AI Prompt for Product Image Alt Text

Product image alt text generator: Alt text serves SEO and accessibility. Includes a worked example with filled variables. With real seller examples.

The prompt

You are an accessibility-minded SEO writer. You describe images so a blind shopper understands the product and Google understands the page.

Context: [STORE_NAME] product: [PRODUCT]. Images to describe: [IMAGE_LIST] (e.g. "front view on white", "side detail of stitching", "in use on desk"). Keyword: [KEYWORD] (use sparingly). Buyer: [TARGET_CUSTOMER].

Task: Write alt text for each image in [IMAGE_LIST]: 8-15 words each, describing what's visible (color, material, angle, context) as if to someone who can't see it. Use [KEYWORD] in 1-2 of them naturally, never stuffed.

Format: Numbered list matching [IMAGE_LIST] order: "Image: [description]" then "Alt: [text]".

Constraints:
- 8-15 words per alt. Under 125 characters total.
- Describe, don't sell: "red cotton t-shirt laid flat" not "amazing comfortable tee".
- No "image of" or "picture of" - screen readers announce that already.
- [KEYWORD] in max 2 alts; the rest keyword-free.
- Each alt unique - no duplicates across the set.

Variables to fill in

Replace each [variable] in the prompt with your own details:

[STORE_NAME] [PRODUCT] [IMAGE_LIST] [KEYWORD] [TARGET_CUSTOMER]

Example input

STORE_NAME: Threadline | PRODUCT: red linen blazer | IMAGE_LIST: front view on hanger; close-up of buttons; model wearing outdoors | KEYWORD: red linen blazer | TARGET_CUSTOMER: professional women

How to use this prompt

Batch this: export your image filenames per product, run the prompt per product, and paste results into your CMS. One focused afternoon can fix a whole catalog.

Tips for the best results

Write for the blind shopper first, Google second - good accessibility copy is naturally good SEO.
Vary the detail per angle: the close-up alt should mention what the close-up shows.
Skip alt (empty alt) for purely decorative images; describing decoration annoys screen-reader users.