Images are indispensable in e-commerce: they showcase products, build trust, and influence purchasing decisions.
But without proper ALT texts, images remain invisible to many users — especially those with visual impairments. Search engines, as well, rely on ALT texts to understand and process image content.
What Are ALT Texts — and Why Do They Matter?
ALT texts (short for “alternative texts”) describe the content of an image. They appear when images fail to load or are read aloud by screen readers.
Well-crafted ALT texts offer major advantages:
- Improved accessibility: Your shop becomes usable for all types of users
- Better SEO: Search engines can better understand and index your content
- Legal compliance: In many countries, accessible websites are a legal requirement (EAA)
That means: ALT texts expand your reach, boost discoverability, and ensure legal peace of mind.
How to Optimize Your ALT Texts Efficiently
A quick and effective audit can be done in three steps:
1. Identify Relevant Images
ALT texts should be provided for all meaningful visual content—such as product images, banners, and logos.
If an image serves more than a purely decorative function, it needs an ALT text.
Purely decorative elements should use an empty alt="" attribute.
2. Review Existing ALT Texts
Ask yourself:
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Does the text accurately describe the image?
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Have you avoided keyword stuffing?
(In other words: are keywords unnaturally repeated just for SEO purposes?)
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Is the description concise (under 125 characters)?
Example: Instead of “Image1234,” use something like “Red women’s yoga top made from organic cotton.”
3. Avoid Common Mistakes
Skip ALT texts that are missing, overly repetitive, or vague — like “Image of” or similar filler phrases.
Key Factors for High-Quality ALT Texts
To write compelling ALT texts, follow these principles:
- Be clear and concise: Summarize the most important details in just a few words
- Add relevant specifics: Mention materials, colors, or standout features
- Consider the context: Tailor the text to the image’s purpose on the page
ALT Texts: A Better Shop Experience for Everyone
ALT texts are a crucial part of a successful, accessible online store.
They enhance the user experience, support SEO, and meet legal standards. With minimal effort, you can generate significant added value—for every visitor to your shop.
