Use Descriptive File Names and Alt Text for Better SEO

Use descriptive file names and alt text with target keywords

One essential On Page SEO strategy is using descriptive file names and alt text to enhance website visibility and drive more traffic. This strategy is often overlooked but can significantly boost your search engine rankings. Here's how you can implement it effectively.

Why Descriptive File Names Matter

When uploading images, videos, or other files to your website, ensure they have descriptive file names. Instead of generic names like "IMG1234.jpg," rename the file to something relevant to your content, such as "fresh-vegetarian-pasta-recipe.jpg." Search engines crawl these names to understand your content better, helping your page rank for relevant searches.

Tips for File Names:

• Include target keywords naturally.
• Use hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_) to separate words.
• Keep it concise but informative.
• Avoid keyword stuffing, as it can hurt your SEO.

What is Alt Text and Why is it Important?

Alt text (alternative text) is used to describe images for screen readers and search engines. It provides context to users with visual impairments and helps search engines better understand your content.

Benefits of Alt Text:

• Improves SEO by signaling relevance to search engines.
• Enhances user experience for visually impaired visitors.
• Ensures accessibility compliance.

How to Write Effective Alt Text

• Be Descriptive: Clearly describe what’s in the image.
• Use Keywords: Incorporate target keywords naturally.
• Avoid "Image of": Jump straight into the description.
• Stay Concise: Aim for fewer than 125 characters.
• Contextualize: Ensure the alt text aligns with the page content.

Example: If you have an image of a yoga pose on a fitness page, use alt text like "woman performing downward dog yoga pose for flexibility."

Implementing This Strategy to Improve Website Visibility

By optimizing file names and alt text with target keywords, you enhance your site’s chances of ranking in image searches. Additionally, you create a better user experience, which can lead to higher engagement and lower bounce rates—both positive signals for search engines.

Start renaming files and writing meaningful alt text today to see improvements in your SEO performance!

Written by RGB Web Tech

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