Shopify Alt Tags: 10 Powerful Tips for SEO Success 2025

Why Shopify Alt Tags Are Critical for Your Store’s Success

Shopify alt tags are HTML attributes that describe your images to search engines and assistive technologies – and they’re one of the most overlooked opportunities for boosting your store’s visibility and accessibility.

Quick Answer for Shopify Alt Tags:
– What they are: Descriptive text added to images via the alt attribute
– Where to add them: Products → click image → “ALT” button in Shopify admin
– Character limit: 512 max, but 125 or fewer recommended
– SEO benefit: Helps Google index and rank your images
– Accessibility benefit: Screen readers announce descriptions to visually impaired users
– Impact: Can improve search rankings and make your store inclusive

Here’s the reality: 33% of images on homepages have missing or poor alt text according to recent studies. That means most stores are missing easy SEO wins while also excluding customers who rely on screen readers.

When images fail to load (which happens more than you’d think), alt text appears in place of the broken image. When visually impaired customers shop your store, screen readers announce your alt text aloud. When Google crawls your site, alt text helps the search engine understand what your products actually look like.

The good news? Adding effective alt text to your Shopify store is straightforward once you know the process. Whether you have 10 products or 10,000, there are efficient ways to optimize every image.

I’m Cesar A Beltran, founder of Blackbelt Commerce, and over the past 15+ years helping 1000+ businesses optimize their Shopify stores, I’ve seen how proper Shopify alt tags can dramatically improve both search rankings and conversion rates. Let me walk you through exactly how to implement this often-overlooked SEO strategy.

Key shopify alt tags vocabulary:
– shopify advanced seo
– shopify conversion optimization
– shopify experts seo

What Are Alt Tags and Why They Matter on Shopify

Think of Shopify alt tags as invisible captions. They sit inside a simple HTML attribute and describe what appears in each image:

html <img src="product-image.jpg" alt="Your description here">

That short alt description does three critical jobs:

Acts as a fallback when images fail to load.
Guides screen-reader software for shoppers who are blind or have low vision.
Tells Google what the picture shows, so it can appear in search and improve page relevance.

Skipping alt text is expensive. Independent studies show roughly one-third of e-commerce images have no useful alt tag, giving away easy SEO and accessibility wins. For a store that lives or dies by visuals, that gap hurts traffic and excludes potential customers.

SEO Benefits (CliffsNotes Version)

Google can’t “see” pixels—it reads words. Alt tags supply those words.
Quality alt text helps your products surface in Google Images, rich snippets and voice search.
Better relevance in image search often translates into higher click-through rates and lower bounce rates.

Accessibility Benefits (Why WCAG Cares)

Screen readers announce your alt text aloud, letting visually-impaired shoppers understand color, style and size before they buy.
Following WCAG guidelines protects you from accessibility claims and signals brand inclusivity.
Everyone benefits on slow connections—clear alt text keeps users engaged even while images load.

Bottom line: a single sentence in an alt attribute can widen your market, lift organic traffic and improve user experience all at once.

Best Practices for Writing Effective Shopify Alt Tags

Writing great alt text isn’t rocket science, but it does require balancing several important factors. After helping thousands of Shopify store owners optimize their images, I’ve learned that the best Shopify alt tags follow a few key principles that work for both search engines and real people.

The golden rule? Be specific and descriptive. Instead of lazy descriptions like “product image” or “shoes,” paint a clear picture of what someone would see. “Black leather Oxford dress shoes with brogue detailing” tells the whole story in just a few words. This approach helps both Google understand your content and helps customers using screen readers make informed decisions.

Here’s something most people get wrong: they think longer is always better. While Shopify technically allows up to 512 characters for alt text, stick to 125 characters or fewer when possible. Screen readers work more smoothly with shorter descriptions, and you’re forced to focus on what really matters. Think of it as writing a compelling tweet about your product.

Keywords matter, but context matters more. If you’re selling organic cotton bedsheets, that phrase should naturally appear in your alt text because it accurately describes the product. But cramming in “organic cotton bedsheets soft comfortable luxury premium quality” just sounds spammy and creates a terrible experience for anyone using assistive technology.

