Importance of the alt attribute
Date: 16/10/2006
Much discussion comes of the importance of alt attributes when used on images, and their effect on search engine optimization.
An alt attribute is alternate text which displays should the image is belongs to not be available. Initially alt attributes were created for text based browsers such as lynx, which does not support visual media such as images. The alt text is intended to describe what the image is of, and should be used only for that.
Search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN include the alt attribute text as body text. In theory therefore visitors could find your page through search engines by searching for what you place in your alt attributes, though it is generally believed that very little weight is actually given to this text. Nevertheless alt attribtues are mandatory should a site wish to comply to W3 standards, and aids the accessibility of your website.
For more information on how we can help improve your accessibility, or search engine optimisation of your website feel free to call us on 0870 99 05 188 or drop us an email.
