What is Alt Text?
Alt text, or alternative text, is a brief description added to the HTML tag to describe the content of an image. This text appears if the image fails to load or if the user is utilizing a screen reader. In the context of
Email Marketing, alt text ensures that your message is conveyed even when images do not display correctly.
Accessibility: Alt text makes your emails accessible to individuals who use screen readers, ensuring that visually impaired recipients can understand the content.
Deliverability: Some email clients block images by default. Alt text ensures that your message is still communicated even when images aren't displayed.
User Experience: Providing descriptions for images can improve the overall user experience, making your emails more engaging and informative.
SEO Benefits: Although not directly linked to traditional SEO, alt text can improve the visibility and effectiveness of your email campaigns.
Be Descriptive: Clearly describe the content and purpose of the image. For example, instead of "image1.jpg," use "Summer Sale 50% Off Banner."
Keep It Concise: Aim for a brief description that is no more than 125 characters. This ensures that the text is concise yet informative.
Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords that align with the overall content of your email. This can help improve the relevance and context of your message.
Avoid Redundancy: If the surrounding text already describes the image, avoid repeating the same information in the alt text.
Test Your Emails: Always test your emails to ensure that the alt text displays correctly and provides the intended information.
Examples of Good and Bad Alt Text
Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between effective and ineffective alt text: Good:
Bad:
Good:
Bad:
How to Implement Alt Text in Email Marketing Platforms
Most email marketing platforms offer easy ways to add alt text to your images. Here's a quick guide on how to do it in some popular platforms: Mailchimp: When you upload an image, you'll find an "Alt Text" field where you can enter your description.
Constant Contact: In the image settings, there's an option to add alt text directly.
HubSpot: The "Edit Image" section allows you to input alt text for each image.
Sendinblue: Add alt text in the "Image Properties" panel.
Conclusion
Incorporating alt text in your email marketing campaigns is not just a best practice but a necessity for ensuring
accessibility, enhancing
user experience, and improving
deliverability. By following the tips and examples provided, you can create more effective and inclusive email campaigns that resonate with a broader audience.