Shoud I use Alt tags?

**colochris** · 05-12-2006, 12:47 AM

So I am using a webceo program and it tells me to add alt tags to my pictures. Should I do this?

Like do I put my keywords in to describe my pictures?

**ADAM Web Design** · 05-12-2006, 01:02 AM

The point of an alt tag is to use words to describe pictures for people who can't see them properly (or at all). Keep in mind that the primary intent of the alt tag is not SEO, but accessibility.

It's even a required attribute for validation.

As long as it doesn't interfere with accessibility, then I say go for it. Meaningless pictures can use them, as long as you keep the standard rules in place (don't stuff, etc.) Just don't go overboard.

**colochris** · 05-12-2006, 01:43 AM

Thanks for your help. I will add to your Talkupation

I know what you mean by not too many words. I have moused over pictures with like 20 of the same word before

**chrishirst** · 05-12-2006, 03:20 AM

<pedantic>

alt attributes

</pedantic>

**ADAM Web Design** · 05-12-2006, 08:43 PM

You say toMAYto, I say poTAHto. -- Da Ali G

**colochris** · 05-13-2006, 12:53 AM

POTATOE

**chrishirst** · 05-13-2006, 03:42 AM

Aah but;

ToMARtoes and poTAYtoes do exist, alt "tags" don't

**sck4784** · 05-13-2006, 04:42 AM

Hi tell me how image can be crawled by search engine.

**chrishirst** · 05-13-2006, 06:01 AM

SE read source HTML code so can get the <img src="whatever" alt="some text for the alt attribute">

if this does not answer your question please explain what you mean

**sck4784** · 05-13-2006, 08:00 AM

Thanks, that means search engine crawled image with the help of alt tag. Am I right?

**nvidura** · 01:46 PM

Let me correct you...

Alt is not a tag its an attribute...

**sck4784** · 05-15-2006, 04:40 AM

Hi yes, I know that alt is not tag, it is just a attribute. But my meant is that if we give a alt tag to any image, than it will be crawled by alt tag name in serach engine.

If you have more, please explain...........

**chrishirst** · 05-15-2006, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sck4784

Hi yes, I know that alt is not tag, it is just a attribute.

Then stop calling it a tag!

in the case of a linked image the alt attribute text is used in place of the anchor text. For unlinked images it is part of the body text

In my testing only Google appeared to give any value to alt text if it only appeared on the page as alt text

**sck4784** · 05-15-2006, 06:37 AM

Then please tell me what should I call? Does only "alt" is right?. Let me know.....

**chrishirst** · 05-15-2006, 09:18 AM

as you said your self

Quote:

I know that alt is not tag, it is just a attribute

so alt attribute or alt text would be correct

It's not a matter of being picky, it does ensure that we are all communicating about the same thing and new readers/members find the correct information in the future.

**sck4784** · 05-16-2006, 01:43 AM

Hi yes I absolutily agree with you. Alt atribute or alt tag is correct.

Thanks for your valuable information...

**sck4784** · 05-16-2006, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrishirst

as you said your self

so alt attribute or alt text would be correct

It's not a matter of being picky, it does ensure that we are all communicating about the same thing and new readers/members find the correct information in the future.

Hi Let me know the defination of "Tag" because once again I am little confused.

**stOx** · 05-16-2006, 02:57 AM

The tag is the thing surounded by < and > , attributes are conditions set to the tag.

so <img src="http://domain.com/image.jpg"> is the image tag
But <img src="http://domain.com/image.jpg" border ="0"> is an image tag, with a border attribute giving the image a "0" border..

An attribute provides a condition to the tag.