Navigating the digital world can feel like decoding a foreign language, but there's one tool that stands out as essential: keyword research. This process, vital to the world of [Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)](https://cogify.io/insights/understanding-seo-things-to-know-before-creating-seo-strategy), is all about discovering the specific words and phrases people input into search engines. With this valuable knowledge, businesses can bridge the gap between them and their target audience, ensuring that their content resonates and ranks. 

This guide will break down why keyword research is crucial, provide a roadmap to embark on this journey and equip you with strategies to maximise its impact on your SEO efforts. Ready? Let's dive in!

## Everything You Need to Know About Keywords

### What Are Keywords?

Keywords are the specific words or phrases that users input into search engines when seeking information or answers. Consider them as the critical connectors or bridges that connect a searcher's query to relevant content.

### Importance of Keywords to SEO

Keywords act as the foundational pillars of SEO. Search engines, like Google, rely on keywords to understand and categorise the essence of a webpage's content. By strategically integrating the most relevant keywords, your content not only stands a higher chance of ranking atop search results but also ensures that it resonates with the desired audience, leading to increased traffic and meaningful engagements.

### Types of Keywords

- **Short-tail Keywords**

Typically ranging from 1-3 words, these keywords are broad and general. While they boast a high search volume, the competition for them is intense due to their generic nature. 
Example: "laptop".

- **Long-tail Keywords**

These are extended phrases that hone in on specific details and cater directly to niche audiences. While they might have lower search volume, they often have a higher conversion rate because of their specificity. 
Example:  "best gaming laptop under $1000".

- **Transactional Keywords**

These keywords signal a searcher's intent to make a purchase or engage in a particular action.
Example: ‘’buy gaming laptop online’’.

- **Informational Keywords**

Deployed when searchers are on a quest for knowledge or solutions. These keywords often start with "how to", "why", "what is", and so on. 
Example: ‘’why are gaming laptops better than regular’’.

- **Geographically-targeted Keywords**

Specific to locations, these keywords are invaluable for local businesses aiming to capture nearby customers. 
Example: "laptop store near me’’.

![Keyword Research Strategy A Step-by-Step Guide.png](/uploads/BLACK_HAT_1_decaf3e432.png)

## Keyword Research Strategy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keyword research is the practice of identifying valuable search terms that potential customers use in search engines, like [Google](https://www.google.com/), to find products, services, and information. It's the foundation upon which successful SEO and content strategies are built.

Without strategic keyword research, there's a risk of creating content that nobody is searching for. To paint a clearer picture: a daunting 90.63% of web pages don't get any traffic from Google.  Keyword research ensures your content aligns with actual search demand. This alignment increases the likelihood of your content ranking prominently in search results, driving a consistent influx of relevant visitors to your website.

It's vital to understand the structured steps that make up the keyword research process. This guide will walk you through each step, from brainstorming keyword ideas to effectively using them in your content.

![Keyword Research Strategy A Step-by-Step Guide (1).png](/uploads/Keyword_Research_Strategy_A_Step_by_Step_Guide_1_57571c74a0.png)

### Step 1:  Find Keyword Ideas

- **Start with Seed Keywords**

Seed keywords are the foundation of your keyword research. They're basic terms related to your business or niche. Think of them as starting points, catalysts that will eventually lead you to more specific keyword opportunities. For instance, if you're selling handmade jewelry, your seed keywords might be "handmade," and "jewelry".

To determine seed keywords you need to **visualise your customers' perspective**. Think deeply about what your potential customers might type into Google when they're on the hunt for products or services you offer. Is it broad, or does it come with specific attributes they're keen on? Once you've pondered over it, **create a list.** For a coffee business, for example, potential seed keywords could be "coffee," "cappuccino".

Remember, while seed keywords help guide your research, they aren't always the main terms you'll target. Instead, they provide the foundational insights leading you into more nuanced and specific keyword avenues.

