Moz Q&A is closed.
After more than 13 years, and tens of thousands of questions, Moz Q&A closed on 12th December 2024. Whilst we’re not completely removing the content - many posts will still be possible to view - we have locked both new posts and new replies. More details here.
Not using alt tags for decorative images?
-
Hi everyone,
My coworker recently stumbled across this article that instructs you to not to alt text for "decorative images" as you might get penalized you for over optimization
https://www.shopify.com/blog/7412852-10-must-know-image-optimization-tips
Has anyone heard of this or have any thoughts?
-
Thank you!
-
It's more of an accessibility issue than an SEO issue. If your visitor were using a screen reader, would it add any value for them to hear the alt text? If so, keep it. If instead you're describing "curly swash with a heart" and it has no bearing at all on actual content, leave it blank. Generally speaking, things that improve your accessibility are good for SEO.
Got a burning SEO question?
Subscribe to Moz Pro to gain full access to Q&A, answer questions, and ask your own.
Browse Questions
Explore more categories
-
Moz Tools
Chat with the community about the Moz tools.
-
SEO Tactics
Discuss the SEO process with fellow marketers
-
Community
Discuss industry events, jobs, and news!
-
Digital Marketing
Chat about tactics outside of SEO
-
Research & Trends
Dive into research and trends in the search industry.
-
Support
Connect on product support and feature requests.
Related Questions
-
Why is my image Alt Text showing up under my URL and title on the Google results page?
I just realized this happened 😞 I optimized this page over a week ago. I changed out the old image on the page, along with the Alt Text. Now I see this when I do a search for it. No Beuno. Can some one please tell me how I get rid of the alt text in the result. many many thanks in advance. http://thumannagency.com/business-insurance/contractors-insurance Contractors Liability, Work Comp Insurance in Dallas, Texas ... <cite class="_Rm">thumannagency.com/business-insurance/contractors-insurance</cite>Your page is not mobile-friendly.Dallas, Texas Contractors Insurance. Contractors Insurance Quote. General Contractor working on a roof in Texas. Thumann Agency specializes in providing ...
Image & Video Optimization | | MissThumann0 -
Optimal Image Size for Website
What is the recommended size for an image on our website? What is the largest image size we can use without being penalised by Google? Thank you.
Image & Video Optimization | | CostumeD0 -
Is it a legal requirement for a website to have alt tags for all images?
Someone told me it is a legal requirement for a website to have alt tags on all of their images. Is this right? Or is this bad for SEO?
Image & Video Optimization | | RachelBev0 -
Can i use base64 images (URI) for better SEO performance - faster site loading?
Hi, Do you think the use of image data URI is SEO friendly? I got 20 JPG icons on each site, but use too many HTTP requests. So can i use base64 (URI) images for my small icons? Thank you for answer!
Image & Video Optimization | | Termex0 -
Can I use PO boxes as an actual business Address?
Hi mozzers, A potential future client(electrician) covers 40+ locations in one region(local SEO) but only has 1 address. He wants to rank for at least 5 to 7 main locations which he has PO boxes for. Can I use these as addresses on his website or will it be seen as violating the google guideline? If it is no good what should I do? Thanks
Image & Video Optimization | | Ideas-Money-Art0 -
Do I need to use a CNAME for wistia video hosting?
I'm using Wisita for video hosting. My strategy is to allow other sites to embed videos to get links - I want the video linking back to my site not wistia or the embeding site. Do I need to use the Wistia CNAME or is a wistia subdomain acceptable?
Image & Video Optimization | | BruceMcG0 -
Metadata stored in images read by search engines?
Does anyone know if metadata stored in images is read by search engines?My company stores images in digital asset management systems and metadata keyword tags are added to the images, so they can easily be found within the system. Since these keywords are stored in the image file, I was wondering if search engines can read them once the image is placed on the website, but I'm not finding any evidence of this in my research.
Image & Video Optimization | | unitedairlines0 -
Is a website with no images really a good idea?
I have a client who doesn't want to use any images at all on her website. It's a local hvac service provider. This thought has never even crossed my mind before. Who wouldn't want pictures? I know image optimization is important, and my mind keeps telling me that images are important for a good site and good user experience, but are they really necessary? I want a second opinion before I advise against not using any images.
Image & Video Optimization | | denarathbun0