April 25, 2024

How to Use & Optimize Amazon Image Alt Text to Boost Sales

Let’s say you have a nice product. You post it on Amazon. You add pretty pictures. But what if some people can’t see them? Or what if search engines can’t understand them?

That’s where Amazon image alt text comes in. It’s like telling the internet what’s in the picture using words.

Sounds simple, right? And guess what — doing this the right way can help you show up in more searches and even make more sales. So, if you're new to Amazon or just want to do better, this guide is for you.

What Is Amazon Image Alt Text?

Alt text is short for “alternative text.” It’s a little sentence that describes what’s in a picture. For example, if your image shows a red coffee mug, the alt text might say: “Red ceramic coffee mug on a white table.”

Amazon uses this to understand your product better. So do screen readers, which help blind or visually impaired shoppers “read” the page.

So yeah, alt text helps humans and robots know what’s in your product image. That’s powerful.

Why You Should Optimize Amazon Image Alt Text

Better for Search Engines

When you optimize Amazon image alt text, you’re helping search engines like Google and Amazon's own A9 algorithm understand your product.

Let’s say someone searches “wooden baby spoon.” If your picture has the alt text “natural wooden baby spoon for toddlers,” it’s more likely to show up. Why? Because the words match what people are searching for.

Using the right words in your alt text helps you get found. And if more people find your listing, more people may buy it.

Helps Shoppers Who Can’t See Images

Not everyone can see your product photo. Maybe they use a screen reader. Maybe their internet is slow, and the image won’t load. In both cases, the alt text steps in and saves the day.

A clear description builds trust. It tells shoppers you care about everyone, not just people who can see perfectly.

Makes Your Listings More Helpful

Think of alt text like a friendly helper. It adds more info without being pushy. When someone reads your listing and sees the image plus a good description of that image, it gives them a clearer idea of what they're buying.

That extra clarity? It can turn curious browsers into buyers.

And that’s the goal, right?

How to Write Good Alt Text for Amazon Images

Keep It Short and Clear

No one wants to read a long story when looking at a picture. Keep it simple. About 5–15 words are usually just right.

Here’s a bad example:

“Best Amazon spoon top seller eco-friendly kids' baby amazing reviews new 2024.”

It’s confusing and spammy.

Here’s a good one:

“Smooth wooden baby spoon with round handle.”

The second one is easy to understand. And it’s honest.

Use Your Main Keyword Naturally

Remember the keyword we’re working with optimize Amazon image alt text.

You don’t need to force it. Just use it when it makes sense. For example:

“High-quality stainless-steel spoon — optimize Amazon image alt text for better search.”

Still sounds natural, right? That’s the trick.

Use your keywords like you’d use spices. A little makes it tasty. Too much? It ruins the dish.

Say What the Image Shows

If your image is showing a product from the side, say so. If it’s a close-up of the fabric, mention it.

Alt text should say:

“Close-up of cotton fabric on baby romper, showing stitching.”

Not:

“Cute baby product for moms.”

Be clear. Be real. Be helpful.

Think Like a Shopper

Imagine someone looking for your product. What would they type? What would they want to see?

That’s what your alt text should answer. Think like them. Write like them.

If they want to know the size, material, or color, and it’s in the picture — say it in the alt text.

Research-Backed Tips to Optimize Amazon Image Alt Text

Look at What Top Sellers Do

This is smart: go to Amazon, search for your product type, and click on the top listings. What do their images say? Can you figure out what their alt text might be?

You can’t always see alt text on Amazon pages directly, but you can guess based on how well their listing performs and how well their images are described in the content.

Take notes. Learn from the best.

Use Amazon’s Search Suggestions

Start typing your product name in the Amazon search bar. See those auto-suggestions? Those are gold.

That’s what people are searching for. Use those exact phrases when writing your alt text.