- **Analyse Competitors**

Studying competitors reveals the keywords that are driving traffic to their sites, giving you a potential shortcut and keyword inspiration in your research. Look for terms they are ranking for, especially those which you haven't considered yet.

Start with your seed keywords on **[Google search](https://www.google.com/)**. Identify who appears on the first page. Ensure these top sites align with your business model. For a coffee equipment seller, "cappuccino maker" might yield better competitors than the generic "cappuccino."

Using tools like **[Ahrefs’ Site Explorer](https://ahrefs.com/site-explorer), [Similar Web](https://www.similarweb.com/),** and **[SpyFu](https://www.spyfu.com/)** you can identify which pages drive the most traffic to your competitors and the keywords they're targeting.

Remember to spot **content gaps**! Established businesses can find new opportunities by identifying keywords competitors rank for but they don't. [The Content Gap](https://ahrefs.com/content-gap) tool in Ahrefs, for instance, can highlight these disparities.

- **Use Keyword Research Tools**

While competitor analysis offers a shortcut, keyword tools help discover potential terms your competitors might've missed. There's a trove of tools available, both free and paid, that can simplify the process of keyword discovery. 

Platforms like [Google's Keyword Planner](https://ads.google.com/home/tools/keyword-planner/), [Ubersuggest](https://neilpatel.com/ubersuggest/), and [Moz's Keyword Explorer](https://moz.com/checkout/freetrial/signup) can offer insights into search volume, keyword difficulty, and potential related queries.

We will talk more about Keywords Research Tools in Step 5.

- **Immerse Yourself in Your Niche**

Stepping outside standard tools and immersing yourself in community conversations can reveal highly valuable keyword ideas. Join forums, read blogs, and participate in discussions related to your niche. This will not only offer you a ground-level perspective on what potential customers are talking about but can also reveal specific terms and phrases that might not be immediately obvious through traditional research methods.

A [Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/) thread on the /r/coffee subreddit discussing "AeroPress," for instance, led to the discovery of a niche yet valuable keyword: "aeropress coffee to water ratio."

Listen to customers! Engaging with your clients can also provide fresh insights. Pay attention to their language and recurrent queries; they can be goldmines for original keyword ideas.

![Step 2: Analyse Keyword’s Quality](/uploads/BLACK_HAT_2_c72d32ee81.png)

### Step 2: Analyse Keyword’s Quality


Once you've generated a list of potential keywords, the next step is determining their worth. Analysis ensures you target keywords that not only fit your content but also have the potential to drive valuable traffic.

Here’s 4 simple SEO metrics that help filter the gold from the gravel:

1. **Search Volume**: This metric represents the number of searches a particular keyword receives over a specified period. A high search volume indicates that the keyword is popular and frequently searched for. But remember, with popularity often comes increased competition.
2. **Traffic Potential**: While search volume tells you how many times a keyword is searched, traffic potential indicates the possible amount of traffic you might receive from it. A page can rank for various related keywords, with each contributing to its traffic. 
3. **Keyword Difficulty (KD)**: Often provided by SEO tools, this metric gauges the competitiveness of a keyword. It considers various factors, including the strength of domains ranking for that term. A lower keyword difficulty suggests it might be easier to rank for, but it's essential to balance this against its potential value and relevance to your content.
4. **Cost Per Click (CPC)**: Some keywords may have a high search volume but surprisingly low click-through rates due to factors like the intent mismatch or highly competitive SERP features (like featured snippets or ads). It's crucial to target keywords that not only get searched for but also lead to clicks.

In essence, combining these metrics with regular search result reviews and u[nderstanding of the broader SEO landscape](https://cogify.io/insights/understanding-seo-things-to-know-before-creating-seo-strategy) will guide you to a successful keyword strategy. There's no point in targeting a keyword, no matter how attractive its volume and difficulty metrics, if it doesn't align with your content or your audience's intent. Always ensure that the keywords you're targeting are relevant too your content.

