2.5 Images (Lever 5)MediumVerified
Empty alt on meaningful image
An empty alt is correct for decoration but wrong for an image that carries meaning, where it leaves screen-reader users and crawlers with nothing.
What it is
alt=”” on a content image.
Why it matters
Treats meaningful content as decorative; lost context.
How to fix it
Describe the image in alt.
How to find it on your site
- Find images with empty alt that actually convey information.
- Decide what the image communicates.
- Write descriptive alt text that conveys it.
- Keep empty alt only for genuinely decorative images.
Cross-reference to ranking and citation factors
Empty alt on a meaningful image drops its information for accessibility and search. Describe what it shows.
Impact
Low-medium. Direct.
Evidence
Use descriptive alt for meaningful images. Google Search Central, Image SEO best practices