Instagram recently introduced an additional feature for alt text that allows you to customize that for your every Instagram post. While typical Instagram followers cannot read the alt text, but it’s readable by search engines. This means your brand will receive SEO value that can help you to customize the alt text of your image. Additionally, remember that Instagram has an algorithm that sets alt text for your every image automatically.
The purpose of the alt text is to provide an experience of Instagram posts or images to visually impaired people. However, marketers found out another beneficial purpose of alt text. It helps the search engine to understand the context of an image. As images are becoming highly popular content amongst various social media platforms, it’s also becoming an important factor for the SERP. When you add custom alt text on your images, you’ll boost the chances of Google to search and share your photo in the SERP.
Before starting, let’s see what Instagram alt text is.
What is Alt Text?
The abbreviated form of alt text is alternative text and it’s used to enhance the experience of visually impaired people. It’s also used to describe the context of an image if the image fails to load normally. According to Forbes, screen reading software reads the description of the alt text to the user so that they can learn genuine information about the image.
If you’re aware of the importance of website SEO, then adding an impressive alt text is also mandatory for productive search rankings. It boosts the SEO of your website as well as the photos searched on Google.
Always remember that alt text is crucial to enhance the discoverability of your Instagram post. You can use Instagram growth service which can help for more discoverability.
How Searching Method on Instagram has Changed?
The searching method on Instagram has changed a lot from previous years. For Instance, if you search “gaming tips”, then Instagram will provide 3 recommendations consistingof that specified keyword. If you visit any one of them, you’ll notice contents that are relevant to the keyword you search with. You’ll notice other relevant keywords as well.
Instagram claims that the algorithm focuses on the “content type” along with the “number of factors”. It also uses artificial intelligence or machine learning to search for the highest and finest quality content relevant to you.
Don’t forget that searching with keywords is limited. For instance, if you search “social media tips”, then you’ll receive hashtags or accounts in the search result instead of keywords. This will expand in the future, but don’t forget this while you plan for alt text.
How to Customize Instagram ALT Text?
You can customize both new and old alt text for Instagram images. To customize or edit the alt text for a new upload, simply start the image uploading process. After you are done choosing the photo, click on the “Next” option. A page will be opened where you can add location, tag people and products, and write your caption. When you scroll down, you’ll find the “Advanced Settings” option. After clicking that, you’ll see the option “Write Alt Text”.
You can also edit previously added alt text. Click on the three dots in the top right corner and click on the “Edit” option. There you’ll see a small symbol “Aa” that says, “Edit Alt Text”. Press the option to edit or customize your alt text.
When You Should Apply Custom ALT Text?
You don’t necessarily need to upload custom alt text for every image, as the Instagram algorithm sets them automatically on your very images. Since Google will focus on the alt text, you should take time to write impressive and attractive alt text for your images. However, always post genuine pictures that you captured yourself.
You can also consider the Instagram Influencer program which is one of the best ways to integrate custom alt text. While influencers create funny and organic captions, but alt text can help you to demonstrate your product’s benefits and features more specifically. When you use custom alt text on the influencer images, it will attract a lot of attention to your product as well as the influencer’s profile. If you want to increase your fan base, then buy real IG followers.
How to Write Alt Text That Are SEO-Optimized?
If you want to develop good alt text to improve the SEO value of your Instagram profile, then you should write them as detailed as possible. However, here are some practices you shouldn’t forget:
- 125 Character Limitation: You cannot write alt text as long as you want because of the ADA tool. The ADA tool stops reading the alt text after 125 characters. Hence, you should write the valuable information within 125 characters to enhance the experience of visually impaired users.
- Use Non-Branded Keywords: When you use non-branded keywords in the alt text description, it will help your service or product to gain more visibility. Try to stick with primary non-branded keywords.
- Avoid Using Image-Based Terms: Don’t use terms such as “This image” or “Photo of” in the alt text section because it’s not needed. The tools to read the description will automatically mention it.
Conclusion
Try to use one or two keywords that can describe your product or image effortlessly. However, avoid using a bunch of keywords because it will affect the alt text rather than improving.
When you create an alt text like a sentenced structure, it will become relevant to your target audience. Not to mention, it will increase the synergy between the SEO results and your content from social media platforms.
