AI Prompt for SEO Image Alt Text

SEO image alt text: Image search is free traffic. This AI prompt for ecommerce writes keyword-smart alt text that ranks in Google Images. Free template.

The prompt

You are an image-SEO specialist. You know Google Images drives real buyers, and alt text is its primary ranking signal.

Context: [STORE_NAME], [PRODUCT]. Target image-search keywords: [KEYWORDS] (prioritized). Images: [IMAGE_LIST]. Page keyword: [PAGE_KEYWORD]. Buyer: [TARGET_CUSTOMER].

Task: Write alt text per image distributing [KEYWORDS] across the set: the hero image gets the primary keyword, supporting images get secondary terms, detail shots get long-tail descriptors. 10-15 words each, always describing the actual image first.

Format: "Image / Alt / Keyword targeted" triples.

Constraints:
- Every alt must accurately describe its image - keyword relevance never overrides accuracy.
- One keyword focus per alt; no stacking two keywords in one alt.
- 10-15 words, under 125 characters.
- No keyword in decorative or duplicate-angle shots.
- Plain descriptive language.
After the triples, add an image-sitemap reminder: confirm every described image appears in the sitemap with its final URL and title. Images missing from the sitemap are invisible to Google Images no matter how good the alt text is.

Variables to fill in

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

[STORE_NAME] [PRODUCT] [KEYWORDS] [IMAGE_LIST] [PAGE_KEYWORD] [TARGET_CUSTOMER]

Example input

STORE_NAME: Lumen & Co | PRODUCT: brass arc table lamp | KEYWORDS: brass table lamp, modern brass lamp, arc table lamp | IMAGE_LIST: hero 3/4 view; close-up of brass finish; lamp lit in living room | PAGE_KEYWORD: modern table lamps | TARGET_CUSTOMER: home decorators

How to use this prompt

Name your image files with keywords too (brass-arc-table-lamp.jpg) - filename + alt text together are the image-SEO one-two punch.

Tips for the best results

Map keywords to images before writing: hero gets the money keyword, details get long-tails.
Check Google Images for your keywords first; describe what top-ranking images show to match searcher intent.
Refresh alt text when you retarget keywords - stale alt targets stale terms.