Table of contents
Table of contents
When images learn to speak — and get found
Images are powerful sales drivers in e-commerce. They showcase products at their best, evoke emotions, and build trust.
But as crucial as they are for making a strong first impression, images often remain invisible—at least to search engines and screen readers.
What may be obvious to the human eye is still a mystery to algorithms. This is where ALT text comes in: a short yet precise description of an image that not only enhances accessibility, but also significantly boosts a site’s SEO potential.
Twice as Effective: SEO Meets Accessibility
A properly implemented ALT text works on two fronts. It makes visual content accessible to people with visual impairments via screen readers, and it provides search engines with the information needed to correctly index images.
A website without ALT texts is like a real shop window with the lights turned off: the products are there, but no one can see them.
Online stores that use optimized ALT texts consistently gain more organic traffic from image searches than comparable pages with generic or missing descriptions.
It’s a small line of text — with a big impact.
ALT text in practice: Clear, Concise, Context-Aware
What makes a good ALT text? A few key principles:
Good ALT texts...
✔ Clearly describe what is shown in the image
Example: “Black leather ankle boots with block heel”
✔ Keep it short
No lengthy sentences or unnecessary details
✔ Avoid keyword stuffing
Include relevant terms, but integrate them naturally
✔ Consider the context
A studio product shot requires a different description than a lifestyle image
The challenge with ALT texts: When time constraints get in the way
In day-to-day editorial work, writing ALT texts often becomes an afterthought at the end of the workflow.
With large product catalogs, the enthusiasm quickly fades: hundreds of images that need manual descriptions — a time-consuming process often squeezed by deadlines.
The consequences:
- Missing or incomplete ALT texts
- Inconsistent quality
- Missed SEO opportunities
Accessibility as a business factor
Beyond SEO benefits, complying with accessibility standards such as the WCAG guidelines is another major consideration.
After all, every visit lost due to poor accessibility is a missed revenue opportunity.
Accessible websites are:
- Usable by a wider audience
- Better protected legally
- Perceived as more trustworthy
Conclusion: Quality, visibility, and inclusion in one
ALT texts are not a minor detail—they’re a mark of quality.
For search engines, for users, for brands.
Neglecting ALT texts means giving up visibility, reach, and usability.
Through smart automation, effort and quality can go hand in hand.
This once underestimated element becomes a powerful link between technology, content, and user experience.