AltSeo: AI-Powered Alt Text Generator – FAQ – AAA Liftoff

What is AltSeo?

AltSeo is an AI-powered Shopify app that automatically generates high-quality, SEO-friendly alt text for your product images. It uses advanced artificial intelligence to create descriptive, context-aware alternative text that improves both your store’s accessibility and search engine optimization.

How does AltSeo work?

AltSeo analyzes your product images and their context (product title, description, tags, etc.) to generate relevant alt text. The app uses cutting-edge AI models like GPT-3.5 Turbo to understand what’s in your images and create natural-sounding descriptions that incorporate important keywords while maintaining accessibility standards.

Why do I need alt text for my product images?

Alt text (alternative text) serves two critical purposes:

Accessibility: It allows screen readers to describe images to visually impaired shoppers, making your store accessible to everyone.

SEO Performance: Search engines can’t “see” images, so they rely on alt text to understand and index visual content, improving your visibility in search results.

Is AltSeo suitable for my store size?

Yes! AltSeo is designed to accommodate stores of all sizes, from small boutiques to large enterprises. Our flexible plans allow you to choose the option that best fits your needs, whether you have dozens or thousands of products.

Can AltSeo work with my existing theme?

Absolutely. AltSeo works with all Shopify themes as it operates directly with your product data through the Shopify API, not your theme files. No theme modifications are required.

Is AltSeo compatible with other Shopify apps?

Yes, AltSeo is designed to work harmoniously with other Shopify apps. It focuses specifically on generating alt text for images and doesn’t interfere with the functionality of other applications.

Does using AltSeo slow down my store?

No, AltSeo processes all images in the background through Shopify’s API and doesn’t affect your store’s front-end performance. Your customers won’t experience any slowdowns while browsing your site.

Installation & Setup

How do I install AltSeo?

Installing AltSeo is easy:

Visit the AltSeo app page on the Shopify App Store

Click “Add app”

Follow the prompts to grant necessary permissions

You’ll be redirected to the AltSeo dashboard in your Shopify admin

What permissions does AltSeo require?

AltSeo requires permission to:

Read and modify your products (to update alt text)

Read and modify your product images

Access your store’s metadata for proper configuration

We only request the minimum permissions necessary to provide our service.

Do I need to have technical knowledge to use AltSeo?

No technical knowledge is required. AltSeo features an intuitive, user-friendly interface that guides you through the process step by step. The app is designed to be accessible to all Shopify merchants regardless of technical expertise.

How long does it take to set up AltSeo?

Initial setup typically takes less than 5 minutes. After installation, you can immediately configure your preferences and start your first alt text generation task.

Can I use AltSeo on multiple Shopify stores?

Yes, but each store requires its own separate AltSeo subscription. You’ll need to install the app individually on each store and manage them separately.

Features & Functionality

What AI models does AltSeo use?

AltSeo utilizes advanced AI models including GPT-3.5 Turbo to generate high-quality alt text. These models have been specifically trained and fine-tuned to understand product images and create accurate, relevant descriptions.

What languages does AltSeo support?

AltSeo supports multiple languages including:

English

French

Spanish

German

Chinese

We’re constantly adding support for additional languages based on user feedback.

Can I customize the alt text format?

Absolutely! AltSeo offers extensive customization options:

Choose which components to include (Product Title, Shop Name, AI-generated content, etc.)

Drag and drop to arrange the order of components

Add custom text elements

Preview how your format will appear

Can I specify keywords to include in my alt text?

Yes, you can provide specific keywords you want emphasized in your alt text. Our AI will intelligently incorporate these keywords in a natural way that enhances SEO while maintaining readability.

What is the “Negative Keywords” feature?

The Negative Keywords feature allows you to specify terms you want to exclude from your alt text. This is useful for avoiding competitor brand names, inappropriate terminology, or phrases that don’t align with your brand voice.

Can I process all my products at once?

