternative text field help with my blog’s ranking?
Yes. A clear alt attribute improves SEO, makes your page more helpful, and increases user engagement. All of these support a better ranking.
24. Where can I learn to write better image label text?
Practice is the best teacher. Use real screenshots from your tools, describe them, and follow the tips in your blog. You can also learn from Google Images by checking how ranking images use their alt text.
25. Do I need to update old posts and add image description field?
Yes. Updating old posts with clear alt attributes helps search engines better understand your content. It also improves user experience and strengthens your overall SEO health.
Final Note for You
The alt attribute is simple to use. One clear line can make a big difference for your SEO. Writing image label text helps Google better understand your blog. It also makes it easier for readers.
You can now explore the next part of image SEO. The following guide shows you how to optimise images and speed up your blog.
You have now learned the full image SEO path.
These three work together to help your blog grow.