![Step 3: Target  Keywords](/uploads/BLACK_HAT_3_c4e03e9064.png)

### Step 3: Target  Keywords

Targeting keywords effectively entails determining the type of content you should create to maximize your chances of ranking. Targeting involves the careful selection of keywords that not only hold value in terms of SEO metrics but also resonate with your brand's voice, offerings, and audience aspirations. Here's how you can navigate this process:

- **Identify the Parent Topic**

The Parent Topic is the broader theme linked to your specific keyword. Think of it as the umbrella under which similar topics shelter. For example, if you focus on "vegan protein sources," the overarching theme is "veganism" or "vegan nutrition." By understanding this, you can produce in-depth content that covers the wider context, making you more authoritative in your field. This doesn't just boost chances for ranking but ensures you cater to various related searches.

Moreover, use Keywords Explorer tools to help streamline this by offering a "Parent Topic" feature, showing the prevalent theme based on top-ranking pages.

- **Study the Search Intent**

After clustering your keywords, discern the type of content best suited for them. This involves understanding search intent: what users aim to find with their queries.

For instance, "how to brew cold brew coffee" evidently requires an informational blog post, while "arabica coffee" might be ambiguous. Do users want to learn about arabica coffee or purchase it? By inspecting the top-ranking pages for such keywords, you can discern Google's perceived intent. If the results for "arabica coffee" show both informative articles and shopping sites, it indicates mixed search intent.

You should also consider:

1. **Type**: Whether it's a blog post, product page, category page, and so on.
2. **Format**: This includes guides, listicles, reviews, comparisons, and more.
3. **Angle**: Your unique perspective or approach to the topic.

![Step 4: Prioritise Keywords for Your Business](/uploads/Step_4_Prioritise_Keywords_for_Your_Business_e33370c4d9.png)

### Step 4: Prioritise Keywords for Your Business

Determining which keywords to prioritize is an intricate aspect of keyword research, blending both art and science. With several elements to consider, the decisions made here have lasting impacts on SEO efforts.

****Factors to Consider:****

1. **Traffic Potential**: How much traffic can this keyword drive to your site?
2. **Ranking Difficulty**: How competitive is this keyword? Who are the competitors?
3. **Content Creation**: Do you need to create a new page, or can an existing one be optimized?
4. **Business Value**: Beyond SEO metrics, what's the tangible business value of ranking for this keyword?

Of these, the business value often stands out for its significance. It’s essential to understand what ranking for a keyword means in the broader business context.

Many marketers utilise the "buyer's journey" framework to evaluate keyword value:

- **Top of the Funnel (TOFU)**: Users seeking general information.
- **Middle of the Funnel (MOFU)**: Users exploring solutions.
- **Bottom of the Funnel (BOFU)**: Users ready to purchase.

Typically, TOFU keywords boast high search volumes but low conversion rates, while BOFU keywords might have lower volumes but higher conversion likelihoods.

Keyword research is a delicate act of juxtaposing specific circumstances against several metrics: traffic potential, keyword difficulty, business potential, and search intent. Sometimes, the focus might be purely on amassing traffic, emphasizing high-volume, low-difficulty keywords. In contrast, if the emphasis is on leads or conversions, the business potential becomes paramount.

In essence, keyword research isn't about seeking 'easy' keywords. It's about finding the ones aligning most seamlessly with your business objectives.

![Step 5: Use Keywords research tools](/uploads/Step_5_Use_Keywords_research_tools_5c85214647.png)

### Step 5: Use Keywords research tools

Navigating the world of keyword research can be daunting, but the right tools can simplify the process, offering insights that would otherwise remain obscure. Let's delve into some of the most popular tools and how to harness their capabilities.

**1. [Google Keyword Planner](https://ads.google.com/home/tools/keyword-planner/):**

- **Features**: This tool, originally intended for advertisers, provides keyword suggestions, search volume, and competition levels.
- **How to Use**: Start by entering a seed keyword. The tool will then suggest related terms, along with monthly search volumes. Pay attention to the competition metric too – although it's intended for ad bids, it can offer a rough idea of organic search competition.

