Dreamspace Studio

If you’ve ever uploaded an image to your blog and seen that little field labeled “alt text,” you might have wondered: What the heck do I put here? Is this just for SEO? Do I just describe what’s in the photo? Why does it matter?

Let’s break it down—no jargon, no gatekeeping, just real talk about why alt text is a tiny act of inclusion and how to make yours genuinely helpful (and not just “photo of cat”).

First, What Is Alt Text?

Alt text (short for “alternative text”) is a written description of an image that’s added to the image’s HTML code. If someone uses a screen reader (because they’re blind, visually impaired, or just like to browse hands-free), the screen reader will read the alt text out loud. If your image doesn’t load, the alt text is what gets shown instead.

Alt text = your chance to tell someone what’s in the picture, and why it matters to your content.

Why Does Alt Text Matter?

• Accessibility. It helps people with vision loss, neurodivergence, or learning disabilities understand what’s going on in your post—even if they can’t see the images.
• Inclusion. It makes everyone feel welcome, because nobody likes to be left out.
• SEO Bonus. Google notices alt text, too. But honestly? We’re here for the people first, bots second.

What Makes Good Alt Text?

Think of it like this:
If someone couldn’t see your image, what would you want them to know?

• What’s essential about the image?
• Does it add info, set a mood, tell a joke, or give directions?
• If you left the image out entirely, what would be missing from your post?

Bad alt text just names things:

• “Dog.”
• “Infographic.”
• “Blue sky.”

Good alt text describes, explains, or includes the point of the image:

• “Small brown dog curled up under a fleece blanket, looking cozy and safe.”
• “Infographic explaining three easy steps for starting a blog.”
• “Blue sky with scattered clouds, setting a peaceful, hopeful tone for the post.”

Step-By-Step: Adding Alt Text (That’s Actually Useful!)

1. Pause. Look at your image. Why did you choose it? What does it add to your blog post?

2. Write like you’re talking to a friend. Imagine describing it to someone over the phone—what would you say?

3. Keep it short(ish), but not empty. One or two sentences is plenty. Don’t stuff in keywords for the sake of it.

4. Skip “Image of…” or “Picture of…”
Screen readers already announce it’s an image! Just describe what matters.

5. If it’s just decoration, mark it as decorative.
If an image is purely for decoration (e.g., a swirly divider, a random splash of color), set the alt text as blank (alt=””) or tick “decorative” if your platform allows. That way, screen readers skip it.

6. Context counts.
If the image links somewhere, say where (“Button: Submit your entry”). If it’s a chart, describe the takeaway (“Bar chart showing blog traffic increased by 30% in May”).

Example Time!

• Not helpful: alt="cat"
• Better: alt="Orange tabby cat knocking over a coffee mug beside a laptop"
• Great for context: alt="Orange tabby cat knocking over coffee mug onto laptop during a virtual work meeting"

Notice how the last one tells a little story? That’s what makes it work for everyone.

For the Neurodivergent & Non-Techy Crew

You don’t need to be a coding wizard, a poet, or an accessibility expert. Just notice what your image means, and explain it so others can join you. If you struggle with what to say, try using a voice note to describe the picture first—then type what you said.

And remember: done is better than perfect. Any alt text is better than none—but now you can make yours awesome.

Final Tips & Encouragement

• You’re not being “extra” or “fussy”—you’re making the web more welcoming, one image at a time.
• You don’t have to rewrite your whole archive in a weekend. Start with new posts and update old ones as you go.
• If you’re stuck, ask a friend: “If you couldn’t see this, what would you want to know?”

Alt text isn’t just about boxes to fill—it’s about making sure everyone can share the story.