Let’s say you type “baby spoon.” Amazon shows:

• Baby spoon soft tip
• Baby spoon wood
• Baby spoon set

Now you can write: “Set of 3 soft tip baby spoons in pastel colors.” Boom. It matches search intent.

Follow Amazon SEO Rules

Amazon doesn’t officially list rules for alt text the way Google does, but common SEO rules still apply:

• Be descriptive, not spammy
• Use natural language
• Include relevant keywords
• Don’t lie about what’s in the image

Keep those in mind as you write.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Alt Text

Don’t Stuff Keywords

Trying too hard to rank can backfire. You might think that adding your keyword — optimize Amazon image alt text — five times in one line is smart. But it’s not. It just looks messy.

Search engines are smart now. They know when you’re overdoing it. And Amazon might even lower your product rank for keyword stuffing.

Don’t Use Vague Words

Words like “awesome,” “cool,” or “great” don’t help. They don’t tell the shopper anything useful.

Here’s an example:

“Awesome new product.”

What does that mean? Nothing. You could be selling a fridge or a pair of socks.

Now try:

“Insulated stainless steel water bottle with flip lid.”

Much better. The shopper gets a clear picture from the words.

Be direct. Be specific. Always.

Don’t Repeat the Same Text on Every Image

You may have five pictures of the same product. But they show different angles or features, right? Then your alt text should be different too.

Wrong way:

Alt text for every image: “Red ceramic mug.”

Right way:

1. “Red ceramic mug — top view showing wide mouth.”
2. “Red ceramic mug — close-up of handle and grip.”
3. “Red ceramic mug — side profile with glossy finish.”

This tells the story of your product. Each image adds value.

How Optimized Image Alt Text Helps Boost Sales

Helps You Show Up in Search

When you optimize Amazon image alt text, you’re feeding Amazon’s search engine exactly what it wants — clear info.

Let’s say someone types “reusable stainless lunch box.” Your alt text says: “Bento-style stainless steel lunch box with 3 sections — great for kids and adults.”

That match? It boosts your chance to pop up in search results. And more visibility often means more sales.

That’s the whole point, right?

Builds Trust with Customers

You know what builds trust? Details. Real, honest, helpful details.

If someone is blind or has limited vision, a screen reader reads your alt text. If that text is clear and thoughtful, it shows you care.

People notice that. It feels human.

Even for folks who can see the image, a good alt text can back up what they’re seeing and remove doubt.

Gives You a Competitive Edge

Most sellers don’t even know what alt text is, let alone how to use it. That’s your chance to stand out.

You’re not just adding words — you’re adding meaning. Every time someone skips this step, and you don’t? You move ahead.

It’s a quiet way to win, but a powerful one.

Easy Checklist for Alt Text Optimization

Want to be sure you’re doing it right every time? Use this super simple checklist.

Use the Right Words

• Focus on what’s in the image
• Add 1–2 keywords naturally
• Use clear, helpful words

Make It Clear and Honest

• Don’t exaggerate
• Don’t mislead
• Don’t use marketing fluff

Example: “Blue toddler shoes with soft soles and velcro straps” = YES

Example: “Best baby shoes ever — amazing quality deal” = NO

Test and Improve Over Time
SEO isn’t “set and forget.” It changes. Shoppers change. Even Amazon updates its rules.

So come back to your listings now and then. Ask:

• Does this alt text still help?
• Can I say it better?
• Am I using keywords the way people search today?

Small changes can make a big difference.

Tools That Help You Optimize Amazon Image Alt Text

Let’s be honest — writing alt text for every image can be tiring. Good news? There are tools that make it easier.

Free Online Tools

• Alt Text Generator by SEOPressor: Type in your image type and get suggestions
• ImageAltText.com: Creates alt text using AI — just paste your image link

These tools aren’t perfect, but they’re a great start, especially for beginners.

