Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you should be wasting away. Marketing works all the time, and now is the time to double down on your marketing efforts. The curve will flatten, and if you’re not ready for the bounce that comes with it, your competitors will be more than happy to take on all the business you’re passing up.

As I discussed in my introduction to the social isolation quick fix series, I’ve found myself to be a lot more productive in the past couple days, and have decided to use some of my time spent distancing help you get closer to your leads, prospects, and customers. Over the next few weeks, I’m dropping a few blogs to help you do more with your marketing efforts.

Whether that’s a reading list, productivity tips, or tutorials, I’m going rogue and you’re the one to benefit.

Today’s topic? Instagram. More importantly, using Instagram to fuel your SEO efforts. How? Alt Text.

What is Alt Text?

Alternative Text or Alt-Text is an accessibility requirement used to provide accurate and appropriate descriptions of an image. This text is used by screen readers to gather information about the meaning and context of an image.

Necessary for Accessibility

Defined in the Moz SEO Learning Center, Alt text, also known as “alt attributes”, “alt descriptions”, or technically incorrectly as “alt tags,” are used within an HTML code to describe the appearance and function of an image on a page.

Moz notes that “adding alternative text to photos is first and foremost a principle of web accessibility. Visually impaired users using screen readers will be read an alt attribute to better understand an on-page image.”

Used Thoroughly by Google

Who else uses alt text? Google. Most notably, Google crawlers. You know, the things that tell Google, “hey, this thing matches a search query. These people might know the answer. You should put them in the image search.”

Well…

If alt text describes an image, Instagram is the largest image-based social network, and Google uses alt text to find images;

Then… would be beneficial to mark up your Instagram posts with alt text.

Adding Alt Text to Instagram Posts

In early 2019, Instagram introduced alt tags. In addition to Instagram text you’d normally add, you can now add and edit alt text in your posts. This is important for a few reasons.

  • First, it helps you relate to visually impaired readers.
  • Second, if you don’t control it, Instagram is going to add the alt text for you.
  • Third, the 800-pound gorilla. Or should we call it the Goog-rilla? Yeah. Google.

Now that you have a bit of time on your hands, if you’re running your company’s Instagram, maybe you should take some time to go back and tag all of your images.

Adding Alt Text to New Posts

Adding it to a new post is easy—make a habit of clicking ‘advanced settings’, ‘write alt text’ before you post.

Adding Alt Text to Old Instagram Posts

Editing old posts is just as easy. The hardest part might be getting to the bottom of your Instagram profile. Other than that, it’s as simple as:

  • Select the photo you want to tag
  • Tap the three dots in the top right corner, tap edit.
  • Tap ‘Add Alt Text’ in the bottom right corner.
  • Describe each image in detail using less than 125 characters. Write like you’re explaining the image to someone who can’t see it. Don’t get too spammy, but definitely consider search terms.

Here’s an example from the Kickstarter Instagram I’m running on the side.

How to Edit Alt Text on Instagram

 

And there you have it. Ready for the visually impaired, ready for the Google crawler.

Hit the Ground Running: Get to Know Modern Marketing Partners

Well, already broke my 500-word promise. Sorry!

Even during this pandemic, we’re working hard. As one of those businesses more than capable of working from home, we have been putting in a ton of work to ensure our clients not only survive the short downturn, but that they’re primed for growth after this short downturn.

If you’re looking to make the most of the massive bounce that’s going to happen after the Coronavirus dip ends, you’re going to want to know us. Click here for a free website analysis and get to know more about us here