ALT Attributes Are "handy"

[ktaylor310]

Matt Cutts recently made the comment that ALT altributes are "handy" - use 3 to 4 relevant keywords. I use the ALT attribute anyway, but I'm wondering if this means Google puts weight on them. I thought they were pretty much ignored??

[torka]

Title attributes are ignored.

On the other hand, alt attributes do (at least sometimes) carry some weight.

For instance, if you use graphics for a menu system or you otherwise apply an <a href> link to an image, the alt attribute will stand in place of the normal link anchor text. Link anchor text is known to be an important factor in ranking -- the jury is out as to whether the alt attribute text carries the same weight as the equivalent link anchor text, but it does appear it has a reasonable effect.

Google seems to go back and forth as to whether they count the alt attributes of unlinked images. Honestly, I'm not sure which way they're going with it these days.

But in any case, I use the alt attribute for accessibility purposes, so it generally has a bit of descriptive text in there that usually will naturally contain a keyword or two. If Google decides to count it, great. If not, I wasn't creating the attribute for SEO anyway.

I wouldn't just stuff them with a list of keywords because of the usability/accessibility implications, but IMO there's nothing wrong with working a few key terms in there.

--Torka

[ktaylor310]

Thanks lady!

[stephen186]

I think ALT attributes are important and Google really does not ignore it.
Even lot of seo experts recommend using alt attributes to increase your chances of hitting #1 page in google for some close competition.

[ktaylor310]

Funny to run across old articles like this and see how totally conflicting SEO advice can be. I know search engines are always evolving, but it is really hard to know when the advice you are receiving is valid - and I suppose sometimes the advice is valid for a season and then not. Torka is very knowledgeable and always a valuable resource that I can trust

Update: Matt Cutts issued a second video in which he says that adding text to the alt attribute that clearly describes your images can help Google find your image via Google image search.

[sahota]

Yes Definitely google puts weight on ALT , specially in google image search. I have also posted a thread about this earlier:

http://www.smallbusinessbrief.com/fo...ad.php?t=25961

It has also link to video by Google Webmaster Central Team.

[gregdbowen]

and use swfobject to embed flash - it allows you to put alt content there - If you have a Flash site, especially.