Understanding Alt Text and Its Role in Accessibility
Alt Text, or alternative text, serves as a textual replacement for images, charts, and other visual content. It is a crucial component of web accessibility, ensuring that users who rely on assistive technologies can understand the meaning of visual elements on a webpage.
Effective Alt Text does more than describe an image—it conveys the image’s purpose in context. For example, an image of a button labeled "Sign Up" should have Alt Text that communicates its function rather than just describing its appearance.
Alt Text plays a dual role, benefiting both accessibility and search engine optimization (SEO). When implemented correctly, it allows search engines to better understand a website’s content while improving user engagement for all visitors, not just those with disabilities.
Key Steps for Optimizing Alt Text
Conduct Regular Website Audits
A thorough review of all non-text elements is essential for maintaining accessibility compliance. Identify images, infographics, and multimedia content that lack Alt Text or contain vague, unhelpful descriptions. Keeping an updated list of these elements ensures that no crucial content is overlooked.
Writing Effective Alt Text
Alt Text should be concise yet descriptive, focusing on what is most important for the user. Avoid redundant phrases like "image of" or "graphic of," as screen readers already announce the presence of an image. Instead, describe the content in a way that enhances understanding, such as "A bar chart illustrating sales growth over five years."
Implementing Alt Text Correctly
Whether using a content management system (CMS) or directly editing HTML, Alt Text must be properly formatted to function correctly. Decorative images that do not contribute to the content should have empty Alt attributes (alt="") to prevent screen readers from reading unnecessary information aloud.
Testing for Accessibility
After implementing Alt Text, websites should be tested with screen readers and automated accessibility evaluation tools to verify that descriptions are being read correctly. User testing with individuals who rely on assistive technology can also provide valuable insights into areas for improvement.
Professional Solutions for Alt Text Implementation
Ensuring that all visual elements on a website meet accessibility standards can be challenging, especially for businesses with large-scale digital content. Partnering with a web
accessibility provider like EqualWeb simplifies this process by offering:
• Comprehensive Alt Text audits to identify missing or inadequate descriptions.
• Expert-written Alt Text that enhances accessibility and maintains compliance with
WCAG guidelines.
• Ongoing monitoring to ensure accessibility standards are continuously met.
Make Your Website Fully Accessible
Alt Text optimization is a critical aspect of web accessibility that benefits both users and businesses. Ensuring proper implementation not only creates an inclusive digital experience but also helps companies avoid legal risks associated with non-compliance.
For expert guidance on accessibility best practices,
contact EqualWeb today for a free consultation.