Yes, you can process your entire product catalog in a single task. Alternatively, you can select specific collections or individual products if you prefer a more targeted approach.

How does the bulk update process work?

The Bulk Update Wizard guides you through:

Selecting which products to update

Configuring processing options

Customizing your alt text format

Setting scheduling options

Reviewing and submitting your task

What are the image processing options?

AltSeo offers three approaches to handling products with multiple images:

Each Image: Generate unique alt text for each image

Shared Text: Use the same alt text for all images of a product

First Image Only: Only process the first/featured image

Can I specify when alt text generation tasks run?

Yes, AltSeo offers flexible scheduling options:

Run immediately

Schedule for a specific date and time

Set up recurring tasks (daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly)

What is the “Auto-Process New Content” feature?

This feature automatically generates alt text for:

New images added to existing products

New products added to your store

This ensures all your product images maintain consistent alt text without manual intervention.

Does AltSeo work with variant images?

Yes, AltSeo processes all product images, including variant-specific images, applying the same high-quality alt text generation.

Can I edit the generated alt text afterward?

Absolutely. While AltSeo generates high-quality alt text automatically, you always retain full control to review and modify any generated content through your Shopify admin.

Can I choose to only add alt text where it’s missing?

Yes, AltSeo provides an option to only set alt text for images that don’t already have it, preserving any existing alt text you’ve manually created.

Performance & Quality

How accurate is AltSeo‘s generated alt text?

AltSeo’s AI generates remarkably accurate alt text by analyzing image content and incorporating product context. Our users consistently rate the quality as equal to or better than manually written alt text.

How long should alt text be?

Optimal alt text length is typically between 80-125 characters. AltSeo automatically generates alt text within this ideal range unless you’ve specified custom format requirements that would result in longer text.

Will AltSeo’s alt text improve my SEO?

Yes, properly optimized alt text is a recognized SEO factor. AltSeo strategically incorporates relevant keywords while maintaining natural language patterns that search engines reward. Many of our users report significant improvements in image search visibility after implementing AltSeo.

How does AltSeo balance SEO with accessibility?

AltSeo is designed to create alt text that serves both purposes effectively:

For SEO: Incorporates relevant keywords and product details

For accessibility: Creates clear, descriptive text that meaningfully conveys the image content

Uses natural language that works well for both search engines and screen readers

Can AltSeo handle complex or unusual product images?

Yes, AltSeo’s advanced AI models can understand and describe a wide variety of product images, from simple product photographs to complex arrangements, lifestyle shots, and unique items. The AI is continuously improving through machine learning.

How does AltSeo handle images with text in them?

AltSeo can identify when images contain text and will include this information in the generated alt text when relevant, ensuring that important textual content within images isn‘t lost.

Billing & Credits

How does the credit system work?

Each image processed consumes one credit from your monthly allocation. For example, if you process 100 products with 3 images each, you’ll use 300 credits.

What happens to unused credits?

On paid plans, unused credits automatically roll over to the next billing cycle, ensuring you never lose value. Credits on the free plan do not roll over.

What happens if I run out of credits?

If you exhaust your monthly credits, you can:

Wait until your next billing cycle when credits refresh

Upgrade to a higher plan with more credits

Purchase additional credit packs (available on Professional and Enterprise plans)

Can I change my plan?

Yes, you can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time through the Billing section. Plan changes take effect immediately, with pro-rated billing adjustments.

How am I billed for AltSeo?

AltSeo charges a monthly subscription fee based on your selected plan. Billing is handled through your Shopify account, so you’ll see AltSeo charges on your regular Shopify bill.

Do you offer a free trial?

Yes, we offer a free plan that allows you to process up to 25 images per month. This lets you test AltSeo’s capabilities before committing to a paid subscription.

Can I get a refund if I’m not satisfied?

We offer a 14-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans. If you’re not completely satisfied, contact our support team within 14 days of your purchase for a full refund.

