Insights and Inspiration – The Hostnicker Blog
October 22, 2024
Log into your Webflow account and navigate to the project you want to edit. Enter the Webflow Designer by clicking on the project thumbnail.
Locate the image you want to optimize within the Designer. This could be part of a section, a hero image, or a background. Images can be found in elements like Image blocks, Background Images, or CMS items. Click on the image element to select it.
Look to the right side of the screen for the Settings panel, which contains options and settings for the selected element. If the panel is not visible, enable it by clicking on the gear icon.
Find the field labeled Alt Text in the Settings panel for the image. For CMS image elements, the alt text field might also appear in the CMS Item settings. Click in the Alt Text field to activate it and enter a brief, descriptive text summarizing the image content.
When crafting your alt text, consider these guidelines:
1. Write a concise description capturing the essence of the image. Instead of simply saying "dog," you might write "Golden Retriever playing in a park."
2. Include relevant keywords for SEO if applicable, but avoid keyword stuffing; clarity is key.
3. Keep the length to about 125 characters or less to ensure readability and convey the necessary information.
4. Avoid phrases like "image of" or "picture of," as screen readers already indicate that the content is an image.
After entering the alt text, ensure your changes are saved. Depending on your settings, changes may auto-save, but always verify. Look for a Save button or confirm updates in the panel.
Use the Preview mode at the top of the Webflow Designer to see how your changes appear on your live site. Click the eye icon to enter Preview mode and check the image and its alt text display.
When satisfied with your updates, exit Preview mode and return to the Designer. Click the Publish button in the upper right corner to make your changes live, choosing to publish to the entire site or specific domains if multiple are connected.
For accessibility testing, use a screen reader like NVDA or VoiceOver to hear what is announced for your images, ensuring alt text is read correctly. Also, use accessibility checker tools available online or as browser extensions to confirm all images have appropriate alt text.
By following these steps, you enhance both your website's SEO and accessibility. Continually revisit your images and alt text as your site evolves to ensure they serve search engines and users effectively.
