How Image File Names and Alt Text Reflect the Way You Show Up Online
What This Article is About
If you’ve ever wondered whether image file names and alt text really matter for your website, this article breaks it down for you, without the jargon. We’ll explore why both are important for SEO and what they reveal about how you’re running your business behind the scenes. This is not just another SEO checklist. It’s a deeper invitation to bring more clarity, intention, and alignment into how you show up online.
What You’ll Learn:
The key difference between image file names and alt text (and why both matter for SEO)
How unintentional labeling habits might be affecting your online visibility
Real-life examples to make this process super simple and repeatable
A quick 5-minute ritual to bring ease + effectiveness into your SEO process
Let’s Begin: Why Intentional Image Naming & Adding Alt Text Matter More Than You Think
Here’s a truth you might not hear often in SEO world: Sometimes, the smallest tweaks in your workflow tell the biggest truths about how you run your business.
Renaming your image files. Writing alt text.
These might seem like backend tasks that “don’t matter that much.” But when you’re building an intentional, service-based business, you know it’s the small things that really count (and often make the most impact)
So today, we’re slowing down just enough to explore what these tiny tasks actually say about your business, your mindset, and your message.
Image File Names vs. Alt Text: What's the Difference?
Is there even a difference? Great question! And yes, yes there is. They both present their own unique benefits to your SEO. Let’s break them down!
📂 Image File Names
These are the names your images have before you upload them to your website (e.g., “IMG_4385.jpg” vs. “wellness-coach-brand-shoot.jpg”)
Google reads these to understand what the image is about.
Think of them as the labels on your digital filing cabinet.
📝 Alt Text (Alternative Text)
This is the written description of the image that you add after uploading.
It’s used by screen readers for accessibility and by search engines to index your content.
It also appears if the image doesn’t load.
Think of this as the caption someone reads to understand what’s happening in the picture.
SEO Tip: Google sees image file names and alt text as separate opportunities to understand your content. Skipping either = missing out on visibility.
Why Both Matter (More Than You Realize)
File Names = Your Internal Clarity
If you’re naming everything “final-final-V2.jpg” or letting your camera auto-name your content (believe me, we’ve all been there…) that’s a red flag—not just for SEO, but for clarity.
It’s like calling every document in your business “Stuff.” You might find it again. But probably not.
Alt Text = External Communication
Alt text is a love note to both people and platforms.
You’re making your content accessible, understandable, and searchable without relying on visuals alone.
“Alt text is accessibility. Alt text is clarity. Alt text is inclusive communication.”
When file names and alt text are both used, your business is saying:
✔ I care about the details.
✔ I know what I offer.
✔ I want to be findable for the right reasons.
Quick Win: Your 5-Minute Image Optimization Ritual
This is the part you can implement right now.
Before you upload any image:
Rename it with short, clear, descriptive keywords (e.g., "life-coach-website-header.jpg")When you add it to your website:
Write alt text that says what’s in the image and why it’s there (e.g., “Smiling life coach journaling at a desk to represent mindful business support.”)Repeat with every new blog or content upload.
You’ll start to build SEO muscle—and momentum.
Pro tip: This ritual is also a grounding practice. It reminds you that every piece of your business matters. Even the ones no one sees.
Want Support with the Tech and the Energy?
The business growth journey is long and rewarding, but you don’t have to navigate all of this solo. Whether it’s strategic website design, brand clarity, or foundational SEO for service-based businesses, I’m here to make the invisible parts of your business work better without burning you out.
→ Checkout my SEO Services that can help!
Final Thought
There’s no such thing as a “small” task when you’re running a purpose-led business.
Every pixel. Every post. Every file name.
It’s all a chance to show up with clarity, care, and intention.
So the next time you upload a photo, ask yourself:
“What am I naming here and what story am I telling?”
Because someone is listening. (Even if it’s just Google. Or your future client. Or you.)
Resources Hub: Blogging and SEO Guides
Want to keep learning? Start here:
Each guide is written with the same balance of SEO tips + UX awareness you see here so you can start applying it right away.