**2. [Ubersuggest](https://neilpatel.com/ubersuggest/):**

- **Features**: Ubersuggest offers keyword suggestions, SEO difficulty scores, paid difficulty, and average monthly search volumes. It also gives an overview of the top-ranking pages for a given keyword.
- **How to Use**: Simply enter a keyword or a domain. For keyword ideas, navigate to the keyword ideas section on the left sidebar. For content ideas, look at the top pages' report.

**3. [SEMrush](https://www.semrush.com/):**
- **Features**: SEMrush offers a detailed Keyword Magic Tool, which provides broad match keywords, questions, and related keywords. They also have a Keyword Difficulty tool, providing a score that represents the competitiveness of a keyword.
- **How to Use**: Input your seed keyword into the Keyword Magic Tool. Use filters to narrow down results by search volume, keyword difficulty, or SERP features. Their Topic Research tool can also generate subtopics and related questions.

## Mastering the SEO: Are You Ready to Conduct?

Navigating the realm of keyword research can be overwhelming, but it's a cornerstone of effective SEO. By understanding what your audience is searching for and aligning your content to these searches, you enhance your online visibility. Tools like Google Keyword Planner, Ubersuggest, and SEMrush make this journey smoother, offering insights that are invaluable. But remember, the objective isn't just about high search volumes; it's about keywords that resonate with your business goals.

If you're feeling daunted or need expert guidance, **[Cogify](https://cogify.io/services)** is here to help with comprehensive SEO strategy tailored for your business. Don't navigate the digital maze alone; let Cogify be your guiding star. **[Reach out to us today!](https://cogify.io/services)**









Decode the language of search engines, connect with your target audience, and skyrocket your SEO success. From unraveling the mystery of keywords to dominating organic traffic, this guide is your key to online visibility.

Navigate the SEO landscape: Your ultimate checklist for effective keyword research.

Ultimate Keyword Research Checklist

Keyword Research Strategy A Step-by-Step Guide.png

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Unlocking Organic Traffic: The Ultimate Guide to Keyword Research

Have you checked your website's page indexing lately? If not, it's time to do so! Page indexing is crucial for [search engine optimisation (SEO)](https://cogify.io/insights/understanding-seo-things-to-know-before-creating-seo-strategy) and plays a vital role in determining your website's ranking.

In simple terms, page indexing is the process of the search engines checking and adding your website/web pages to their databases. Therefore, if your website pages are not indexed, they won't appear on search engine result pages ([SERPs](https://www.semrush.com/blog/serp/)), and it will negatively affect your website's traffic.

But the question is, why aren't your website pages indexed? In this blog post, we'll discuss most common **7 reasons why your pages aren’t indexed and how to fix them**.

## What is Page Indexing?

**[Page indexing](https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/7440203?hl=en)** is the process by which search engines like [Google](https://www.google.com/) store and organize content from web pages for fast and accurate retrieval. 

When a page is indexed, it becomes eligible to appear in search engine results, making it discoverable by the audience. 

The absence of indexing means your content remains invisible to search engine users, no matter how valuable or relevant it might be.

The most effective tool to monitor your website's indexing status is **[Google Search Console](https://search.google.com/search-console/about)**. 

This free tool provided by Google not only helps in tracking your site's performance in Google search but also provides critical insights into your site's indexing status. Two key features to leverage for monitoring page indexing: 

1. [**Page Indexing Report**](https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/7440203?hl=en)

2. [**URL Inspection Tool**](https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/9012289?hl=en).


![page indexing report google search console](/uploads/page_indexing_report_google_search_console_cc12d821f0.png)

## Page Indexing Report in Google Search Console

In [Google Search Console](https://search.google.com/search-console/about), find the “**Indexing**” option in the sidebar and select the “**Pages**” tab. This leads you to the main interface for the **Page Indexing Report**.

