The alt attribute provides text that a screen reader reads in place of an image for users with visual impairments. It also helps search crawlers interpret image content. Rather than listing keywords such as “red sneaker image,” describe what is actually visible, for example “Nike Air Max sneakers in red, photographed from the side.” Accurate descriptions support both accessibility and image discovery. For purely decorative icons or images that convey no information, use alt="" so screen readers can skip unnecessary announcements.
Some websites are seeing sharp increases in site: operator queries in Search Console performance reports. Explore possible causes, measurement effects and diagnostic responses.
