Image alt text is the short description you add to an image’s HTML alt attribute, and it matters because it supports accessibility, improves the experience when images do not load, and helps search engines understand what your images show.
In plain terms, alt text is what a screen reader announces for someone who cannot see the image, and it is also the fallback text that can appear if the file breaks or a browser blocks images. For local businesses in Orlando and across Florida, that can be the difference between a visitor quickly understanding your services (and booking) or bouncing because the page feels confusing or incomplete.
Alt text works best when it describes the meaning of the image in the context of the page. A team headshot might be “Orlando dental team at the front desk,” while a service photo could be “Pest control technician sealing an exterior entry point.” If the image is functional, like an icon button or linked image, describe the action, like “Schedule an appointment” or “Call our office.” Decorative images that do not add information should use an empty alt attribute (alt="") so assistive tech can skip them.
- Write what you would say if you could not show the image, usually one sentence or less.
- Skip “image of” or file names, go straight to what it is and why it matters on that page.
- Do not stuff keywords; natural descriptions are clearer for people and safer for SEO.
- For charts, infographics, and complex visuals, use brief alt text plus a short explanation in nearby page text so the detail is available to everyone.
If you want alt text handled the right way sitewide (including templates, galleries, and service pages), this is part of what we build into our web design work so your content stays readable and usable on every device.
Alt text also ties directly into accessibility expectations (and the risk that comes with ignoring them), so it pairs well with the checks we outline in our website accessibility FAQ.
One last practical note: alt text does not replace image compression, sizing, or lazy loading, so if your pages feel slow after adding lots of photos, review our guide on how images affect website speed and fix performance alongside accessibility.
