Image and alternate (alt) text

When you add a new image to the media library, you need to ensure that you give it a keyword rich name e.g. business_school.jpeg or accountancy_student.png. By naming the photo file this way, this will tie it back to the name and description you give it when you add it to the media library.

If you have an image that isn't relevant e.g., logo or a background graphic, give it a number e.g., 1.png, 2.png. Google will ignore these images and they won't influence what Google thinks your page is about.

When you add the image to the media library, you will be asked to name the file and then give it a description and add keywords. These are all important fields and should all be completed.

Naming the file in the media library

When you name the file, make sure you use your primary keyword. If possible, you can also include a secondary keyword in the file name. Make sure that the name of the file is unique to that image. If you are adding photos of students or buildings etc, make sure you give each one a unique reference which is not just a number e.g. Business School from canal or Business School from the bridge.

Adding a description – alternate text

Alternate text (ALT text)  is shown if a visitor cannot view the image, for example if images are turned off in their browser, or they’re using a screen reader due to a visual impairment. The ALT text also helps if a page does not load for some reason. It helps to explain to the user what is missing on the page.

The ALT text should be no more than 70-80 characters and should be a literal description of the image, as if you are describing the image to a blind person.

There are occasions when you would not add ALT text to an image. This occurs when the ALT text adds no benefit to the image and could actually confuse somebody who is using a screen reader. For more information about the use of ALT text, you can visit the RNIB website who support people who are blind or partially sighted.

There is now an option to add ALT text to right hand content block images. This text should tell the user exactly where the link will take them if they click on the content block e.g. Link to the University of Huddersfield news pages.