Insta SEO Hack: Adding Alt Text to Images
Let’s get right to it. Did you know that Google's search engine results page (SERP) deliver just as many image results as they do text-based results? Yep. So what does this mean for you? How do you get traffic through images? Alt text is the answer.
What is Alt Text?
Alt text is the written copy that appears in place of an image on a webpage if the image fails to load on a user's screen. This text helps screen-reading tools describe images to visually impaired readers and allows search engines to better crawl and rank your website.
One of the most important things image alt text can do for you is turn your images into hyperlinked search results -- giving your website yet another way to receive organic visitors.
What’s one of the first platforms that come to your mind when you think about social media marketing? If you’re like most marketers and entrepreneurs, chances are you’re already thinking about promoting your brand on Instagram.
When used on Instagram alt text is written as a full sentence - but you can use your SEO keywords in that descriptive sentence.
Why Instagram?
With more than 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram is one of the most popular and engaging social media platforms. It’s a great platform for boosting brand awareness and audience engagement, particularly for small businesses. Whether you’re selling handmade jewelry or artisanal cheese, your potential customers are likely using Instagram.
How to add alt text to your Instagram images
Using the Instagram app on your phone, start to create a post.
After you select a photo and choose your filter, tap "Next."
On the screen in which you add the caption, tag people, and add a location, tap "Advanced Settings" at the bottom, below the option to connect to other social networking sites.
In the Accessibility section of the Advanced Settings page, tap "Write Alt Text." After you tap "Write Alt Text," you'll be able to write a description of the photo.
Write a short description of the photo and then tap "Done"
Finish posting your photo in the usual way. All done - you’ve added alt text to your image!
There you have it! If you haven’t been adding alt text to your images on Instagram, you can go back and add it in anytime under the “edit” image function.