alt Attribute Used on Link Instead of aria-Label

Summary

Follow these steps to correctly apply accessible naming to links, ensuring assistive technologies can clearly convey each link’s purpose to users. This helps prevent confusion and improves overall accessibility compliance.

Overview

This article addresses a common accessibility mistake where an invalid attribute is applied to link elements, preventing assistive technologies from interpreting them correctly. It explains why this approach does not work and shows the proper method to ensure links have a usable and standards-compliant accessible name.

Applies To (Environment)

Specify where and for whom this task applies.

• Product / Service: Siteimprove Accessibility
• Version (if applicable): All versions
• Platform / OS / Browser: All supported browsers and platforms
• User role / permissions: Web developers, content editors, accessibility specialists,

Problem / Issue

Mistake:

Using an alt="…" attribute on an <a> element.

Resolution / Fix:

Where you were going to write <a alt="...">, write <a aria-label="..."> instead.

Related Content

• Accessibility rule: Link without a text alternative, explained