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Adding effective alt text to your images is a simple yet powerful SEO technique that enhances accessibility and search engine visibility.
Compiled by GoogleSites.Dev
Using alt text on your Google Sites images can help improve your site’s visibility in image search results, making it easier for users and search engines to understand the content on your pages.
Last updated: 2nd November 2024
Introduction
Alt text (alternative text) is a short description you add to an image to help search engines understand what the image represents. It’s also an important part of accessibility, helping visually impaired users know what’s on your page. In Google Sites, adding thoughtful alt text to your images can boost your SEO, making your website more visible on Google and other search engines. Let’s dive into how to use alt text effectively on your Google Site.
What is Alt Text, and Why Does it Matter for SEO?
Alt text is a brief written description of an image that appears in the HTML of your site. Search engines, like Google, use this text to understand what’s shown in images, which is why it plays a key role in SEO. Besides improving your search rankings, alt text also supports accessibility tools, helping those who use screen readers to understand the images on your page.
Adding alt text on Google Sites ensures your website meets accessibility standards while contributing to its SEO performance—an easy way to reach a broader audience.
How to Add Alt Text in New Google Sites
Follow these step by step instructions to add alt text to your images in Google Sites
Step 1: Upload Your Image
Begin by adding the image you want to use on your Google Sites page. You can upload it directly from your device or from Google Drive.
Step 2: Select the Image
Click on the image you just uploaded. This will bring up the settings toolbar.
Step 3: Open Image Settings
On the toolbar, click the "Alt text" option. This option allows you to add or edit the alternative text.
Step 4: Enter Descriptive Alt Text
Type a clear, descriptive sentence for the image. Be concise, and focus on what the image represents. Keep in mind that alt text should be about the content of the image, not how it looks visually.
Step 5: Save the Changes
Once you've added the alt text, click out of the settings to save.
Useful tip: Adding alt rext to images in Google Sites can enhance your SEO. Use plain descriptions to describe the image and avoid stuffing with keywords.
Click the image toolbar to add Alt text to images in Google Sites
Adding alt text to images in Google Sites to boost SEO
Writing Effective Alt Text for SEO
Tips for Creating Descriptive Alt Text
Be specific and relevant: Describe what the image shows as clearly as possible. Include details that are relevant to the topic of the page.
Use keywords naturally: If the image is directly related to your page’s topic, try to include one or two relevant keywords, but avoid keyword stuffing.
Keep it short and simple: Alt text should typically be under 125 characters. Search engines and screen readers prefer concise descriptions.
Useful tip: Example of good alt text:
“Smiling baker holding a tray of freshly baked cookies at a bakery.”
Useful tip: Example of poor alt text:
“Image of a man.”
Benefits of Using Alt Text in Google Sites
Adding alt text improves your Google Sites SEO in several ways:
Increased search visibility: Google indexes images based on their alt text, which can increase your chances of appearing in image search results.
Enhanced accessibility: Alt text allows screen readers to describe images to visually impaired users, making your site more inclusive.
Better user experience: Even if images fail to load due to technical issues, alt text can still describe what the image would have shown.
Alt text is a straightforward yet powerful tool, enabling search engines and users to access and understand your content better. When done right, it enhances your website’s reach and contributes to a positive browsing experience.
Alt Text Do’s and Don’ts
Alt Text Best Practices
Do use clear descriptions: Be concise and specific.
Do add context when relevant: If the image supports a particular point, mention it.
Don’t use “Image of…”: Avoid unnecessary words like “image of” or “photo of.”
Don’t stuff keywords: Only add keywords when they make sense in the description.
Conclusion
Adding alt text to images in Google Sites is a quick step that pays off in multiple ways. It makes your website more accessible, boosts your SEO, and provides context to users when images don’t load. By following best practices, you can make the most of this feature and help your site reach a broader audience.
Alt text is a small detail that can have a big impact on your site’s performance and user experience. Start using it thoughtfully on your Google Sites pages to make your website more inclusive and SEO-friendly.
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