To fix missing alt text, add an alt attribute to every meaningful <img> describing what the image shows. Use alt="" only for purely decorative images. Update images in your CMS media library or HTML templates, then re-scan to confirm.
Images without alt text are invisible to screen reader users and weaken SEO for image-heavy pages. Adding concise, accurate descriptions is one of the fastest accessibility wins — and often the most common finding on scans.
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Business impact
Missing alt text excludes blind and low-vision visitors from understanding your content — and creates compliance risk under accessibility laws like the UK Equality Act and EU accessibility requirements. It also means product and gallery images miss search visibility.
Why this happens
Alt text is missing when <img> tags have no alt attribute, or CMS uploads default to empty alt. Decorative images should use alt="" so screen readers skip them. Meaningful images need alt that conveys the same information the image provides — not "image of…" padding. Icons used as buttons need accessible names (alt or aria-label).
How to confirm the issue
Manually: use a browser extension (WAVE, axe) or DevTools → Elements to find images without alt. Tab through the page with a screen reader to hear what is announced.
With Plexa Trust: look for "Missing Image Alt Text"; re-scan after fixes — the count should drop to zero.
Step-by-step fix
Run your scan or WAVE to list images missing alt text.
For each meaningful image, write a short description of what it communicates.
Add
alt="description"in HTML or the CMS image settings.Set
alt=""for purely decorative images (spacers, borders).Fix logos, icons, and product images — not only blog photos.
Re-scan to confirm all findings are cleared.
Platform-specific fixes
WordPress
Edit each image in Media Library → Alternative Text field.
For posts, update alt in the block editor image settings sidebar.
Bulk: use plugins like Auto Image Alt or review with Media Library Assistant.
Shopify
Edit product images → Add alt text in the image details panel.
Update theme images in Customize → theme settings or section code.
Wix / Squarespace
Click each image → Settings → Alt text / Accessibility description.
Apply to header logos, gallery images, and icons.
Custom HTML / React
Add alt prop to every <img> and Image component.
Lint with eslint-plugin-jsx-a11y to catch missing alt in CI.
How to verify the fix
Describe the image's purpose, not every visual detail.
Do not keyword-stuff alt text — write for humans using screen readers.
Re-scan after bulk media uploads.
Common mistakes
Using the filename as alt text (IMG_4523.jpg).
Adding alt to decorative images when alt="" is correct.
Forgetting logo and icon images in the header/footer.
Frequently asked questions
What makes good alt text?
A concise description of what the image communicates in context — e.g. "Blue running shoes, side view" on a product page.
When should alt be empty?
When the image is purely decorative and adds no information — use alt="" so screen readers skip it.
Do all images need alt?
Every img element needs an alt attribute — either descriptive text or alt="" for decorative.
What about CSS background images?
Background images are decorative by default. If they convey meaning, use an img with alt instead.
Does alt text help SEO?
Yes, for image search and overall page relevance — but write for accessibility first.
How long should alt be?
Usually one sentence. Complex images (charts) may need longer description or a linked text alternative.
What about SVG icons?
Use aria-label on the button/link, or title/desc inside SVG with aria-labelledby.
How do I confirm it worked?
Plexa Trust re-scan clears "Missing Image Alt Text"; WAVE shows no missing alt errors.
Think you've fixed it?
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