Everyone knows that a picture is worth a thousand words, but did you know that a picture can also actually contain words? Now I am not talking about words captured “on” the picture itself. I am talking about words “hidden” in the picture code that only shows up when you pass your cursor over it. It is a sort of, “Braille for the sighted” and a distinct advantage of computer images. These “words” also show up in the picture place holder while the picture loads----if it doesn’t load instantly (as has been known to happen)----especially if you have an old dinosaur turtle computer. But the type of computer you have is beside the point. If you are going to use pictures in your blog posts why not give them something to say beyond the image? Almost all picture-loading applications on websites----including activerain---give you the option of labeling your pictures (image description----this is what The Google sees) as well as giving the pictures something to say. For example let’s say I want to give that annoying bird Polly something to say, I might fill out the picture application something like the one below: Just fill in the “title” box with whatever you want the picture to “say.” When someone runs their cursor over the picture that is the message they will see. Now try running your cursor over both the “application picture” above and the “Polly picture” below. Whatever you put in the “Image description” box is what Google will find. So, go ahead and try a “Google Images” search for “Polly wants a cracker.” You will find the nasty creature on page two----last time I looked. If you are looking to improve your SEO this is the place you might put something like “Seattle Home Inspectors” etc. I love to have hidden messages behind all of the pictures I post. I see them as little tantalizing morsels that more observant readers of my blog can glean additional information from----as well perhaps get an additional unexpected chuckle (always after the monitor splatter). It makes your own activerain puddle deeper than you might have known it was. Charles Buell
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PS, for those of you that are new to my blog (or for some other "unexplained" reason have never noticed)
all pictures and smiley-face inserts (emoticons) (when I use them) have messages that show up when you point at them with your cursor.
DeCroe, is my "ethereal" home inspector assistant and occasionally flies into my blog and other people's blogs to offer assistance. To find out more about her beginnings just click on Raven.
Charles - Great post. I am running out of the house right now to take more pictures so I can try this out.
I've enjoyed your humor in your hidden messages and always look for your daily post. What a disappointment when you occasionally miss a day. Thanks, Charlie.
Raven, how did you sneak in here?
Diane----you can go back and add it to old ones too:)
Glenn, thanks so much for your kind words. It helps me to keep posting when I know there are people out there waiting:)
Super cool, Charles. I remember this from a while ago, but now it is effective and an SEO tool.
Thanks for the post. I will take a closer look at pictures others are posting too.
Rich
Thanks for the trip, Charles. I'll pay more attention to what I type in that box!
Rich, lots of times I forget to see what people are hiding in their pictures:)
Marlene, you are welcome.
Hello Charles, A very good little tutorial to remind everyone to optomize their photography efforts. Google likes it and others do as well. And you are right, it doesn't have to be just logical identity of what the photo is, it can also have a powerful message contained within.
William----I have never been accused of being "logical":)
Charles, great post! This is a great place to build up your "Google Juice!"
Charles, thanks for this post and clarifing the difference between the description and title line. You are having a lot of fun with this stuff! ---Gloria
Thanks for the reminder Charles. I need to remember this when I insert my pics. Actually, should also go back and check my previous pictures. This is also important for pictures on your website. Fill those ALT-tags in.
I knew it, but must admit I didn't know it right away when I began working with webpages and blogs. I love those description and title lines.
I always put hidden messages in my pictures too! I think it makes your posts (mine too) so much more interesting!
Oh, and it helps "The Google" find you better too!
So elementary my dear Charles, So elementary.
Nutsy
Tony and Darcy----it really is
Gloria----and its all legal:)
Troy---good point----need to check out my own website:)
Mryl, it is fun to mess with them
Craig----good to pay attention to the needs of The Google
Nutsy, what is that you say----you never got out of elementary school?
I've always liked your talking pictures, Charles. I think I learned to do that from you?
Mr Charles,
Unless I am remembering it wong, I believe that I tot you how do do dat.
Nutsy
I sometimes put a title in my pics, but now I will be more diligent in adding a hidden message.
Barbara, thanks.
Nutsy, doubtful
Jim, Nutsy need all the hidden messages and un-hidden messages she can get:)
I am very unhappy that Mr James would make sport of me.
Nutsy
No doubt about it, providing alternate text for your photos is good Google Juice practice!
Debi
Really deep topic Charlie. Too deep for a musk ox, I suspect.