Image alt attribute and link title attributes

[Holicc]

Hello everyone,

I have a question.

When optimizing images that link to another page within the same
website, should I use keywords in the alt text for the page the image
is on, or keywords from the page the image is linking to?

Here's an example:

<a href="dental_veneers.html"><img src="images/veneers.jpg"
alt="Cosmetic Dentistry"></a>

The keyword "cosmetic dentistry" is what I'm optimizing the page that
the image is placed on. However, the link is going to a dental veneers
page. Should the alt text reflect the keyword to be used on that page
instead? If there isn't a link on the image then the keywords should reflect the page the image is on but what about if the image is linked. Does the search engine relate it to the page it is going to, since it is inside the < a > tags?

What about using title atributes for the same concept, except in text
link form?

Thanks,

Alex

[handsome rob]

Use the alt tag for what it's intended for... a verbal description of the image. If it's a picture of dental braces, alt="dental braces"

[Holicc]

Yeah, I expected that answer. What I am wondering though, is if I didn't use it for that purpose, how would the search engines see it. I'm guessing that if there are keywords in the alt tag the keywords are helping that page, but if the image is linked, is it helping the linked page? And I also know that alt tags don't hold much weight so no more beginner lessons please.

Thanks,

Alex

[pageoneresults]

What I am wondering though, is if I didn't use it for that purpose, how would the search engines see it.

It doesn't matter to them, the spider cannot determine whether or not your alt attribute is relevant to the image. I do believe it can detect certain levels of abuse though.

And I also know that alt tags don't hold much weight so no more beginner lessons please.

I think they have a different weight value depending on how they are being used. ;)

[Holicc]

Yeah I understand that. I don't think I really abuse them. I won't put the words cosmetic dentistry in an alt tag of a picture of a red wagon. I would use it in a picture of a patient. Say for example there is a main patient page with photos of several patients that have had different procedures. That page is optimized for cosmetic dentistry but the photo goes to the procedure that the patient has had. What should the alt text say? Cosmetic Dentistry Patient or Tooth Whitening Patient. Do you see what I mean? Thanks for your help.

[pageoneresults]

<a title="Cosmetic Dentistry - Case Study 1" href="/dentistry/cosmetic/"><img src="/dentistry/cosmetic/images/patient-1.jpg" width="" height="" alt="Cosmetic Dentistry Patient 1">

Its a bit difficult for me to come up with an effecitve alt attribute and title attribute without reading the surrounding text and seeing the image. I'm also going to look at the name of the image (and change it if not applicable). All three of those are factors to consider.

[jimbeetle]

How 'bout:

title="Title of target page"

alt="Patient displaying results of [specific] procedure"

[phranque]

your best optimization for search engines is to optimize for text only browsers, such as lynx.
try it and you'll understand the issues.
the search engine spider is visually impaired...

[pageoneresults]

The search engine spider is visually impaired.

lol!

Bots are blind and deaf.

Its up to you to lead the way. ;)