Aperio wrote in
You just can't give a two word answer and not elaborate. That
wouldnt be proper netiquette. Now, spill your guts! I want my page
to be number one on google
lol
The web page that told you "that alt tags are like "Free Keywords' for the
Search Engines" lied. The search engines - or at least any that are worth
using and worrying about for optimisation - don't take any notice of alt
attributes unless they are applied to images used for links.
The alt attribute is intended to be an alternative to the image for those
who don't see the image.
It isn't intended to be a description of the image, it is intended to
perform the same function for the site visitor as would have been performed
had the image been visible.
If you have images as links, it would be sensible to use text in the alt
attribute that performs the above function and which also contains your
targeted keywords/phrases. Writing suitable text for both purposes is part
of the SEO craft.
For a variety of reasons from usability through to SEO, you're better off
using text for links and using the alt attribute for graphics as nature
intended.