One mistake I see constantly: starting alt text with “image of” or “picture of.” Screen readers already announce they’re describing an image, so you’re wasting precious characters on redundant information. Jump straight into the description instead.

Punctuation actually matters more than most people realize. Screen readers use commas and periods as cues for natural pauses, making descriptions much easier to understand when read aloud. “Navy blue cotton t-shirt, crew neck, short sleeves” flows better than “Navy blue cotton t-shirt crew neck short sleeves.”

Your alt text should also match your brand personality. A playful brand might write “Cozy flannel pajamas perfect for Netflix marathons” while a luxury retailer would prefer “Premium flannel sleepwear in classic plaid pattern.” This consistency reinforces your brand voice even in places customers might not expect it.

Here’s a pro tip that many store owners miss: decorative images should have empty alt text (alt=””). If an image is purely decorative and doesn’t add meaningful information about your products, use empty alt attributes so screen readers skip them entirely. This actually improves the user experience by reducing unnecessary noise.

SEO-First Shopify Alt Tags

When you’re optimizing Shopify alt tags primarily for search engines, think like your customers search. Most people don’t type “footwear athletic male size-10” into Google. They search for “men’s running shoes size 10” using natural, conversational language.

Lead with your focus keyword when it naturally describes what’s in the image. “Wireless bluetooth headphones with noise cancellation” puts the main keyword upfront while still being genuinely descriptive. This isn’t about gaming the system – it’s about matching how people actually search for your products.

Alt text is also perfect for targeting long-tail keywords that might feel awkward in your main product descriptions. “Vintage leather messenger bag for MacBook Pro 16-inch” targets a very specific search intent that could drive highly qualified traffic to your store.

Think about image search intent too. When someone searches Google Images for your type of product, what would they type? Your alt text should naturally match those queries. This is especially powerful for product categories where visual search is common, like fashion, home decor, and electronics.

Accessibility-First Shopify Alt Tags

When writing Shopify alt tags with accessibility as the priority, put yourself in the shoes of someone who can’t see your images. What would they need to know to make a confident purchase decision?

Focus on essential information first. “Red silk evening dress with beaded bodice and floor-length skirt” gives a customer everything they need to visualize the product. You’re not writing poetry – you’re providing practical information that helps people shop confidently.

Avoid unnecessary repetition between your product titles and alt text. If your product title already says “iPhone 13 Case,” your alt text doesn’t need to repeat that exactly. Instead, describe the visual aspects: “Clear protective case showing phone’s original color and design.”

For lifestyle images, include relevant context that helps tell the story. “Woman wearing gray wool coat while walking in urban setting” provides more useful information than just “gray wool coat.” This context helps customers visualize how they might use the product in their own lives.

Most importantly, be honest and accurate. Never oversell or misrepresent what’s actually in the image. Accurate descriptions build trust, reduce returns, and create better experiences for everyone who shops your store.

How to Add or Edit Alt Text Across Shopify

The exact click path varies by image type, but every update takes seconds once you know where to look. Shopify allows 512 characters per tag, though staying under 125 characters is best for screen readers.

Image Location	Where to Edit	Difficulty	Typical Time
Product images	Product page (ALT button)	Easy	30 s each
Theme images	Theme editor	Easy	1 min each
Collection images	Code edit (2 lines)	Moderate	5 min total
Blog images	Blog post editor	Easy	30 s each
Bulk update	CSV import	Intermediate	One-off 1–2 h

Product Media (Desktop & Mobile)

Admin → Products → open item.
Hover image → click ALT → write description → Done.
Save the product page.

On the Shopify app, tap the image, choose the ⋯ menu, select Edit alt text, add your line, then save.

Theme, Collection & Blog Images

Theme images: Online Store → Themes → Customize. Click the image, enter alt text, save.
Collection images: Some themes output empty alt attributes. Fix once by editing two Liquid files:
sections/main-collection-banner.liquid: change alt="" to alt="{{ collection.image.alt }}".
snippets/card-collection.liquid: same change.
Blog images: Open the post, double-click the image, fill in the alt field, update and save.

After these quick edits, every visual element contributes to SEO and accessibility instead of being dead weight.

Scaling Alt Text: Bulk Editing, Automation & Apps

Manually editing hundreds of images is brutal. Three proven options let you finish the job without burning weeks of staff time.