The summary page presents a graph and a current count of indexed and non-indexed pages. What you want to see here is a steady increase in indexed pages, especially if you frequently publish new content. Sudden drops or spikes in this graph can be red flags, suggesting issues that need deeper investigation.

For the purpose of identifying and rectifying Search Console Indexing errors, concentrate on the “**Why pages aren’t indexed table**”. This will be your primary resource for pinpointing and addressing specific issues hindering the indexing of your pages.

![URL Inspection Tool in Google Search Console](/uploads/url_inspection_tool_google_search_console_df03ee41ce.png)

## URL Inspection Tool in Google Search Console

**The URL Inspection Tool** in Google Search Console is particularly useful when you need to know a specific page's current indexing status and the reasons behind any indexing issues.

You can locate the URL Inspection Tool in the **main header** of the Google Search Console interface. Then, enter the **URL of the page** you wish to inspect into the tool and press **Enter**. This action initiates an analysis of the page.

The tool will display the current status of the page. It indicates whether the page is indexed, if the indexing status is pending, or if it's not indexed at all. If the page isn’t indexed, the tool will provide reasons for this. This information is crucial as it guides you in understanding common search indexing errors and the appropriate steps to resolve them.

![how search engines work](/uploads/page_indexing_e443ee3a22.png)

## 7 Reasons Why Your Pages Aren’t Indexed

Here are the 7 most common issues that might prevent your pages from being indexed:

### 1. Server Errors (5xx)

When a server returns a [**500-level error**](https://eu.siteground.com/kb/internal_server_error_500/#:~:text=When%20you%20encounter%20an%20error,X.X.), it can prevent search engines from accessing and indexing the pages of your website. This issue can occur due to various server problems and has the potential to negatively impact your website's visibility on search engines.

The root cause of this problem often lies within **server issues**. If your server is encountering errors or malfunctions, it may become inaccessible to search engines, leading to indexing failures. These errors can appear as warning messages or explicit error codes in your server logs.

**How to fix:** It's crucial to collaborate with your web hosting provider or IT team. They can help identify the underlying server issues causing these errors. Regular monitoring of server logs can help preemptively identify these problems. Repairing server errors or upgrading your server can offer a quick solution to restore your website's accessibility and ensure successful indexing by search engines.

### 2. URL Blocked by Robots.txt

Your website may face issues with search engine indexing due to the accidental blocking of search engine crawlers in your **robots.txt file**. This error is often a result of website development oversights and can significantly impact your website's visibility online.

The root of this problem lies within your **website's robots.txt file**. Certain lines in this file may unintentionally prevent search engines from crawling and thus indexing specific pages on your site.

**How to fix:** You need to review and adjust your robots.txt file, ensuring that it permits search engines to crawl and index important pages. You can leverage tools such as [**Google Search Console's robots.txt tester**](https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/6062598?hl=en) for validation. By removing or modifying the lines that block crawlers, you can restore the accessibility of your website to search engines, leading to successful indexing.

### 3. Redirect Error

Experiencing indexing issues on your website could be a result of faulty redirect behaviour, such as **[extended redirect chains or loops](https://www.notion.so/cogify-blog-ideas-7ee17bcb5ec34333bb36036e59832eff?pvs=21)**. These can create roadblocks for search engine crawlers, preventing them from accessing and indexing your web pages.

The problem arises from the **improper configuration of redirects** on your website. Overly long redirect chains can confuse search engine crawlers, and redirect loops can trap them, leading to unsuccessful indexing. Essentially, when redirects are not simplified and do not lead to the correct, live pages, it disrupts the efficient [crawling and indexing](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/crawling-indexing) process of search engines.

