In the world of web accessibility, it’s the little things that make a big difference. And when it comes to image buttons, one of the most important little things is the alternate text. Alternate text is a short, descriptive label that tells screen readers what the image button is about. Without alternate text, your image buttons can be a confusing and frustrating experience for users who are blind or have low vision. This guide will explore the importance of alternate text for image buttons and how to fix it.
Think of your image buttons as a row of unlabeled buttons. Without a label, you have no idea what each button does. The same is true for your website. By giving each image button a unique and descriptive alternate text, you can create a more accessible and user-friendly experience for everyone. For a deeper dive into the world of accessibility, see our article on accessibility.
Your Guide to a More Accessible and User-Friendly Website
Fixing missing alternate text for image buttons is a simple but important task. Here’s how to do it:
- Identify Your Image Buttons Without Alternate Text: Use an accessibility testing tool like Creeper to crawl your site and identify any image buttons that are missing alternate text.
- Add Alternate Text to Your Code: You can add alternate text to your image buttons by using the ‘alt’ attribute. The value of the attribute should be a short, descriptive name for the button.
The SEO Power of an Accessible Website
An accessible website is a more successful website. By making your website more accessible, you can improve your user experience, reach a wider audience, and even improve your SEO. For more on the importance of a well-structured website, check out this guide to the alt attribute from MDN.
Don’t let your image buttons be a mystery to your users. By taking the time to give them alternate text, you can build a more accessible and successful online presence. For more on how to create a winning on-page strategy, see our article on on-page SEO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an image button?
An image button is a button that uses an image instead of text. It’s often used for things like social media icons, search buttons, and other types of graphical buttons.
Why is it important for my image buttons to have alternate text?
It’s important for your image buttons to have alternate text so that screen readers can announce the purpose of the button to the user. This is crucial for users who are blind or have low vision.
How do I add alternate text to my image buttons?
You can add alternate text to your image buttons by using the ‘alt’ attribute. The value of the attribute should be a short, descriptive name for the button.
Ready to make your image buttons more accessible? Start your Creeper audit today and see how you can improve your use of alternate text.