Knowledge
Alt text for images and SEO in WordPress
Good alt text helps search engines and screen readers understand what's in an image. It's one of the simplest ways to improve both your image SEO and accessibility.
In short
- Alt text describes the content of an image in words
- It counts for both SEO and accessibility
- Spark keeps your files light, the alt text remains your content
Why alt text matters
Search engines can't see an image, they read the alt text. That text partly determines whether your image appears in Google Images and provides context for the page around it. For visitors using a screen reader, the alt text is the only way to know what's there.
How to write useful alt text
Describe what you see, briefly and concretely, and naturally incorporate your search term where it fits. Avoid listing isolated words and leave decorative images without meaning empty so screen readers skip them.
- Describe the content, not the file ("red racing bike against a wall")
- Brief and concrete, usually under 125 characters
- No keyword stuffing; write for a human
- Decorative image: intentionally leave the alt text empty
Good to know: Spark Media Optimizer handles the weight and format of your files. The alt text remains your editorial choice, because only you know what the image should communicate in that spot.
Keep your files lightweight, then you can focus on the text.
Frequently asked questions
Spark focuses on the technical side: compression and modern formats. You write the alt text yourself or through your own workflow, because context and intent differ per page.
A descriptive filename helps, but alt text carries more weight for both SEO and accessibility. Use both whenever you can.
The caption is visible below the image for all visitors; the alt text is the text replacement for search engines and screen readers and is not visible on the page.