**How to fix:** It's necessary to review and streamline your website's redirect chains. Ensure that all redirects are properly configured to lead to the appropriate, live pages, allowing search engine crawlers easy access to all your site's content. Utilizing tools like [**Lighthouse**](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/lighthouse) can greatly assist in identifying and rectifying redirect issues. By simplifying your redirect chains and eliminating loops, you can improve your website's accessibility and ensure successful indexing by search engines.

### 4. URL Marked ‘Noindex’

The **['noindex' command](https://www.onely.com/blog/ultimate-guide-to-noindex-tag-for-seo/)** explicitly tells search engines not to index the specified page, reducing your website's visibility in search results.

The 'noindex' directive can be located in a **page’s meta tags or HTTP headers**. They are often used intentionally to keep certain pages private or hidden from search engine results. However, if applied incorrectly, they can accidentally harm the indexing of important pages, negatively affecting your website's [search engine optimisation.](https://cogify.io/insights/on-page-off-page-seo-differences)

**How to fix:** You need to review the meta tags or HTTP headers of your website's pages and identify any 'noindex' directives. If you find such directives on pages you want indexed, promptly remove them. By doing so, you ensure search engines can crawl and index all relevant content on your website.

### 5. Soft 404 Errors

**[Soft 404 errors](https://www.searchenginejournal.com/technical-seo/404-vs-soft-404-errors/)** occur when a page displays 'not found' content to users and search engine crawlers, but it doesn't return an HTTP 404 status code, which signifies the page does not exist.

This happens when a page is incorrectly configured to display **'not found' content** without the corresponding 404 status code. This confuses search engine crawlers as they cannot accurately determine the page's existence, leading to indexing problems and potentially affecting your website's SEO performance.

**How to fix:** Ensure that pages either deliver the correct content or return a proper 404 status code when the content is not available. You can do this by reviewing your website's pages for any that display 'not found' messages and checking their HTTP status codes. If you find any soft 404 errors, you should either update these pages with the appropriate content or ensure they return a correct 404 status code.

### 6. Unauthorised (401) and Forbidden Access (403) Errors

Pages that require authorisation or are forbidden can often be overlooked by search engines, leading to these pages not being indexed and, consequently, not appearing in search results.

These errors occur when certain pages on your website are configured to require user authorisation ([**401 errors**](https://www.dreamhost.com/blog/401-unauthorized-error/#:~:text=401%20errors%20occur%20when%20a,Outdated%20cookies%20or%20browser%20cache.)) or are explicitly forbidden ([**403 errors**](https://kinsta.com/blog/403-forbidden-error/#:~:text=The%20403%20Forbidden%20error%20means%20that%20your%20server%20is%20working,file%20permissions%20or%20.htaccess%20file.)). When search engine crawlers encounter these restrictions during their crawl process, they are unable to access and index the content on these pages. This leads to an incomplete indexing of your websit.,

**How to fix:** You need to review your **server settings** and adjust them to make these pages publicly accessible if they contain content intended for indexing. You should carefully analyse which pages are returning 401 or 403 errors and determine if these pages should indeed be accessible to search engine crawlers. If they should, adjusting your server settings to remove these restrictions will allow search engines to fully index your website. 

### 7. Duplicate Content

When search engines detect **identical content on different pages** of your website or across multiple websites, they often choose not to index these pages to avoid redundancy in search results.

This problem arises when your website contains pages with substantially similar or identical content. Search engines prioritise **unique and relevant content** to provide users with a diverse range of information. Therefore, pages with duplicate content are viewed as less valuable and may be overlooked during the indexing process.

**How to fix:** Ensure that each page on your website offers unique and valuable content. You can use tools like [**Copyscape**](https://www.copyscape.com/) to scan your website for duplicate content and remove or rephrase it accordingly. If removal or rewriting is not feasible, particularly in cases where duplicate content is necessary, you can utilise **[canonical tags](https://moz.com/learn/seo/canonicalization#:~:text=What%20is%20a%20canonical%20tag,content%20appearing%20on%20multiple%20URLs.)**. These tags allow you to specify which version of the content you prefer to be indexed by search engines.

