Alt text (alternative text) helps screen readers describe images to visually impaired users. Proper alt text is required for ADA and WCAG compliance and improves SEO for your cannabis ecommerce store.
Where to Add Alt Text
In your CMS, locate the Alt Text field when uploading or editing images. This field appears in your image settings panel, typically labeled "Alt Text" with a text input area below it.
What Makes Good Alt Text
Be Descriptive and Purposeful
Describe what's important about the image in context. For product or promotional images, include:
Primary purpose (e.g., sale announcement, product feature)
Key visual elements that convey your brand message
Important text visible in the image
Relevant product details
Example:
"30% Off Topicals promotion - Flower Hub dropper bottle displayed with white ceramic sculpture and stacked stones on neutral background. Sale ends next week."
Keep It Concise
Aim for 125-150 characters when possible
Screen readers may cut off text after 125 characters
Prioritize the most important information first
Include Promotional Text
Always include visible text from promotional banners:
Discount percentages
Sale deadlines
Call-to-action text
Brand names
Alt Text by Image Type
Lifestyle/Styled Images
Describe the scene and products:
Pre-rolled joints arranged on marble tray with decorative rolling papers and grinder
Cannabis tincture bottles on wooden shelf with hemp leaves and natural lighting
Customer examining CBD topical cream in modern dispensary setting
Promotional Banners
Lead with the offer:
20% off all concentrates this weekend - shop wax, shatter, and live resin now
Buy 2 get 1 free on select edibles - valid through Friday
Decorative Images
If an image is purely decorative and adds no meaningful content, use empty alt text:
alt=""
What to Avoid
Don't start with "image of" or "picture of" - Screen readers already announce it's an image
Don't keyword stuff - Write for humans, not search engines
Don't be vague - "Product photo" doesn't help anyone
Don't omit the alt attribute - Even decorative images need alt=""
Don't repeat surrounding text - If the caption says it, alt text doesn't need to
Compliance Checklist
All meaningful images have descriptive alt text
Alt text is under 150 characters
Promotional text from images is included
Product names and key features are mentioned
Decorative images have empty alt attributes (alt="")
Alt text doesn't duplicate nearby text
Text is clear and written in plain language
Testing Your Alt Text
Use a screen reader - Enable your computer's built-in screen reader to test
Review with eyes closed - Does the alt text convey the same information?
Check mobile - Ensure alt text works on all devices
Audit regularly - Review alt text when updating product images