How to write it<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt\u2019s best to be objective when describing a product and avoid influencing language like beautiful, stunning, and awesome. Some subjective language can be used effectively if it\u2019s intended to describe the aesthetic, such as elegant or contemporary. Ideally, the alt text of a product will stick to just the facts to avoid any misleading information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have images of multiple angles, try to think about what new information is revealed in each angle. Touching on our couch again, what if there were cup holders in the arms or a magazine pocket on the side that weren\u2019t visible in the straight-on shot? This would be new information you\u2019d be able to provide in additional images. You want to avoid repetition where you can as product alt text in particular runs the risk of getting lengthy. That being said, you do still want each image to be effective in describing the product independently. If your product has an automatically advancing carousel of images, it isn\u2019t guaranteed a screen reader user would land on the primary image first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try to keep the alt text as short as possible while still effectively describing an item. This is another reason to avoid unnecessary and subjective adjectives because they add to the character count. If a visually impaired user is browsing a lot of items while shopping, they\u2019re going to be listening to a lot of alt text. By keeping length in mind and being considerate of a person\u2019s time, you allow them to browse more of your shop more efficiently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Considering your alt text will also help you write a more effective product description. What should go where? The description and alt text of your product images are all pieces of a puzzle you\u2019re helping someone put together that forms a bigger picture. If information is beneficial for all shoppers, maybe that is information best put in the product description (such as the material of the couch, in this case faux leather). If it\u2019s not information that makes sense to put in the description, consider it for the alt text. This will also allow you to consider whether or not something is missing from your listing. For example, the dimensions of our couch are 24-inch Height, 76-inch Width, and 35-inch depth. But would a visually impaired user know where these dimensions apply? If the back is only 24-inches high, how high up are the arm rests? Or the seating from the floor? Would this product listing benefit from a dimension diagram that would allow you to list it out in the alt text as well as provide these specifications for all of your users? While some would see this as additional work they\u2019d have to do for each listing, the payoff would be priceless as you\u2019d be providing information all of your users appreciate having.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A simple example of descriptive enough alt text for our couch would be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n(Tangerous Orange) Plush, modern faux leather couch. Back support 24-inches high, arm rests 21-inches high (5-inches wide). Two seat cushions (32-inches wide), two back support cushions. 5-inch gap between the floor and the couch. Minimal flat upolstered base, cylindrical light-wood peg feet<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
As you can see, I included applicable measurements in my alt text example. However, if there is an image depicting dimensions in your product gallery, you could save those details for that image and reduce your character count. You also may notice I excluded the pillows from my alt text. I specified in the description the pillows were not included, so I didn’t want to describe them in the alt text. They are not the product, and neither is the white rug under the couch. If this image were being used in a blog post (such as this one), mentioning these things would help set the mood the photo brings to the table. However, when it comes to product alt text, stick to factually describing what someone is buying and leave out the superfluous information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to practice writing product alt text (a fun game)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re an eCommerce owner who is concerned about your own alt text, we have an experiment for you to try. Ask someone for help, like your partner, family member, or friend. Then go to a furniture store or department, call them and describe an item. Let them ask questions. Once you\u2019re content with your description, send them a photo of the item you\u2019re describing and see if their mental picture matched up with the item. The other person can then tell you if your description was accurate or where you could have done better. Repeat this with a few different items. Of course, you could choose any store you want. Furniture stores just tend to have a large variety of complex shapes and differences for you to practice with. While it may sound silly, it wouldn\u2019t take that much time and you might be surprised with how much you learn about describing your own products and the questions you need to answer in your alt text.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By taking the extra few seconds it takes to provide alt text, you are allowing a huge group of people to navigate your store confidently and independently; and that\u2019s huge and puts you ahead of the pack considering there are still a lot of major online eCommerce store failing to do so. You\u2019re also helping your store\u2019s search engine optimization (SEO) as alt text is considered additional content. This will make your products easier to find. By considering all aspects of your listing, you\u2019re more likely to create a more cohesive experience that benefits all of your users and provides a better experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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