Thoughts about the alt-text function

[Hertfordweaver]

Not a question but maybe food for thought. I like the idea. I've started to add it to some of my listings, the 1st picture only. I am copying either my title or description and altering them to fit the parameters. For instance, I have to write out the word inches because it won't take the symbols. The thing is there is no way to tell that I have included the alt-text to the listing, nor is there a way to test it. I copy a lot of my new listings and need a way to know which ones I added the alt-t so I have added an indicator in the listings SKU as a reminder. I know I did a couple earlier and can't remember which ones. I wouldn't want someone thinking they're buying a rusty grater and receive a bunch of old clothes pins. 

It seems with all Etsy's capabilities they could find a way to do this automatically using the title and have it change if you change the title and we could go in and edit what we think needs to be added..

[BagmakerSupply]

@Hertfordweaver: Unless Etsy has changed something recently, your listing title is the default alt text for your images; and user provided alt text disappears when an image is deleted.

[Hertfordweaver]

@BagmakerSupply 

I wish it would show up when I go in to add the alt text. You would think it would be there for me to edit. And I wonder if the title changes does it change the alt text? No way to tell.

[LinkisPrintables]

It would be nice to have them automatically done, but I fear the alt text does not change the Etsy searches, so I seriously doubt that extra favor to us that they would need to have fit in and then connected to the keywords and text for search results, is money they won't spend. It took Etsy a long time to factor in your text content words into their search and search results.

My biggest issue is their algerisms, and how punitive they are. You rank lower if you have a low shop, (which prevents you from getting people to the extent that you are rewarded. Or if you do not mess with a listing, revamp, add a new listing, and show your presents, I mean every day, that will hurt you in their search. low ratings, responding to mail and either things that have little to do with your product itself.

I think the way to reach their engines, and I have seen this work for etsy, is to pack your title by listing off keywords. Example: They are selling no brand sneakers, this is common in both the title and keywords:  "women sneakers, red converse, sneaker womens, red white and blue, vans sneakers, high top shoes". While it may work for etsy's searches, it is a bad practice because it doesn't tell the searcher what you are actually selling, and even more importantly Google, (who other search engines use), has a brand new and improved spider to find keyword packing and now even wriign with all keywords. When they get to your site and you are packing keys to the point of no sense, they will not include your listing in their search for products like yours. They will not tell you, just stop sending people to you. They are all about quality of your page,loading fast, all links work and even spelling and grammar. They actually value quality content above keywords, somewhat. 

And about your post, the alt tags are great. People who cannot upload them, will see your alt tags in the picture's place. Google sees them. But more importantly, Google also looks at your photo's name. If you are selling dog collars and your photos say, "image2224" then you lost the opportunity that Goodgle uses. And if you follow the rules, Google  will send peploe there, your audience will be higher, and then Etsy will notice. You try to trick, you lose Google

[NancyQstudio]

It is very important to name photos correctly for Google and other search engines.  This is not necessary on Etsy unless something has recently changed? If so, it would be great!  As far as I know Etsy converts listing images into their system as they don't promote individual sellers independently.  So it wouldn't matter how a Etsy uploaded photo is named.  

[Hertfordweaver]

@LinkisPrintablesand @NancyQstudio 

Thank you for your input. All my pictures are named "image1234", I had no idea. I'll have to fix that. I went back and read the "learn more" thing and it does say the image will automatically pick up the title verbiage for the alt-text. Another reason for reading the instructions.

[BagmakerSupply]

@LinkisPrintables: You and @NancyQstudio are correct that the meaningful filenames for images can be helpful to search engines, but it does not matter on Etsy because when you upload your image Etsy gives it a random filename. (Just right click on any product image on Etsy and look at the filename in Save Image As.) Alt text might give your image a little SEO boost but it will help Etsy more than it will help you. As difficult as Etsy makes the alt text process, I am not sure the rewards justify the effort.

[Hertfordweaver]

@BagmakerSupply 

Well, if I had read the instructions (read more) I wouldn't have had to come here to ask my questions. I learned something else though, so not a bad thing. I'll name my 1st picture and see if it helps any. I've been on Etsy a long time and the last 3 months have been the worst

[BlueCatStudioShop]

I feel it's a massive waste of time. I have to pay through the nose for someone to come through Google and buy something from me.

[PillowDetails]

That's my thought, exactly.

While Etsy now has a visual/pic search (see recent commercial)

the alt tags for the pictures would increase the likelihood of getting socked with an Offsite Ad fee.

I do alt tags on my website, not Etsy.

https://www.ispot.tv/ad/1Mrl/etsy-search-by-image

[JJewellerySuppliesUK]

Naming your photos helps image recognition know what is in the image. 

[BagmakerSupply]

@JJewellerySuppliesUK: You are correct however since Etsy renames your images it does not help on Etsy - but definitely helps on a website that respects your filenames.