What is Alt Text?

Alt text, or alternative text, is a win-win for your Profile. Alt Text provides a brief description of an image, helping visually impaired users understand what the photo depicts when they use screen readers. At the same time, alt text helps search engines accurately index your images, boosting your Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) by adding context and relevance.

How to Write Effective Alt-Text

Writing effective alt text is a simple yet important step in making your listing more accessible and search-friendly. Follow these tips for best practice Alt Text.

Keep it short: Alt text is restricted to 100 characters

Describe the Content Clearly: Start by describing the most important elements of the photo. Focus on what the image is showing that is relevant to your business.

Example:

'Beachfront villa with ocean views and a private deck'
'Sunset view from the balcony of a luxury beachfront suite.'

Be Specific and Concise: Alt text should be descriptive but not overly long. Aim for a clear, concise description that covers the main points.

Example:

'Guests relaxing by the infinity pool overlooking the mountains at sunset.'
'Gourmet breakfast served on the patio with garden views.'

Include Relevant Details: If the photo highlights a particular feature of your business, include that in the alt text. Mention anything that stands out or is unique to your offering.

Example:

'Cosy cabin interior with a stone fireplace and rustic wooden furniture.'
'Modern hotel lobby with contemporary decor.'

Avoid Redundancies: There’s no need to start with phrases like 'image of' or 'picture of'. The screen reader will identify it as an image.

Example:

Instead of 'Image of a couple dining at an outdoor restaurant', simply write 'Couple dining at an outdoor restaurant with vineyard views.'

Think About the Context: Consider how the photo fits into the overall context of your Profile. If the image is meant to highlight a specific experience or feature, ensure the alt text reflects that.

Example:

'Family enjoying a guided hiking tour through the lush rainforest.'

When to Include Your Business Name in Alt Text (and when to skip it)

Including your business name in alt text can be beneficial in certain situations, but it's not always necessary. Here’s when you should consider adding your business name:

Brand Recognition: If the image directly represents your brand, such as a photo of your storefront, a signature dish, or a branded experience, including your business name can help reinforce brand recognition.

Example: 'Sunset dining on the terrace at Ocean Breeze Resort.'

Multiple Images: If your Profile has several images, including your business name in one or two key images can be useful, but avoid overusing it. Focus on descriptive text for the majority of your alt text entries.

SEO Benefits: Including your business name in alt text can sometimes help with search engine optimisation (SEO), especially if people might search for images related to your business by name.

When to Skip It: If your business name is already prominent in your Profile, repeating it in the alt text of every image can be redundant. Similarly, for images that don’t specifically highlight your brand, such as general shots of scenery, amenities, or activities, it's better to focus on what the image shows rather than adding your business name.