Alternate Text Definition:
The alt attribute is used in HTML and XHTML documents to specify alternative text (alt text) that is to be rendered when the element to which it is applied cannot be rendered. It is also used by "screen reader" software so that a person who is listening to the content of a webpage (for instance, a person who is blind) can interact with this element. Wikipedia
Today I'd like to talk to you about adding images to your blog posts. It is worthwhile to include images inside your posts. When you do this, you need to perform what is called "alt-tag SEO" - what you should do is use a keyword in each alternate text description. But you should not use the same exact keyword phrase in multiple alt-tag explanations if you have more than one image in your post. This would hurt your seo, and your ranking.
It is also important to utilize applicable images that is, in choosing an image, make sure it is relevant to your post e.g. if you are talking about coffee pots, have an image of a coffee pot not a jar of coffee etc.
You must understand that search engines cannot really understand the significance of a picture - without some kind of meta-data. Now, there are 3 points that you should focus on in your SEO efforts:
1) The particular file name
2) Title of the graphic
3) Alternate text for the image
File name:
Once you've selected an image to use within your post, you need to name the file to suit your keyword, which you're going after. What I mean by this is if you are writing a post about coffee pots then your image file should be coffee_pots.jpg or whatever file type you are using i.e. png, gif, jpg and soon. The next step will be to add it to your blog post. (Presumably, you'll save the image to your hard drive and give it an appropriate name - the keyword)
Image title:
Okay, now you also want to give the image a title to match the same exact keyword (as you would with the file name). Remember that you will only use this particular keyword phrase in your blog post) Remember if you use additional images on this post, make sure that you give each a brand new keyword phrase.
Alternate Text:
Lastly you need to enter the alternate text or 'Alt Text' as it is more commonly referred to and you're set. Make sure it is keyword related.
Now Yahoo and the other search engines will be able to comprehend exactly what the image is about (This is beneficial because it demonstrates that your blog post is more relevant to a certain matter).
This should in fact HELP you in the rankings. Please remember, your image might also show up in the Google Pictures search.
One last note: when you MOUSE over the image in your blog post, the Title Text will display - thus make your image title a great one!
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