How to fix images missing alt text

Alt text (alternative text) is a brief description of an image within the HTML code. Missing alt text prevents search engines and screen readers from understanding image content.

What is wrong

This issue occurs when an tag lacks an 'alt' attribute or the attribute is empty. While decorative images (like icons or dividers) should have empty alt tags, meaningful content images must describe what is being shown.

You will notice this when inspecting your site's code and seeing tags without alt='' or when accessibility audits flag your images as non-compliant.

Why it matters

Search engines cannot 'see' images; they rely on alt text to understand context for Image Search rankings. Without it, you miss out on a significant source of organic traffic.

Alt text is vital for accessibility. Users with visual impairments rely on screen readers to announce the alt text. Furthermore, AEO and multimodal AI models use this text to help associate visual data with textual answers.

How to fix it

1. Audit your image library

Identify all non-decorative images that are missing alt text. Focus first on images within high-traffic blog posts and product pages.

2. Write descriptive, concise text

Describe the image content clearly. Avoid 'image of...' and instead use specific details (e.g., 'Blue ceramic coffee mug on a wooden table').

3. Include natural keywords

If relevant, include your target keyword in the alt text, but avoid keyword stuffing. The priority is always accurate description.

Platform notes

In WordPress, you can add alt text directly in the Media Library or within the Block Editor by clicking the image and filling in the 'Alternative Text' field in the settings sidebar.