For a while now, many webmasters have been confused with the difference between the ‘alt attribute’ and ‘title attribute’.  These two terms have also been incorrectly referred to as the ‘alt tag’ and ‘title tag’ by many.  From this point forward, hopefully readers will refer to these attributes by their proper name and understand the correct ways of using them.

The most common misconception about the alt attribute is when people use them to insert a description about a particular image.  The alt attribute should be used as it was originally designed to be used – in place of an image which cannot be displayed.  Therefore, people with slower bandwidth computers, hand held devices, screen readers (for those who are visually impaired), can appreciate the image that the website is trying to display.  For example, you have an image of a magnifying glass on your website. When a user clicks on this image/link a search function is then enabled.  A good use of an alt attribute would be to insert alt=”search” in your code.  

The alt attribute is mandatory for images according to HTML 4.01 guidelines.  If an image’s purpose is solely for ’eye candy’, than you don’t need to include alt attributes such as alt=”spacer”.  This serves no purpose to people using screen readers, and can actually get quite annoying.  Instead, simply include an empty alt attribute: alt=”", with no spaces in between the quotations.

The title attribute is where you can include a description of the image / link.  Back to the magnifying glass example – if your alt=”search”, your title=”search the entire website” as an example.  When creating your alt attributes and title attributes, keep in mind what they were actually designed to do. 

In Internet Explorer (IE), you will see the alt attribute appearing as a tool tip.  IE’s error has undoubtedly caused a lot of confusion in the online world.  This is simply a bug, that I assume will be fixed in the near future.  If you wish to prevent the alt attribute from displaying as a tool tip in IE, simply add an empty title attribute: title=”".  If you wish to show your readers a tool tip, this is through the use of the title attribute.

Knowing how to use alt and title attributes properly can give you an edge in your SEO campaign.  Especially in regards to the alt attribute - it has become known that Google does cache this text and perhaps may even use the alt attribute as the heading for images in Google Images.  Therefore, proper uses of the alt tag throughout your site is known to improve search engine optimization efforts.  Misuse of the alt attribute, such as spamming (keyword stuffing) can get your website penalized by the major search engines or perhaps even removed.  As a rule of thumb, make your alt attributes no longer than 100 characters. The title attribute can be longer than the alt attribute (which is quite normal).  However, keep in mind that certain browsers such as Mozilla, only display the first 60 characters of the title attribute. 

When it comes to getting more traffic online, internet marketers utilize many different methods to generate quality traffic.  One of the key aspects to internet marketing, especially in terms of search engine optimization (SEO) is content writing.  Content is essential for both the end-users and search engines.  Content also serves as link juice.  In other words, if someone likes what you have to say, there is a good possibility that they will link to your article, website or blog.  

Blogs are a means to express your ideas, thoughts and two-sense, and in short – they are a great means for increasing your content and exposure online.  These days you can find blogs that are the main principal site or vice versa, a key component that is part of a company’s website.

The trick to keeping a blog alive and interesting is as simple as continuous blog writing.  For many of us, its easy to want to keep writing, but what do you write about?  You should stick to what you know best, what you are interested in or what your readers will be interested in, and its never a bad idea for it to be related to your website’s theme.

In terms of marketing your blog, there are many directories that are devoted to blogs, which you can submit to and increase your blog’s exposure.  If your looking for new ways to increase your internet marketing efforts, consider starting up a blog which is sure to attract more visitors to your website.

With so many web design companies out there, how do you find the perfect one?  There are several key areas you must analyze before you commit your future website to anyone.  First of all, do you like the web design company’s website?  Someone who boasts a visually displeasing or non-user friendly website is sure to create a similar disaster for you as well.

Secondly, take a look at the company’s portfolio.  The web design portfolio should give you an accurate assessment of the capabilities the design firm has.  Finally, ask the web design company for referrals.  Real people are always good to talk to and get feedback from. 

If a company is making the following excuses: “We don’t have time to improve our website” or “We cannot show you examples of our portfolio and cannot provide you with referrals because we sign non-disclosure agreements with all of our clients”, than you should think twice before moving forward.

Many clients have approached us with a re-design project – not because their site was outdated, but because their ‘image’ was butchered the first time around.  Buyers beware of companies with no substance and who just dish out unattainable promises to get your business.  Do your homework before you commit yourself to a web design company.