How to fix
How to fix missing image alt text
Missing alternative text appears on more than half of all home pages. It is also one of the easiest issues to fix well, once you know the rules.
What alt text is for
WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content requires a text alternative for images that convey information, so screen-reader users get the same meaning. Good alt text describes the purpose of the image in context, not every visual detail.
How to write good alt text
- Be concise and specific: "Red leather handbag with gold clasp", not "image" or "IMG_2043".
- Convey function, not appearance, when the image is a link or button: describe where it goes ("View cart").
- Use empty alt (
alt="") for purely decorative images so screen readers skip them, but never omit the attribute entirely. - Don't start with "image of": screen readers already announce it's an image.
- Include text that appears in the image (e.g. text on a banner) in the alt.
How to fix it across your site
Run the free scan above to list every image missing a text alternative, with the element shown. Then add descriptions in your CMS, most platforms (WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, Squarespace) have an alt-text field in the media or image editor. For decorative images, set an empty alt rather than leaving it blank.
Frequently asked questions
What is alt text in accessibility?
Alt text is a written description of an image, read aloud by screen readers and shown when an image fails to load. It satisfies WCAG 1.1.1.
When should alt text be empty?
When an image is purely decorative and adds no information. Use alt="" so assistive tech skips it, but always keep the attribute present.
How long should alt text be?
Usually a short phrase or sentence. Describe the purpose in context; if an image needs a long description, provide it in nearby text and keep the alt brief.
Should alt text include keywords for SEO?
Write it for users first. Accurate, descriptive alt text helps both screen-reader users and search engines, keyword-stuffing helps neither.
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