image links v's text links

what is best for se purposes

[thehittmann]

I have a handful of websites. All in the same industry that I have linking to one major directory which I run with help from a couple of other people. Would links to this directory be better in text form or banner or button form with keywords in alt tags?

[limbo]

keywords in alt tags?

I would only use alt tags for what they were intended - as a guide for accessibility users who cannot see images due to connectivity, browser settings or disability reasons.

Ta

Limbo

[thehittmann]

If the picture was an image link to a website my alt tag would be the same as the websites title. Which also contains 3 of my post competetive keywords.

My question was what is better for SE purposes text links or image links..... or is there no difference?

[rogerd]

Text links tend to convey a stronger anchor text benefit, at least up to now.