Alt text, or alternative text, is a crucial element in email design that often gets overlooked. For hotel marketers using Cendyn CRM, incorporating alt text into your email campaigns can significantly enhance accessibility and engagement. Here are five tips to help you write effective alt text for your emails.

Avoid Repeating Alt Text

Each image in your email should have unique alt text, even if the images are similar. This is especially important for screen reader users who rely on these descriptions. For example, if you have multiple images of different hotel amenities, avoid using the same alt text like “hotel pool” for each one. Instead, be specific: “luxurious hotel pool with cabanas” or “indoor heated pool.”

Be Descriptive but Concise

Your alt text should clearly describe the image while being concise. Think about what the image conveys and ensure that the alt text communicates that message. For instance, if you have an image promoting a special offer, include the key details in the alt text: “30% off weekend stays at Hotel XYZ.” This helps ensure that even if the image doesn’t load, the message still gets across.

Differentiate Alt Text from Title Text

Alt text and title text serve different purposes and should not be used interchangeably. Alt text describes the image for accessibility, while title text provides additional information when a user hovers over the image. Focus on making your alt text informative and relevant to the image content.

Use Empty Alt Attributes When Necessary

If an image is purely decorative and does not add meaningful content to the email, use an empty alt attribute (alt=“”). This tells screen readers to skip the image, preventing unnecessary interruptions for users. For example, if you have a decorative border or spacer image, an empty alt attribute is appropriate.

Conclusion: Don’t Forget Your Alt Text!

Incorporating alt text into your email campaigns is essential for accessibility and can improve overall engagement. By following these tips, you can ensure that your emails are effective and inclusive, providing a better experience for all your subscribers.