Certified Internet Web (CIW) Professional Practice Exam 2025 - Free CIW Professional Practice Questions and Study Guide

Using alt text for images on a website primarily serves two important functions: providing descriptive information to users who may have visual impairments and improving the website's search engine optimization (SEO).

When an image is included on a website, anyone using a screen reader, which is essential for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, relies on alt text to understand what is being depicted in that image. This allows for a more inclusive web experience by ensuring that all visitors can receive the same information, even if they cannot see the image.

In addition to accessibility, alt text also plays a crucial role in SEO. Search engines use the text in the alt attribute to better understand the content of the image, which helps in indexing and ranking the website. This can lead to improved visibility in search engine results, ultimately bringing more traffic to the site.

Therefore, the correct answer accurately reflects the dual purpose of alt text: to describe images for screen readers and to enhance SEO.