1. CSV Bulk Editing (Free & Fast for <500 Products)

Export products to CSV.
Open in Google Sheets, locate the Image Alt Text column.
Hide unused columns, write concise 4–5-word descriptions, then import back and choose Replace existing products.
Done—no app fees.

2. Automation Apps (Worth It for Large Catalogs)

Image Alt Text Optimizer – auto-generates tags from product data, updates daily, about $1.99/mo.
StoreSEO – bundles alt-text automation with broader SEO tools; great if you want an all-in-one approach.

Both use template variables so a rule like {{ product.title }} {{ product.color }} becomes “Blue cotton hoodie.” Automation covers new SKUs automatically—huge time saver.

3. Metafields & Liquid Templates (Developer Route)

For tech-savvy teams, create a metafield-driven template that assembles alt text from attributes. Example Liquid snippet:

liquid alt="{{ product.title }} in {{ product.selected_or_first_available_variant.title }}"

Set it once, and every new variant inherits a useful tag.

Choose the Right Path

<500 products or one-time cleanup → CSV is plenty.
500+ products or frequent launches → pay for an app; ROI is immediate.
In-house devs → Liquid/metafield automation offers full control with no ongoing fees.

Whichever route you take, remember to spot-check results—automated tools still benefit from a quick human review to catch odd phrasing.

Common Mistakes, Pro Tips & Advanced Hacks

After helping over 1,000 Shopify stores optimize their alt text, I’ve seen the same mistakes pop up again and again. The good news? Once you know what to watch for, these issues are easy to fix.

The biggest mistake I see is keyword stuffing. Store owners get excited about SEO and cram every possible keyword into their alt text. Instead of “Red dress women’s fashion clothing apparel sale discount,” try something natural like “Red wrap dress with three-quarter sleeves.” Your customers (and Google) will thank you.

Using filenames as alt text is another common stumble. When you upload “IMG_4567.jpg” or “product-photo-blue-shirt-large.jpg” and forget to change the alt text, you’re missing a huge opportunity. A simple “Light blue cotton button-down shirt” tells the whole story in a way that actually helps people.

Here’s something that catches even experienced store owners: duplicate alt text across product variations. If you sell running shoes in five colors, don’t use “Running shoes” for all of them. “Black running shoes with white sole” and “White running shoes with gray accents” give customers the specific details they need to make a decision.

Don’t forget about decorative images either. Those banner flourishes and design elements that don’t add meaningful content should have empty alt text (alt=””) so screen readers skip right over them. It’s not about being lazy – it’s about being considerate to users who rely on assistive technology.

Now for the advanced stuff that can really set your store apart. If you’re selling internationally, consider translating your Shopify alt tags along with your product descriptions. This helps with local SEO and makes your store more accessible to customers browsing in their native language.

Metafield mapping is a game-changer for larger stores. You can set up templates that automatically generate alt text based on your product attributes. Imagine having “Blue cotton t-shirt size medium” generated automatically from your existing product data.

For the technically inclined, Liquid snippets can automate your alt text creation. A simple snippet like this pulls from your product data:

liquid {% assign alt_text = product.title | append: ' in ' | append: product.selected_or_first_available_variant.title %}

Here’s a pro tip most people miss: test your alt text with actual screen readers. Download NVDA for Windows or use VoiceOver on Mac to hear how your descriptions sound when read aloud. You’ll quickly find which descriptions flow naturally and which ones sound robotic.

Make alt text part of your regular SEO audits. Tools like Screaming Frog can crawl your entire site and identify missing alt text in minutes. At Blackbelt Commerce, we include alt text reviews in every Shopify SEO audit because it’s such low-hanging fruit for improvement.

The reality is that most of your competitors are still ignoring alt text completely. By implementing these strategies, you’re not just improving accessibility – you’re gaining a competitive advantage that can drive more traffic and sales to your store.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shopify Alt Tags

Let’s tackle the most common questions we hear from store owners about Shopify alt tags. These come up in nearly every consultation, so you’re definitely not alone if you’re wondering about these details.

What’s the ideal character count for Shopify alt text?

