Alt text and filenames work together, but they serve different audiences. Filenames help search engines and keep your library organized. Alt text helps humans, accessibility tools, and Google understand the story of your image.

Why Filenames Aren’t Alt Text

A filename is a structural signal Google reads before it loads the image. It’s functional, short, and specific.

Example: gothic-rose-tough-phone-case-front-soft-stone-bg.jpg

This tells Google what the image contains without sounding human.

Alt Text = Human Language First

Alt text should sound like you're describing the image to a friend. Use the Rule of 3 to keep it natural and helpful.

Rule of 3

• Subject
• Angle or action
• Distinctive detail

Example: “Gothic rose phone case, front view, on a soft stone background.”

Alt Text & Filenames Working Together

When filenames, alt text, captions, and product copy align, Google trusts and ranks your images more consistently.

Quick Checklist

Filenames

• Lowercase, hyphens only
• Most specific first
• No filler words

Alt Text

• Human-readable
• Follows Rule of 3
• Avoids keyword stuffing
• Matches what's visible

Do This Now (1 minute)

1. Rename one product image with a clear filename.
2. Write a Rule of 3 alt text description.

In Simple Terms

Filenames = technical clarity.
Alt text = human clarity.
Together, they create fast, reliable image SEO.

Next: Page Slugs & Handles — Clean URLs That Age Well
Get updates right to your inbox Sign up for our Newsletter