In the competitive world of Amazon selling, every optimization counts. While most sellers focus on titles, bullet points, and backend search terms, one critical SEO element is often overlooked—Alt Text.
Alt text in Amazon product images plays a crucial role in improving SEO, enhancing discoverability, and ultimately increasing sales. If used correctly, it can help your product rank higher in search results and reach more potential buyers. However, many sellers either ignore this feature or fail to use it effectively.
So, what exactly is the alt text, and how can you use it to maximize your Amazon success?
What Is Alt Text in Amazon Listings?
Alt text is the hidden text associated with product images. While shoppers don’t see it, Amazon’s algorithm does. It helps Amazon understand what your product images represent and determines how relevant they are to customer searches.
With alt text, you get an additional 100-character space per image to include valuable keywords that you might not have been able to fit into your title or bullet points. Yet, many sellers leave this field almost empty—missing out on massive SEO potential!
How to Optimize Alt Text for Amazon SEO
To make the most of alt text, you need a strategic approach. Here’s how you can optimize it effectively:
1. Use Descriptive, Keyword-Rich Text
Instead of generic descriptions like “This is my brand” or “This is my logo”, craft keyword-rich descriptions that accurately describe the product and its features.
Example of optimized alt text:
“Colorful insulated water bottles in different sizes, perfect for travel, hiking, and outdoor adventures.”
Example of poor alt text:
“Water bottle, travel, hiking, insulated, bottle, adventure.” (This is keyword stuffing and lacks clarity.)
2. Include Keywords You Missed in the Main Listing
Amazon allows only a limited number of keywords in the title and bullet points. However, alt text provides an extra space to add relevant search terms you couldn’t fit elsewhere.
Use tools like Helium 10 or Jungle Scout to find high-ranking keywords that can be strategically placed in alt text.
3. Leverage A+ Content and Brand Story Alt Text
If you have Brand Registry, you can enhance your product listing with A+ Content and Brand Story images. These images also allow for alt text, giving you even more opportunities to optimize your listing.
How to add alt text in A+ Content:
- Go to A+ Content Manager in Seller Central.
- Upload an image in an A+ module.
- Find the “Image Keywords” field—this serves as alt text for accessibility and indexing.
- Add a relevant, keyword-rich description.
- Do the same for Brand Story images.
4. Add Spanish Keywords & Common Misspellings
The U.S. has a large Spanish-speaking population, yet most Amazon sellers don’t include Spanish keywords in their listings. Adding relevant Spanish search terms in your alt text can significantly boost visibility among Spanish-speaking customers.
Additionally, including common misspellings (without using them in your product title) can help capture more search traffic. Many customers accidentally misspell product names when searching, and using these variations in alt text can direct them to your listing.
5. Avoid Common Alt Text Mistakes
While optimizing alt text, avoid these common mistakes:
Using commas – Alt text should be written as a natural sentence, not a list of keywords.
Keyword stuffing – Repeating the same keyword multiple times reduces effectiveness.
Adding unnecessary words – Stick to useful keywords and meaningful descriptions.
Why Alt Text Matters for Amazon SEO
Implementing alt text correctly can bring multiple benefits to your Amazon business
- Increased Visibility – More keywords mean better chances of appearing in search results.
- Higher Conversion Rates – Reaching more relevant buyers leads to more sales.
- Better SEO Ranking – Alt text helps Amazon index your listing more effectively.
- Clean Titles & Bullet Points – Instead of cramming all keywords into your title and bullets, you can place additional keywords in the alt text.
- Greater Accessibility – Alt text also improves accessibility for visually impaired customers who use screen readers.
Final Thoughts
Alt text is an underrated yet powerful Amazon SEO tool. Many sellers ignore it or misuse it, missing out on an easy way to boost rankings and increase sales.
By taking the time to optimize your alt text properly, you can improve your product’s discoverability, attract more shoppers, and ultimately double your sales.
Don’t waste this valuable SEO opportunity—fix your alt text today!
Need help optimizing your Amazon listings? Contact us at info@ecomclips.com
