Regardless of how it may appear, the internet is still primarily a text-based information network. Search Houston_Web_Designengine crawlers locate and categorize sites based upon written rather than visual parameters; until very recently, there was no accessible way to make image-based search queries. Many opportunities were missed to improve page rankings by overlooking the importance of correct alt text usage. Houston web design experts use this technique to cater both to indexing robots and overlooked user demographics.

Description

The alt text of an image is a written description that is meant to serve the same function as the image itself should the image not be displayable for some reason. The alt text has been mistaken for a caption, which is the opposite of its function. It is also inadvisable to fill the alt text with keywords in an attempt to attract indexing robots. Unfortunately, that will only alienate users and possibly trigger search engine spam filters and penalize the website’s page ranking.

Appropriate Usage

Depending on the function of the image and the context in which it is used on a page, different alt texts may be appropriate. Houston web design firms specialize in providing the most beneficial choices of words in all instances. For pictures that are meant to illustrate a point, convey information, or display data, the meaning should be transliterated into the alt text. If the picture depicts a man on a surfboard, with little other context, the correct text would be “man on surfboard.” If the brand or color of the surfboard is relevant to the topic and related information, it should be suitably mentioned.

Purely decorative visual elements, such as borders and spacers, do not need any descriptions and can be eliminated from search results by using an empty tag (alt=””). Button graphic descriptions should emphasize the action performed by the button instead of something generic like “button_01.gif.” By including the file extension in the label, search engines can differentiate between photographs (.jpg) and graphics (.gif).

Browser Settings

While it could be assumed that most 21st century internet users are not using element-restrictive browser settings due to broadband connections, this does exclude some important demographics. For example, the internet access of many people, including travelers, are restricted to USB-modems that are often subjected to poor connectivity, signal interference and low download limits.

There is also a minority of users who are blind or severely sight-impaired who benefit greatly from text-mode accessibility. Additionally, screen readers used by the blind are also used by those who simply prefer to keep their eyes on something other than text while browsing.

The original intention for alt text was to provide image descriptions for viewers using element-restricting browsers, which is still true today and has blended into the area of SEO. To satisfy indexing robots and user demographics employing screen readers, Houston web design firms incorporate appropriate descriptions for all images, separating graphics from photographs and layout elements from pictures that convey meaning. The result is a more pleasurable browsing experience and a website with a higher page ranking!

Call Web Unlimited When Searching for an Expert Houston Web Design Firm!

Are you in need of a Houston web design firm to help with images on your website? Web Unlimited at (888) 516-0172 are experts who can help create images using the proper alt text!