7 replies to this topic

[webstream]

When others request a graphic image banner from me to insert on their web site, should I always include a well thought out, keyword text phrase to insert directly below the image, but still inside the anchor tag?

Webstream

[Scottie]

Yes, I would. :thumbsup:

Make sure the graphic has descriptive alt text as well- they may not use the link/caption beneath the graphic. People usually appreciate it when you send the code ready to be copied and pasted so they take it as written.

[qwerty]

Is that OK, compliance-wise -- putting an image and text inside a single <a></a>?

[Scottie]

I don't think it hurts anything- I'd probably break it up though for presentation reasons.

<A href="http://www.domain.com"><img src="picture.gif" alt="helpful description here"></a><br>
<A href="http://www.domain.com">Helpful Description Here</a><br>

[Jill]

IMO, as long as the image alt attribute uses the keyword phrases you want to describe the landing page, you should be okay. Of course, it won't hurt to have a text link there too, and it may give some additional benefits. A bit overkill, though is what I'm thinking!

Jill

[webstream]

IMO, as long as the image alt attribute uses the keyword phrases you want to describe the landing page, you should be okay.

<a href="http://www.dogfood.com/">dog food</a>

<a href="www.dogfood.com/"><img src="images/dogfood.jpg" alt="dog food"></a>

Are you saying the "image alt tag" (in the above example) will work as well as using text inside the anchor tag?

Thanks,

Webstream

[qwerty]

That's the big question. I've always preferred to use text links, even though I know that the alt attribute of a linked image counts. The question is, does it count as much?

If it does, I can see definite advantages to using an image -- you've got much more flexibility and you can call more attention to the link, as long as you use the alt text properly.

[Scottie]

It's hard to give a definite answer to that-

Common sense says that if alt text in a link=link text that alt text would be widely abused. It's not completely visible text, therefore much more likely to be keyword stuffed.

My guess is that link text is given a higher weight than alt text.

There are soooooo many factors involved with ranking, it would be hard to isolate this one factor and determine if one outweighed the other.