Title tags on image and text links

[OldWelshGuy]

The alt image carries no weight for normal SEo on page optimisation. It IS best practice to use it due to usability, but IF the image is a link, then the image tqakes on new importance as seaerch engines place more weight on links. With the image as a link, the algorithm has no knowledge of what the image is about, so the text used in the ATL atribute becomes the equivalent of anchor text.

But, as matt C says, if you spamm your alt attr, then you will be seen as a spammer, in much the same way athat the keywords meta is ignored unless it is abused.

As for the 'bridge', it is simple. There are three main elements in a link
1. anchor page
2. target page
3. anchor text

The anchor text is a bridge between the two pages, by this I mean to say that it is seen by the algorithm as appearing on BOTH the anchor page AND the target page. It is effectively lifted up, and placed on the anchor page (which is why the anchor text is so important). Now there are alos huge factors like semantic relevance, and if when the anchor text is placed on the target page it has semantic relations to the content, then again it becomes a far more powerful link.

Hopefully that has explained the bridge function of the anchor text.

[TeamPlayer]

This is where it`s a bit confusing. Not trying to promote one of my sites here, but I can best describe what I`m saying by posting the link.

Outdoor Living Products

When I placed the images on that site via my online editor I inserted a description in a box, by replacing the image code, which is non-descriptive of course.

Now, when I`m on Firefox, and hover over an image, those words I put in show up, eg Strathwood Falkner Lounge Deep Seat Arm Chair. But, that appears under Miscellaneous Properties, NOT under Alternative text. Next to Alternative text it has the word Missing next to it.

Yet, I`ve just clicked on an image on this forum, and I see the words Your Advert Here next to both Alternative text, and Misc Properties > Title.

So, my question is, am I missing out by not having the description next to Alt. Text, and if so, how do I go about inserting it?

[KingPin]

Alt text and anchor text are two separate things all together.

Alt is for usability and anchor is for search.

OWG gives a very good example of this as does TeamPlayer.

KP

[TeamPlayer]

Yes, but my question is - HOW do I insert the alt text on an image?

[KingPin]

<img src="kingpin.jpg" height="200" width="200" alt="The Best SEM In The World">

Ok, a little far fetched but that is how you do it.

Obviously with sizes that suit your image accordingly.

KP

[TeamPlayer]

I`m a bit surprised that no one here managed to give me the code to use, which I`ve now found elsewhere. This is all I was after.

<img src="/images/picture1.jpg" alt="Relevant ALT text" title="Descriptive TITLE text">

[KingPin]

Originally Posted by KingPin

<img src="kingpin.jpg" height="200" width="200" alt="The Best SEM In The World">

TM, did you not see my post above yours?

Ok it was not the full code but a start.

KP

[inertia]

I am still a bit confused as to the difference between alt and title tags? Can anyone clarify 100% on the purpose of each and the best way to format them?

[KingPin]

The alt tag means "alternative text", when you hover over a link/picture you will get a little pop-up telling you what that picture is.

The title is telling the user and the search engines what that link is called.

If I just held up a 50 pence peice and never said a word, you would just look at me and probably say "whats that for?"

But if I held it up and said "Heres 50p, go and buy a can of pop" you'll know exactly what it is and what it is for.

Make sense?

KP

[inertia]

Yeah it makes sense. Alt(ernative) for images and title for links to help the visitor decide whether they want to click on the link. But should you make each one keyword rich or will it have no effect on SERPs?