Task Management

How do I monitor the progress of my tasks?

The Tasks page provides real-time status updates for all your alt text generation jobs. You can see:

Current status (pending, processing, completed, failed)

Number of products and images processed

Success rate

Detailed logs including any errors

Can I cancel a task after it’s started?

Yes, you can cancel any task that’s pending or still in progress. Completed tasks cannot be canceled, but you can always create a new task to overwrite previously generated alt text.

How long do tasks typically take to complete?

Processing time depends on the number of images and current system load. As a general guideline:

Small batches (under 100 images): Usually complete within minutes

Medium batches (100-500 images): Typically take 15-30 minutes

Large batches (500+ images): May take several hours

Shopify’s API rate limits can also affect processing times during peak periods.

What happens if a task fails?

If a task fails, AltSeo provides detailed error logs to help identify the issue. Common causes include:

Temporary Shopify API limitations

Invalid product IDs

Image URL access issues

You can retry failed tasks once the underlying issue is resolved.

Can I see what alt text was generated for each image?

Yes, you can view detailed reports for completed tasks showing:

Before and after alt text for each image

Processing status for each product

Success and failure statistics

Do completed tasks expire or get deleted?

Completed task records are stored for 90 days, after which they’re automatically archived. You can manually hide tasks from your main view at any time.

Technical Questions

Does AltSeo modify any other product data?

No, AltSeo only modifies the alt text fields of your images and does not change any other product data or metadata.

Is AltSeo compliant with Shopify’s API requirements?

Yes, AltSeo is fully compliant with Shopify‘s API guidelines and best practices. We use efficient request batching and respect rate limits to ensure smooth operation.

How does AltSeo handle Shopify API rate limits?

AltSeo uses intelligent request batching and throttling to work within Shopify’s API rate limits. For very large stores or tasks, processing may be automatically spread out to avoid hitting these limits.

Is my store data secure with AltSeo?

Absolutely. AltSeo follows strict security practices:

We only access the minimum data required to provide our service

All data transmission is encrypted using industry-standard protocols

We don’t store your product images, only process them

We comply with all relevant data protection regulations

Can AltSeo work with product images hosted outside of Shopify?

Yes, as long as the images are properly linked in your Shopify product listings and publicly accessible, AltSeo can process them regardless of where they’re hosted.

Does AltSeo work with Shopify 2.0 themes?

Yes, AltSeo is fully compatible with all Shopify themes, including Online Store 2.0 themes.

Will AltSeo affect my store during high-traffic sales?

No, AltSeo operates in the background and uses Shopify’s API judiciously. You can also schedule intensive tasks during off-peak hours to minimize any potential impact.

Troubleshooting

Why are some of my images not being processed?

Common reasons include:

Images are not publicly accessible

Invalid image URLs

Temporary Shopify API limitations

Images with unusual formats or extremely large file sizes

Check the task logs for specific error messages that can help identify the issue.

Why am I getting “authorization error” messages?

This typically indicates that AltSeo’s permissions to your store need to be refreshed. Try:

Logging out and back into your Shopify admin

Reinstalling the app if the issue persists

Contacting support if the problem continues

How do I report a bug or issue?

You can report bugs or issues by:

Emailing support@agenceliftoff.ca

Using the “Contact Support” link in the app‘s Support card

Visiting our website’s contact page

What should I do if my task is stuck in “processing” status?

If a task appears stuck for more than an hour:

Cancel the current task

Create a new task with a smaller batch size

Contact support if the issue persists

Why does my generated alt text sometimes differ from what I expected?

Alt text generation is influenced by multiple factors:

Image content and quality

Product context provided

Your customization settings

AI’s interpretation of visual elements

You can always refine your settings and regenerate the alt text to better match your expectations.

Can I restore previously generated alt text if I make a mistake?

AltSeo doesn’t maintain a built-in version history for alt text. However, if you have recent Shopify backups, you may be able to restore previous versions through your Shopify admin.