Here’s where things get interesting – Shopify gives you a generous 512 characters to work with, but that doesn’t mean you should use them all. Think of it like Twitter’s old character limit: just because you can write a novel doesn’t mean you should.

We recommend staying under 125 characters for the best user experience. Screen readers work most smoothly with shorter descriptions, and your customers won’t get overwhelmed by lengthy explanations when they’re just trying to understand what they’re looking at.

The magic formula? Aim for 4-5 descriptive words that capture what matters most. “Navy blue cotton crew neck t-shirt” clocks in at just 35 characters but tells the complete story. Compare that to a rambling description that mentions every stitch and thread – your customers (and Google) will appreciate the clarity.

Can I bulk-edit alt text without an app?

Absolutely! Shopify’s built-in CSV system is your friend here, especially if you’re working with a smaller catalog or just need to do a one-time optimization sweep.

The process is surprisingly straightforward: export your products as a CSV file, open it in Google Sheets (we prefer this over Excel for Shopify work), find the “Image Alt Text” column, and start writing those descriptions. Once you’re done, import the updated file back into Shopify and you’re golden.

This DIY approach works beautifully for stores with fewer than 500 products. Beyond that size, you’ll probably want to consider apps like Image Alt Text Optimizer – not because you can’t handle the CSV method, but because your time becomes more valuable than the monthly app fee.

Do decorative images need alt tags in Shopify?

This is where many store owners get confused, and honestly, it’s not their fault – the rules seem backwards at first glance.

Decorative images should have empty alt attributes (alt=””) rather than no alt text at all. I know, I know – it sounds like we’re telling you to add something by adding nothing. But there’s method to this madness.

When you use alt=””, you’re essentially telling screen readers “hey, this image is just for looks – skip it and keep reading the important stuff.” It’s like putting up a polite “nothing to see here” sign.

What counts as decorative? Background patterns, design flourishes, spacer images, and those aesthetic elements that look nice but don’t tell your customers anything meaningful about your products. If removing the image wouldn’t change your customer’s understanding of your product or page, it’s probably decorative.

But here’s the key distinction: if an image shows your product, demonstrates how to use it, or provides any useful information about your brand or offerings, it needs proper descriptive alt text. When in doubt, err on the side of being helpful to your customers who rely on screen readers.

Conclusion

Here’s the truth about Shopify alt tags: they’re probably the easiest SEO win you’re not taking advantage of yet. While your competitors are struggling with complex technical optimizations, you can leap ahead with something as simple as describing your images properly.

The impact goes way beyond just checking an SEO box. When you add thoughtful alt text to your product images, you’re creating immediate accessibility improvements for the millions of customers who rely on screen readers. You’re also giving Google the context it needs to showcase your products in image search results, which can drive qualified traffic straight to your product pages.

Think about it this way: every blank alt tag is a missed conversation with a potential customer. When someone using a screen reader lands on your product page and hears “image, image, image” instead of “navy blue cotton t-shirt with crew neck,” you’ve lost an opportunity to make a sale.

The improved user experience benefits everyone, too. We’ve all been on slow internet connections where images take forever to load. With proper alt text, your customers still understand what they’re looking at, even when your beautiful product photos are taking their sweet time to appear.

What makes this strategy so powerful is that 33% of stores still have missing or poor alt text. That means you can gain a significant competitive advantage simply by doing something most of your competitors haven’t bothered with yet.

The approach doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with your top 20 best-selling products and spend 30 seconds adding descriptive alt text to each image. Then work your way through the rest of your catalog systematically. Whether you choose the manual route for smaller stores or invest in automation tools for larger catalogs, the important thing is taking that first step.

At Blackbelt Commerce, we’ve watched stores achieve 15-30% improvements in organic traffic just from optimizing their image alt text properly. It’s one of those rare optimizations where you do the work once and enjoy the benefits for years to come.

The best part? You’re not just improving your search rankings – you’re making your store genuinely more inclusive and user-friendly. That’s the kind of optimization that feels good to implement and delivers results you can measure.

Ready to take your Shopify optimization beyond alt text? Our team specializes in comprehensive strategies that maximize every aspect of your store’s performance. More info about optimizing conversion rates and find how we can help you turn your store into a conversion machine.