Exploring the importance of alt text for a better web experience and increased accessibility.

• Alt text significantly improves accessibility for visually impaired users, allowing them to understand images through screen readers.
• By providing descriptive alt text, we create an inclusive experience, ensuring that everyone can engage with our content.
• Well-crafted alt text can enhance SEO, as search engines rely on it to index images and understand their context.
• Using alt text effectively reduces bounce rates; users are less likely to leave if they can access comprehensive content.
• Alt text complements design choices, filling in gaps for users who might struggle with visual elements alone.
• Adding alt text fosters a better user experience; visitors appreciate the additional context that enhances their understanding of the page.
• Proper alt text practices build credibility and a positive reputation for your brand, as users feel valued and understood.
• When images fail to load, strong alt text provides users with applicable information, keeping them engaged despite technical issues.

/root/Image1/BackgroundImage/img/@alt. Licensee Portal. /root/Image2 … Text 988 – 24/7 Crisis & SupportText 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. About Nevada

NVVetBoard

Unhelpful: Image has no alt text, but is not set to decorative, so screen readers read the file name of the image instead. Background Images. Many programs skip …

Authoring Meaningful Alternative Text | Section508.gov

… background images do not require alt text. If you use a background image that does add meaning to the page, it should be coded as a regular image with alt text.

Alternative Text for Web Images | Communication Standards | NREL

/root/Image1/BackgroundImage/img/@alt. Plan Year 2025 Getting to Know Your Plan. /root/Image2/BackgroundImage/img/@alt. E-PEBP Portal. /root/Image3 …

PEBP

Alt text plays a crucial role in SEO and accessibility, yet many website owners overlook its significance. To ensure your alt text is effective, using the right tools can make a significant difference in optimizing your web content.

One tool I find indispensable is the Google Lighthouse. This open-source tool audits your web pages and provides insights into how well your images are optimized, including the presence and quality of alt text. After running an audit, the results will show you where you need to improve.

Another fantastic tool is Ahrefs Site Audit. It offers a comprehensive analysis of your entire website and points out any missing or duplicate alt text. When it reports these deficiencies, you’ll be more motivated to tackle them head-on.

SEMrush also comes in handy for assessing alt text. Its content audit feature allows you to see how well your images are optimized and flags any issues with alt descriptions. Plus, SEMrush offers keyword suggestions for your alt text, helping to align it more effectively with your SEO goals.

Moreover, WAVE is a great accessibility evaluation tool that specifically targets alt text among other accessibility issues. By testing your site through WAVE, you gain insights into how well you’re catering to screen readers and users with visual impairments. This is a win-win for both SEO and user accessibility.

For a more hands-on approach, consider using manual audits. Myself, I often go through a site’s images and check the alt text personally. Sometimes, the best insights come from directly evaluating how your content looks with and without descriptions.

Leveraging these tools not only sharpens your focus on alt text but also contributes to the overall user experience and SEO performance of your website. Don’t underestimate the value of effective alt text; it matters more than you might think!

Accessibility is essential in ensuring that all users, regardless of their abilities, can effectively engage with a website. One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to enhance accessibility is through the usage of alt text for images. Alt text serves as a critical tool for visually impaired users who rely on screen readers. When employed correctly, it ensures that they are not excluded from understanding the content that accompanies images on your site. I firmly believe that every image deserves a thoughtful description that accurately conveys its purpose.

Moreover, using alt text can positively affect SEO. Search engines can’t interpret images, but they can read alt text to better understand the context of images within your content. This can lead to improved rankings and increased organic traffic. Failing to utilize alt text is akin to leaving valuable opportunities on the table.

It’s also important to remember that not all images are created equal. Functional images, like buttons or links, should have descriptive alt text that explains their purpose, while decorative images can have empty alt attributes to signal they are not informative. This distinction can make a substantial difference in the user experience. Optimizing alt text doesn’t just benefit users with disabilities; it creates a more inclusive digital environment for everyone.

In my experience, I’ve found that businesses often overlook this aspect of SEO. They focus heavily on keywords and backlinks but neglect the importance of accessibility features like alt text. Ignoring this can lead to alienating a segment of your audience and missing out on potential customers. Embracing accessibility through alt text is not a mere option; it’s a necessity for building a truly user-friendly website.

Alt text is a crucial element of on-page SEO that many overlook. I’ve found that incorporating meaningful alt text can significantly enhance a website’s visibility in search engines. By providing descriptive text for images, I not only ensure that visually impaired users have a better experience but also improve my site’s keyword relevancy.

Search engines can’t interpret images like humans do. Therefore, the alt attribute serves as a vital communicator of what an image contains. This text helps search engine algorithms establish context, making it easier for them to index the content. By including relevant keywords in the alt text, I effectively serve dual purposes: optimizing for search engines and improving accessibility.

Furthermore, alt text can directly influence image search results. If someone is searching for a specific image or related content, well-crafted alt text can push my images to the forefront. This means more traffic can flow to my site from image searches, which is a significant and often ignored avenue.

Beyond SEO, good alt text enhances user experience. If an image fails to load, users will still have context about what was supposed to be there. I’ve noticed that engaging alt text can even increase engagement with my content, as users may be more inclined to read further if they have a clearer understanding of what my content includes.

Incorporating alt text effectively isn’t complicated, but it requires a mindset focused on both search optimization and inclusivity. I regularly remind myself of its importance and actively look for opportunities to refine my use of alt tags.

May 10, 2020 … No alt text provided for this image. A younger Madhav would write the alt text as: <img src=”background–image.jpg” alt=”Background image” />.

What Web developers get wrong about Alt text.