Optimization & Best Practices

How can I get the best results from AltSeo?

Follow these best practices:

Provide complete product information (titles, descriptions, tags)

Use high-quality product images

Be specific with custom keywords

Review a sample of generated alt text to fine-tune your settings

Use the custom format feature to maintain consistent branding

Should I use the “Each Image” or “Shared Text” option?

It depends on your product presentation:

Each Image: Best when each image shows different aspects of the product

Shared Text: Better when images show the same product from slightly different angles

First Image Only: Use when only the main product image needs optimization

How often should I update my product alt text?

We recommend:

Updating whenever you add new products or images

Refreshing alt text quarterly for SEO optimization

Setting up recurring tasks to maintain freshness

Reviewing and updating after significant product changes

What’s the ideal keyword strategy for alt text?

For optimal results:

Focus on 1-3 relevant keywords per product

Avoid keyword stuffing or repetition

Include both product-specific and category keywords

Consider search intent and user queries

Use your analytics to identify valuable keywords

How can I maintain consistency across my store?

Use these strategies:

Create a standardized alt text format in the settings

Process similar products in batches

Use the custom text components to include brand phrases

Establish a consistent review process

Set up automated processing for new content

Should I overwrite existing alt text or only fill empty fields?

Consider this approach:

For professionally written alt text: Keep and only fill empty fields

For automatically generated or placeholder text: Overwrite with AltSeo

For mixed quality: Process in batches, starting with products lacking alt text

How do I implement an effective recurring update strategy?

We recommend:

Daily: For stores with frequent new product additions

Weekly: For stores with moderate product turnover

Monthly: For most established stores to maintain freshness

Quarterly: For large catalogs focusing on seasonal refreshes

Integration & Workflow

Can I integrate AltSeo with my product upload workflow?

Yes, the auto-processing feature allows you to set up automatic alt text generation for newly added products, creating a seamless integration with your product management workflow.

How does AltSeo work with other SEO tools?

AltSeo complements other SEO tools by focusing specifically on image optimization. Use AltSeo alongside:

Keyword research tools to identify valuable terms

General SEO apps for broader optimization

Analytics tools to measure the impact on traffic

Can I export the generated alt text?

AltSeo doesn’t have a direct export feature, but you can:

Access the data through Shopify’s product export feature

View complete reports in the task history

Request custom exports by contacting support (Enterprise plan)

How do I integrate AltSeo into my team’s workflow?

Consider these approaches:

Assign a team member to review and approve generated alt text

Set up scheduled tasks aligned with your product release calendar

Create a process for flagging any alt text that needs manual refinement

Use email notifications to alert team members when tasks complete

Support & Resources

How do I get help if I have questions?

We offer multiple support channels:

Comprehensive documentation available at any time

Detailed FAQ section covering common questions

Email support at support@agenceliftoff.ca

In-app support links

Knowledge base articles and tutorials

Do you offer personalized support?

Yes, all plans include email support. Professional and Enterprise plans receive priority support with faster response times. Enterprise plans include dedicated account management.

What is your support response time?

Free & Starter plans: Within 24-48 business hours

Professional plan: Within 24 business hours

Enterprise plan: Within 12 business hours

Can I request new features?

Absolutely! We welcome feature requests from all users. While we can’t implement every suggestion, user feedback directly influences our development roadmap. Send your ideas to support@agenceliftoff.ca.

Do you provide training or onboarding?

All plans include access to our documentation and tutorial videos

Professional plan includes a dedicated setup guide

Enterprise plan includes personalized onboarding and training sessions

How often is AltSeo updated?

We release updates regularly, typically:

Minor improvements: Weekly to bi-weekly

Feature additions: Monthly to quarterly

Major version updates: 2-3 times per year

All updates are automatically applied with no action required on your part.

If you have any questions not addressed in this FAQ, please contact our support team at support@agenceliftoff.ca, and we’ll be happy to assist you.