![how to improve seo](/uploads/how_to_improve_seo_da33901068.png)

## Conclusion

Page indexing is crucial for website visibility and ranking. If you're experiencing issues with page indexing, don't worry. There are always ways to resolve them. In this blog post, we discussed seven reasons why your website pages aren't indexed and how to fix them. 

By following these steps, your website pages will be indexed effectively, and you'll notice a significant improvement in your website rankings and traffic. Remember to check your page indexing regularly and use tools such as Google Search Console to track your progress.

## Let Cogify Simplify Your SEO

Interested in elevating your website's SEO performance? [Contact Cogify today](https://cogify.io/services) to learn more about how our services can transform your website's search engine presence.

Struggling with page indexing issues? Explore the crucial factors affecting your website's page indexing with our in-depth guide. Learn about the top 7 reasons why pages aren't indexed and find effective solutions to enhance your website's SEO and visibility.

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7 Reasons Why Your Pages Aren’t Indexed + How to Fix

Images are a crucial component of a website, but search engines like Google and Bing can't interpret them the same way we do. That's where alt text comes in. By adding descriptive text to your images, you help search engines understand and index them effectively. 

In this article, we explore the importance of alt text for [SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)](https://cogify.io/insights/understanding-seo-things-to-know-before-creating-seo-strategy#:~:text=What%20is%20SEO%20and%20Why%20is%20it%20Important%3F), provide tips on how to create effective alt text, and highlight common mistakes to avoid. 

Let's dive in!

## What is Alt Text?

Alt text, also known as "alternative text," is an HTML attribute that describes the content of an image for users who can't see it. This includes users who are visually impaired, use a screen reader, or have low bandwidth and can't load images. 

Alt text provides a text-based alternative to the image, which is read out by the screen reader, providing the user with an understanding of its content. So, alt text is like giving a voice to the picture so everyone can understand and enjoy it!

![image alt text seo optimisation](/uploads/alt_text_for_image_seo_min_95a99ffe56.png)


## How to Add Alt Text to Images

Adding alt text is a super easy, yet effective way to improve your website's accessibility and [SEO.](https://cogify.io/insights/understanding-seo-things-to-know-before-creating-seo-strategy#:~:text=What%20is%20SEO%20and%20Why%20is%20it%20Important%3F)

Here’s how to add alt text to images, step-by-step:

1. **Insert the image**: First make sure to [compress your image](https://cogify.io/insights/website-optimisation-proven-methods-to-boost-speed-and-efficiency#:~:text=Optimise%20Image%20Files) without quality loss to [improve site speed](https://cogify.io/insights/website-optimisation-proven-methods-to-boost-speed-and-efficiency) and user experience. When adding an image to your website, whether it's through a content management system (CMS) or HTML code, make sure you have the image file ready and optimised.

2. **Locate the alt text option**: Once the image is inserted, look for the alt text option. This can usually be found in the image properties or settings. If you're using a CMS, you might find it in the image details section. Whether you’re using a website builder like [WordPress](https://wordpress.com/), [Squarespace](https://www.squarespace.com/), [Strapi](https://strapi.io/), or good old HTML, there’s an option to add alt text.

3. **Write a relevant and descriptive alt text**: Here comes the fun part! You get to describe your image in a way that makes everyone feel included, even our search engine friends. In the alt text field, write a concise description of the image. Be sure to include essential details that convey the image's content, context, and purpose. 

4. **Save or update your changes**: Once you've written the alt text, save or update the changes to apply it to the image. Take a moment to review it and ensure that it accurately represents the image's content. You can also hover your mouse over the image or try using a screen reader to ensure the alt text is set correctly.

Expert tips: 

**Be Descriptive**: Let’s say it's a photo of a golden retriever puppy wearing a red collar. Your alt text could be: *"golden retriever puppy wearing a red collar."* 

**Use Keywords Wisely**: If your website is all about dogs, then keywords like *"golden retriever"* and *"puppy"* are perfect. 

