7 Ways to Optimize Image Alt Texts for SEO in a Gallery of Historical Photographs

In the realm of SEO, the art of crafting alt texts for historical images is nuanced and critical. We’ve gathered insights from SEO experts, including SEO Consultants and Founders, to bring you seven specific tips. From crafting mini-narratives in alt texts to keeping alt texts concise and descriptive, these professionals shed light on optimizing your gallery’s SEO potential.

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Craft Mini-Narratives in Alt Texts

When optimizing image alt texts for a gallery of historical photographs, think of each alt text as a mini-narrative that captures the essence of the moment. Instead of just labeling an image as “old car,” you might say, “a vintage 1920s Ford Model T parked in front of a bustling New York City street.” 

This not only provides context for search engines but also paints a vivid picture for visually impaired users. Imagine you’re a storyteller at a dinner party, and your job is to make each photograph come alive with just a few words. By focusing on the emotions, settings, and key details, you create a richer, more engaging experience for everyone who interacts with your gallery.

Lukasz Zelezny, SEO Consultant, SEO ANT LTD

Describe Photo Elements in Detail

There’s a fundamental flaw in the way this question has been formed. Alt tags are not an opportunity to stuff keywords for SEO. They exist to provide an alternative way to understand the content of the photo if you can’t see it. There could be any number of reasons for this, but let’s use visual impairment as the motivation. 

With that in mind, the best practice is to describe in detail the elements of the photo. Instead of “photo of a horse in 1910,” try “a black-and-white spotted horse in front of a dilapidated barn and an old oak tree.” Paint a picture with words to help those who can’t see feel like they understand what is being conveyed visually.

Jeremy Ross, Co-Founder, Volume11

Use Descriptive Keywords with Context

When optimizing image alt texts for SEO in a gallery of historical photographs, focus on descriptive keywords that accurately convey the content of each image while incorporating relevant historical context. This not only improves accessibility for users with disabilities but also enhances search engine visibility by providing context for image search algorithms. 

Remember, precision is key; prioritize clarity and relevance over keyword stuffing to ensure maximum impact on SEO performance. With thoughtful alt-text optimization, you’ll not only boost your gallery’s visibility but also attract more traffic and potential customers eager to engage with your historical content.

Tim Woda, Founder, White Peak

Delve into the Specifics of Historical Events

Incorporate descriptive alt texts that capture the essence of each historical photograph. Rather than generic descriptions, delve into specifics, such as dates, locations, and significant events depicted. This not only aids visually impaired users but also reinforces the relevance of images to search engines. 

By providing context through alt texts, you enhance the accessibility and SEO value of your historical photograph gallery, driving more targeted traffic to your site.

Koray Tugberk GUBUR, Founder and Owner, Holistic SEO

Blend Descriptive Keywords with Emotion

Crafting image alt texts for historical photograph galleries demands a delicate balance of accuracy and storytelling. My go-to tip is to blend descriptive keywords with emotive language, capturing the essence of each image while optimizing for SEO. 

By painting vivid mental pictures through alt texts, we not only enhance accessibility but also ensure our content is discoverable by search engines, driving organic traffic to Empathy First Media’s historical treasures.

Daniel Lynch, President and Owner, Empathy First Media

Incorporate Keywords with Historical Context

Here’s a concise best practice for optimizing image alt texts for SEO in a gallery of historical photographs:

Keyword Inclusion with Contextual Richness: When crafting alt texts for historical photographs, it’s essential to include keywords that accurately describe the image while also providing historical context. For instance, instead of using a generic description like “old photograph,” use a more detailed and context-rich phrase like “1920s Paris street scene with vintage cars and pedestrians.” 

This not only improves SEO by incorporating relevant keywords but also enhances the image’s discoverability for those specifically interested in certain historical eras or themes. Aim for descriptions that are informative and directly relevant to the content of the photograph, enriching the user experience and search engine indexing.

Bhavik Sarkhedi, CMO, Write Right

Keep Alt Texts Concise and Descriptive

For enhancing SEO with alt texts in a gallery of historical photographs, a key practice is to keep your descriptions concise and descriptive, ideally under 125 characters. This brevity ensures the text is fully displayed by screen readers and properly indexed by search engines without being cut off.

Avoid generic introductions like “image of…”—instead, directly describe the historical significance, such as “1910 Paris street market scene.” This specific, succinct approach helps improve accessibility and SEO, making your images more discoverable and relevant in search results.

Marco Genaro Palma, Freelance CMO and SEO Consultant, SEO Coach

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