Honestly, alt text feels like such an overlooked branding tool. So many people just dump a list of keywords or write "image of a woman smiling" - which is about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
When I'm crafting alt text for a brand campaign, I treat it like a tiny piece of copy that sets the visual scene. Describe what's actually there - the mood, the colour palette, the action unfolding - but weave in the natural context without shoving keywords in. For instance, instead of "woman holding phone, white background", I'd write something like "A creative director laughing as she swaps campaign ideas on her phone, bathed in soft studio light" - it paints a picture and reinforces the brand's aesthetic.
And never stuff. Google's smarter than that, and it cheapens the whole perception. Keep it crisp, human, and evocative. A well-written alt text doesn't just help accessibility - it subtly elevates the entire content quality. I've seen clear descriptions genuinely nudge engagement numbers, especially when the brand's visual identity is strong.