**Keep It Snappy**: Try to limit your alt text to 125 characters or less to ensure it shows up across all devices. Remember, it should be easy to read and understand.


![example of alt text for image seo](/uploads/image_alt_text_example_seo_259bf3f0e4.png)

## Leverage Image File Name, Descriptive Caption and Image Title for Additional Optimisation

- **Image File Name**

When naming your image files, use descriptive and keyword-rich names that accurately represent the content of the image. Avoid generic names or arbitrary sequences of numbers and letters. Instead, use [relevant keywords](https://cogify.io/insights/how-to-implement-keywords-in-content) that align with the image's content and purpose.

For example: *"golden-retriever-puppy-red-collar.jpg"* is much better than *"IMG_1234.jpg".*

Remember to use hyphens (-) instead of underscores (_) in your image file names. Search engines treat hyphens as word separators, whereas underscores are not recognised as separators.

- **Descriptive Captions**

Captions appear below images and offer an extra layer of information and context. They should be concise yet informative, working in tandem with the image's alt text.

If we continue with the same golden retriever example, it could look something like this: 

*"Meet Bella, a 3-month-old golden retriever showing off her new red collar.”*

- **Image Titles**

Image titles refer to the title attribute of an image tag. This attribute appears as a tooltip when a user hovers over an image. It adds an extra layer of useful information for both users, and search engines.

In HTML, your image tag with the title attribute could look like this: 

**`*<img src="golden-retriever-puppy-red-collar.jpg" alt="golden retriever puppy wearing a red collar" title="3-Month-Old Golden Retriever Puppy, Bella, Wearing a Red Collar">*`**

![image alt text seo optimisation](/uploads/alt_image_text_seo_65e143cd0b.png)

## Tools and Plugins for Image Optimisation

Optimising images and their associated elements can be a time-consuming process. 

Fortunately, there are several tools and plugins available that can streamline and automate the image optimisation process, like:

- [TinyPNG](https://tinypng.com/)
- [ImageOptim](https://imageoptim.com/mac)
- [Yoast SEO](https://yoast.com/)
- [Adobe Photoshop](https://www.adobe.com/)
- [Google PageSpeed Insights.](https://pagespeed.web.dev/)

These tools streamline the process, improving website performance. Remember to review settings for optimal results.



## ****Elevate Your Website with Strategic Alt Text Optimisation****

Optimising your website's images with descriptive alt text is crucial for SEO, accessibility, and user experience. By following best practices and leveraging available tools, you can enhance your website's visibility, drive targeted traffic, and improve engagement. Don't underestimate the power of alt text in boosting your website's performance and taking it to new heights in search rankings. 

For expert assistance in optimising your website and implementing effective SEO strategies, [contact Cogify today!](https://cogify.io/services)




Discover the hidden power of image alt text for website optimisation. Learn how to create effective alt text, boost your SEO efforts, and avoid common mistakes. Enhance your website's visibility and user experience with easy steps.

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Image Alt Text: A Hidden Gem for Website Optimisation

Navigate the complexities of Technical SEO and supercharge your website's visibility. Understand the distinction between Technical and On-Page SEO, and discover essential elements to guarantee your site's optimal ranking. Enhance performance, optimise for mobile, and more!

Unlocking Organic Traffic: The Ultimate Guide to Keyword Research

7 Reasons Why Your Pages Aren’t Indexed + How to Fix

Image Alt Text: A Hidden Gem for Website Optimisation

Technical SEO: Maximising Visibility and Performance

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Unlocking Organic Traffic: The Ultimate Guide to Keyword Research

7 Reasons Why Your Pages Aren’t Indexed + How to Fix

Image Alt Text: A Hidden Gem for Website Optimisation

Technical SEO: Maximising Visibility and Performance

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Company

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