Images Do Not Have Alternate Text: Why Alt Text Matters and How to Write It Correctly

What makes this issue especially dangerous is the misconception that alt text exists only for SEO. Poorly written alt text can actually harm accessibility more than having no alt text at all.

What Alt Text Is

Alt text, or alternative text, is a textual replacement for an image. It is used when:

• A screen reader describes the image to a user
• An image fails to load
• Search engines analyze image content

Alt text answers a simple question: What information does this image convey?

Why Missing Alt Text Is Still So Common

The problem is rarely a lack of awareness. It is usually a misunderstanding of how alt text should be used.

• Alt attributes are forgotten during content uploads
• Alt text is treated as a keyword field for SEO
• No distinction is made between decorative and informative images
• CMS workflows prioritize speed over content quality

As a result, many sites either omit alt text entirely or use it incorrectly.

Different Types of Images Require Different Alt Text

Informative Images

These images convey meaningful information, such as product photos, diagrams, or illustrations.

<img src="shoes.jpg" alt="Black men's running shoes">

The alt text should describe the information the image provides.

Decorative Images

Decorative images add visual style but do not contribute to content meaning.

<img src="background-shape.png" alt="">

An empty alt attribute tells screen readers to ignore the image.

Functional Images and Icons

If an image acts as a control or trigger, the alt text must describe the action.

<img src="search-icon.svg" alt="Search">

When Alt Text Becomes SEO Spam

Alt text becomes harmful when it is abused.

• Keyword stuffing unrelated to the image
• Repeating the page title for every image
• Overly long and verbose descriptions

Screen readers will read the entire alt text, making poor descriptions exhausting for users.

Incorrect Alt Text Example

<img src="shoes.jpg" alt="men shoes running shoes cheap shoes buy shoes online">

This alt text serves search engines, not users.

Principles for Writing Good Alt Text

• Describe the information the image conveys
• Keep it concise and relevant
• Avoid keyword stuffing
• Use empty alt text for decorative images
• Do not repeat nearby text unnecessarily

Impact of Proper Alt Text on Accessibility and UX

Well-written alt text provides real benefits:

• Clear and meaningful screen reader output
• Better understanding for users who cannot see images
• More complete and accessible content
• Fewer accessibility audit violations

Mistakes to Avoid

• Leaving alt text empty for informative images
• Writing alt text as marketing copy
• Using the same alt text for multiple images
• Assuming alt text exists only for SEO

Conclusion

The Images do not have alternate text error may seem simple, but it reflects a deeper understanding of accessibility. Alt text is not a dumping ground for keywords, nor does it need to be verbose. When written with users in mind, alt text significantly improves accessibility, usability, and the overall quality of a website.