How to use Squarespace’s new AI alt text tool
If you're anything like most of the authors I work with, adding alt text to your images is either:
a) one of those website tasks you know you should do… but never quite get round to;
or
b) something you have never heard of.
Either way, I have some good news for you - Squarespace has just made adding alt text to your images a whole lot easier.
Their new AI-powered alt text feature can now generate image descriptions automatically - saving you time while making your site more accessible and SEO-friendly.
Let’s take a look at what alt-text is, how Squarespace’s AI tool works - and whether you should rely on it.
💬 What is alt text, and why does it matter?
Alt text (short for “alternative text”) is a written description of an image that helps screen readers convey the content of your site to visually impaired users.
It also helps search engines understand your content, which can improve how your site ranks on Google.
In short: adding alt text is essential for both accessibility and discoverability.
🧠 Squarespace’s new AI-generated alt text feature
Squarespace has rolled out a new feature that automatically suggests alt text for your images using artificial intelligence.
This feature is currently available on all Squarespace 7.1 websites, and works with images added via the image block and the gallery block.
🛠️ How to use the AI alt text tool
So you can add alt-text manually to images when you upload them by filling in the little box underneath the image in the picture below.
But this new alt-text tool is a bit of a gamechanger, especially if you already have hundreds of pictures on your website and you’re not sure that you’ve actually added alt-text to them, and you can’t face the idea of going through and adding in the text manually.
Here’s how to use it:
Open the SEO appearance panel.
In the SEO Report section, click Improve with AI.
The SEO Report tool scans your site and flags areas where alt text isn't present.
Click Edit or Regenerate to edit the suggested text, or click Save and continue to save and apply the suggested text.
That’s it! Easy peasy, right?
If you’re not sure what to include on your author website, you can download my Author Website Content Guide here →
Video Tutorial: how to add alt text using Squarespace AI
✍️ Best practices for alt text (especially for authors)
While the AI tool is a great starting point, it’s not perfect.
I recommend tweaking the suggestions so they:
Include your author name, and your book title too if appropriate
Clearly describe the image in plain language
Use relevant keywords naturally (without stuffing!)
Provide context: why is this image on the page?
For example, instead of “woman smiling,” you might write:
“Author Jane Smith at her book launch for The Final Chapter”
This gives search engines more context - and makes your content more inclusive.
⚖️ Should you rely on AI?
AI-generated alt text is a brilliant time-saver, but it shouldn’t be 100% hands-off.
It’s important to note that the descriptions can be vague or miss important context, especially if you’re uploading book covers, promotional graphics, or screenshots with text.
Always review the suggestions and make sure they reflect your voice and your author brand.
🌍 Final thoughts
Adding alt text has always been one of those fiddly but important steps in website creation. With this new Squarespace feature, it’s finally easier to do it right - so there’s no excuse to skip it anymore!
Not only will your author website be more inclusive, but it might also climb a few places in Google while it’s at it. Win-win!
Enjoyed this video tutorial?
If you’d like more of the same to help you build your author website, the DIY Author Website Course is just for you! →
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