Amazon SEO Plugins

If you use software like Helium 10 or Jungle Scout, they often include image SEO tools. These can:

• Suggest keywords
• Show what’s missing in your listing
• Help you track what works

Image Audit Tools

Tools like Screaming Frog or Sitebulb (used for websites) can also find missing or weak alt texts. They show:

• Which images have no alt text
• Which alt text is too long or too short

You don’t need to be techy. Just copy your product page link into the tool and let it scan.

Real-Life Examples of Good and Bad Alt Text

Let’s make this real. Here are some side-by-side examples to learn from.

Example of Good Alt Text

Product: Baby bib

Alt Text: “Cotton baby bib with snap button and colorful animal print — optimize Amazon image alt text”

Why it’s good:

• Tells what the product is
• Says what’s special (snap button, print)
• Uses the keyword naturally

Example of Bad Alt Text

Alt Text: “Best seller baby gift Amazon bibs awesome colorful”

Why it’s bad:

• Keyword stuffed
• Too vague
• Doesn’t describe the image

You don’t want your customer thinking, “What am I even looking at?”

How Often to Update Your Image Alt Text

When You Change Images
If you upload a new image for your product — update the alt text. Always.

A new photo might show a different color, size, or feature. The old alt text won’t match anymore, and that can confuse search engines and buyers.

Example:

Old Image: “White ceramic mug with square handle”

New Image: “Black ceramic mug with round handle”

Alt text must change too!

After SEO Updates
Amazon changes its rules from time to time. So does Google. That’s why it's smart to review your image alt text every few months.

Did Amazon just start favoring short-tail or long-tail keywords? Are there new search terms trending? Update your alt text to match what’s hot.

Based on Buyer Feedback
Sometimes, customers will tell you what’s missing. Maybe they didn’t understand the size or thought it looked different than expected.

Use that feedback to make your alt text clearer next time. It’s like free advice — straight from your target audience.

Why Alt Text Helps Build Trust

Shows You Care About Details
Anyone can post a picture. Not everyone takes the time to describe it well.

If you do, that shows effort. And effort builds trust.

Shoppers want to feel safe. They want to know they’re buying from someone who cares.

Alt text helps show that, even in small ways.

Makes Listings More Inclusive
Not everyone sees pictures the same way. Some people use screen readers. Some browse on slow networks where images don’t load.

When you write good alt text, you include everyone.

That makes your store more human. More kind. More trustworthy.

Adds a Human Touch
People buy from people — not robots.

Alt text gives you a chance to sound real. Not like a big brand or a machine. Just a person who’s proud of what they’re selling and wants to help.

Those feeling sticks.

How to Track Your Results

Check Image SEO Reports
If you use tools like Helium 10 or DataHawk, check the SEO score for your images. Some tools show:

• Missing alt text
• Weak descriptions
• Keyword matches

Use that data to make smart changes.

Look at Traffic Changes
After updating alt text, did your listing get more clicks? More page views?

You can find that in your Amazon business reports.

It’s not just about the words. It’s about the results.

Watch Your Sales Numbers
Here’s the real test: are more people buying?

Good alt text can increase buyer confidence. More confidence often means more sales.

Compare your “before” and “after” results. Even small gains are a win.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Win Big

Writing alt text might seem tiny, but it’s not. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes things that can make a big difference over time.

If you optimize Amazon image alt text, you’re not just adding words. You’re adding value — for your buyers, for search engines, and for your own brand.

So, start small. Be honest. Be clear. Be helpful.

You got this.

FAQs

Q1: What’s the best length for Amazon image alt text?
Around 5–15 words. Enough to describe the image, not so long that it’s confusing.

Q2: Can I use emojis in my alt text?
No. Keep it plain, simple, and professional. Emojis confuse screen readers.

Q3: Should I use the same alt text on all product images?
No. Each image shows something different — your text should too.

Q4: Does Amazon show alt text on product pages?
Not to buyers. But Amazon's system (and Google) reads it in the backend.

Q5: How often should I update my image alt text?
Check it every 3–6 months, or after major updates to your product or SEO strategy.

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