How to Add ALT Text to Images in Squarespace

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Adding ALT text to images on your Squarespace website is an essential practice for improving accessibility and search engine optimization (SEO). ALT text, or alternative text, provides a textual description of images, helping users who rely on screen readers understand the content.

Additionally, search engines use ALT text to index images, which can enhance your site's visibility in search results.

This guide will walk you through the process of adding ALT text to images in Squarespace, the importance of ALT text, and best practices for writing effective descriptions.

Quick Fix

How to Add ALT Text to Images in Squarespace:

  1. Log into your Squarespace account and navigate to the desired page.
  2. Double-click on the image to access the image settings.
  3. In the Image Alt Text field, enter a descriptive sentence about the image.
  4. Click Save to apply your changes.

What is ALT Text?

ALT text is a short description that you can add to images on your website. It serves two primary purposes:

  1. Accessibility: For users with visual impairments who use screen readers, ALT text provides context about the image, allowing them to understand the content.

  2. SEO: Search engines use ALT text to understand the content of images, which can help improve your website's ranking in search results.

Why is ALT Text Important?

  • Improves User Experience: ALT text ensures that all users, regardless of their abilities, can understand the content on your website.

  • Boosts SEO: Properly optimized ALT text can improve your site's search engine ranking, making it easier for potential visitors to find your content.

  • Provides Context: In cases where images fail to load, the ALT text will be displayed in place of the image, giving users context about what they are missing.

How to Add ALT Text to Images in Squarespace

Adding ALT text in Squarespace is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Log into Your Squarespace Account

  1. Go to squarespace.com and log in to your account.

  2. Select the website you want to edit from your dashboard.

Step 2: Navigate to the Page with the Image

  1. Click on Pages in the left sidebar.

  2. Select the page containing the image you want to edit.

Step 3: Edit the Image Block

  1. Click the Edit button at the top right of the page to enter edit mode.

  2. Locate the image you want to add ALT text to and double-click on it to open the image options menu.

Step 4: Add ALT Text

  1. In the image settings, look for the Image Alt Text field. This is typically found under the Content tab.

  2. Enter your descriptive ALT text in the field. Make sure to describe the image clearly and concisely, ideally in a complete sentence.

  3. Click Save to apply your changes.

Step 5: Repeat for Other Images

If you have multiple images on your site, repeat the process to add ALT text to each one.

Adding ALT Text in Different Contexts

1. Gallery Pages

For images in a gallery:

  1. Click on the gallery page in the Pages panel.

  2. Hover over the image you want to edit and click the gear icon.

  3. In the Image Title field, enter your ALT text. If you don’t provide a title, the description field will serve as ALT text.

  4. Click Save.

2. Product Images

For product images:

  1. Go to the Commerce section and select Products.

  2. Hover over the product and click to edit.

  3. In the product image settings, find the Alt Text field and enter your description.

  4. Click Apply to save.

3. Background Images

Currently, Squarespace does not allow ALT text for background images. However, you can use an image block instead of a background image to add ALT text.

Best Practices for Writing Effective ALT Text

  1. Be Descriptive: Clearly describe what the image depicts. Use specific details to convey the context.

    • Example: Instead of "Dog," use "A golden retriever playing fetch in a park."

  2. Use Keywords Wisely: Incorporate relevant keywords naturally, but avoid keyword stuffing. The primary goal is to provide context.

  3. Keep It Concise: Aim for a length of about 125 characters or fewer. This ensures that screen readers can convey the information without overwhelming users.

  4. Avoid Redundant Phrases: Do not start with "Image of" or "Picture of," as screen readers already indicate that it is an image.

  5. Consider Context: Tailor your ALT text to the context in which the image appears. The same image may require different descriptions depending on its placement.

Conclusion

Adding ALT text to images in Squarespace is a simple yet impactful way to enhance accessibility and improve your website's SEO. By following the steps outlined in this guide and adhering to best practices for writing effective ALT text, you can ensure that all users can engage with your content meaningfully.

This small effort can significantly contribute to a more inclusive web experience and help your site rank better in search results.

Ali Noor

Ali Noor is An Squarespace Expert & Website Strategist Focus on Business Growth By Funnel, Design & Marketing.

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