Book Your Free Consultation
← Back to All Blog Posts

ALT Text Isn’t Just for Accessibility, It’s a Smart SEO Move (on Your Website and Socials)

Think alt text is just for websites? Think again. Learn how writing better alt text on social media and your site boosts accessibility, engagement, and SEO.
What is alt text and how do i add it to my website and socials blog marketing mavens

Share On:

Skip to TLDR ↓

Quick Answer: Alt text is a short (100–150 characters) written description of an image that helps both screen readers and search engines understand what the image shows.

Describe the essential content or purpose, include visible text when relevant, and avoid keyword stuffing.

What Is ALT Text?

ALT (short for “alternative”) text is the brief written description you add to an image.

Originally created so screen readers can describe visuals to people with visual impairments, it’s also a quiet powerhouse for SEO.

And while most people still think of alt text as a website thing, it’s just as important on social media.

Why Does ALT Text Help SEO and Accessibility?

Accessibility

Adding alt text makes your content more inclusive. People using screen readers rely on these descriptions to engage with your images. Leaving it blank is like locking part of your audience out.

SEO Power

Search engines can’t “see” images; they read the alt text to understand what the image is about. Good alt text helps your content show up in Google Image Search and strengthens the keywords on the page

Visibility + Engagement

Platforms like Meta are investing heavily in accessibility and often favour content that follows best practices. Well-written alt text can help your posts reach more people organically.
Cogs Border

How Long Should ALT Text Be?

Aim for 100–150 characters, up to about 200 if needed.

That’s long enough to capture the image’s purpose but short enough for screen readers to deliver it quickly.

Should You Include Keywords in ALT Text?

Yes, if they fit naturally.

Describe the image first and add a relevant keyword only when it flows without sounding forced. Avoid keyword stuffing.

How to Write Strong ALT Text (for Web + Social)

Checklist for great alt text:

  • Describe the key content or purpose of the image.
  • Be concise but clear, skip fluff.
  • Include visible text (like quotes or calls-to-action) when it adds context.
  • Skip “image of…”, as screen readers already announce it’s an image.
  • Use audience language. If you’re talking to mompreneurs, use words they would search.

Examples:

  • “A woman”
  • “Mompreneur smiling at her laptop with her website open to a homepage draft.”
  • “A quote”
  • “Quote text: ‘Done is better than perfect’ in pink script on a white background.”

How Do You Add ALT Text on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and Pinterest?

Most major platforms let you add custom alt text, don’t rely on their auto-generated versions:
  • Instagram: Tap Advanced Settings when creating a post.
  • Facebook: Click Edit Alt Text after uploading an image.
  • LinkedIn: After adding an image, click the Alt Text option.
  • X (Twitter): Add alt text when selecting your image.
  • Pinterest: Your image description often doubles as alt text.
A quick, thoughtful sentence is all it takes.

Adding ALT Text on Your Website

If you’re already optimizing your site for SEO and performance (or working with someone like me to do that), alt text should be part of the process. It:
  • What you do
  • Who you help
  • How to work with you?
Pro Tip: Review your site’s media library once a quarter and add or improve alt text where it’s missing.

Does AI-Generated ALT Text Replace Manual Writing?

No. Auto-generated alt text is a useful starting point but often misses context or nuance. Always review and edit for accuracy.

Final Thought: A Tiny Tweak with Big Payoff

Alt text is one of those small details that delivers outsized results:
  • Accessibility: Opens your content to everyone.
  • Search Visibility: Gives search engines the context they need.
  • Long-term SEO: Strengthens your site’s relevance long after an algorithm update.
And best of all? Writing it takes just a few seconds.

Want your website and content working smarter, not harder?

Grab my Free Website SEO Health Checklist →

FAQs

How long should alt text be?

100–150 characters is ideal (up to ~200 if needed) so screen readers can read it quickly while keeping enough context for search.

Should alt text include keywords?

Yes, when it fits naturally. Describe the image first; include a relevant term only if it adds clarity. Avoid keyword stuffing.

Do decorative images need alt text?

Purely decorative images can use empty alt (alt=””) so screen readers skip them, improving accessibility.

Is auto-generated alt text good enough?

It’s a starting point, but it often misses context. Always review and edit for accuracy and purpose.

Does alt text help Instagram or Facebook reach?

It supports accessibility and helps platforms understand your image. While not a direct “boost button,” it supports discoverability and overall content quality.

TLDR: Why ALT Text Matters

  • Accessibility + Visibility: Helps users with visual impairments and gives search engines context for your images.
  • Use It Everywhere: Websites, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, don’t skip it.
  • Good ALT Text Is Clear & Concise: 100–150 characters focused on the image’s purpose.
  • Boosts SEO: Optimized descriptions help your content show up in image searches and strengthen keyword relevance.
  • Quick Win: A tiny habit that pays off big, especially as part of your larger website and content strategy.

Featured Articles

Subscribe to The Visibility Fix

Get bite-sized tips to boost your website, simplify your tech, and grow your visibility, sent straight to your inbox.

As a THANK YOU for signing up, I will send you my Website SEO Health Check List