Nov 24, 2022 … My job: paint all the backgrounds! No alt text provided for this image. The total background count was 50 and I did both the layout and …

Behind the Project – Animaniacs Backgrounds

Alt text is essential for SEO and accessibility. In the world of search engine optimization, every detail matters. Background images often misstep when it comes to alt text. These images, while they enhance visual appeal, can hinder search engines’ ability to index your content correctly if they’re not labeled. Adding descriptive alt text is not optional—it’s mandatory for optimal SEO practices. Search engines rely on alt text to understand what content is present in images, including those used as backgrounds.

Moreover, alt text plays a critical role in web accessibility. Visually impaired users rely on screen readers to interpret the content, including background images. Without proper alt text, these individuals miss out on key information, undermining your site’s commitment to inclusivity.

Some might argue that background images are just decorative and don’t require alt text. However, even decorative images can convey meaning or context that enhances the user experience and SEO. If a background image contributes to the theme of the page, it deserves an appropriate alt tag.

On top of this, alt text can improve your site’s discoverability. Search engines like Google assess the content on your site holistically, factoring in every element. Neglecting alt text for background images is like leaving a significant piece of your content unoptimized. It’s a missed opportunity to improve search rank and visibility.

In sum, alt text for background images is a critical component of both SEO and accessibility strategies. Make it a priority to incorporate thoughtful, descriptive alt text to communicate the message behind your designs. This practice not only meets technical requirements but also enhances user experience for all visitors.

One of the biggest blunders in alt text usage is making it too generic. Alt text like ‘image’ or ‘photo’ provides no context to search engines or visually impaired users. Be specific! Describe exactly what’s in the image, including relevant details that add value to the content.

Another common mistake is keyword stuffing. While it might be tempting to cram as many keywords as possible into your alt text, this can backfire. Search engines prioritize user experience; overly stuffed alt text can reduce clarity and deter users.

It’s also crucial to avoid using alt text for decorative images. If the image doesn’t convey meaningful content, simply leave the alt attribute empty. This ensures screen readers skip over unnecessary images and focus on relevant information.

Additionally, I often see alt text that is too long. Yes, detail is important, but be concise. A sentence or two is typically enough. Long-winded descriptions can frustrate users and lead to a poor experience.

Using the same alt text for multiple images is another mistake. Each image should have its unique description to maximize SEO and provide clarity. Duplicate alt text fails to convey the unique value of each image. Finally, never forget to update alt text if the image changes. Keeping alt text current is crucial for ongoing SEO success.

The importance of alt text is only going to rise in the coming years. As search engines continue to enhance their algorithms, the optimization of alt text will play a crucial role in ensuring websites rank higher. It’s not just a matter of adding a description; it’s about creating a compelling narrative that accurately represents the visual content and enhances user experience.

One trend I foresee is the integration of AI and machine learning in generating alt text. Tools that automatically create descriptive alt text based on image recognition technology can save time for content creators. However, these automated solutions should be complemented by human input to maintain authenticity and relevance.

Additionally, the shift toward accessibility will make alt text a legal requirement in more regions. Businesses need to be proactive in ensuring their alt text meets accessibility standards, which will not only improve compliance but also expand their audience. Properly optimized alt text can dramatically increase website traffic by reaching users who rely on screen readers or other accessibility tools.

Voice search technology is another factor to consider. As more people use voice-activated devices, alt text optimization will become essential for answering user queries. Descriptive alt text will allow search engines to connect visual content with voice search results seamlessly.

The future of alt text goes beyond mere keyword stuffing. A strategy focused on context, relevance, and accessibility will become crucial as more businesses recognize the potential benefits. Alt text optimization should be seen as an integral part of any SEO strategy, rather than an afterthought. Businesses that commit to these evolving practices will likely see a significant uptick in organic traffic and user engagement.

Alt text is often an underrated component of SEO strategy, yet its impact on performance is significant. It serves not only as a descriptive element for images but also plays a crucial role in how search engines interpret content on your page. By correctly implementing alt text, we enhance both accessibility and SEO, contributing to a better user experience.

First, consider how search engines evaluate content. They cannot ‘see’ images as we do; they rely on alt text to understand what the image depicts. Images with thoughtful alt text can improve rankings in image search results, driving more traffic to your site. This is particularly beneficial for niche markets where visual appeal is essential.

Furthermore, utilizing keywords in your alt text is a strategic move. However, be cautious; keyword stuffing can lead to penalties. Instead, aim for natural, descriptive text that genuinely reflects the content of the image. This also aids users who rely on screen readers, enhancing overall site usability.

I’d also highlight the importance of A/B testing your alt text. By comparing the performance of images with traditional alt text versus those optimized with targeted keywords, you can assess what works best for your audience. Tracking metrics like click-through rates from image searches can reveal invaluable insights. Such data is often the cornerstone of refining your SEO approach.

Keep in mind that the visual aspect of your content cannot be ignored. Images capture attention and convey messages quickly. By ensuring that the alt text aligns well with your overall content strategy, you create a harmonious relationship between visual elements and textual content, further bolstering your SEO efforts. Ignoring alt text is a missed opportunity; it can amplify your site’s visibility in organic search results.

Nov 18, 2010 … Example site. The answer is that they don't use alt text at all, but instead use the title attribute on the containing div.

html – CSS background image alt attribute – Stack Overflow

… site, or a request to change the code could get hung up in approval from … text was in the same place as the background image. Summary. Try not to use …

Alternate text for background images, alt text accessibility

Mar 1, 2021 … You mean add alt text, or add a small text under background image? … background photo when trying to find information on your site. In …

How do you add Image Alt Text to Section Backgrounds? – SEO …

Dec 6, 2018 … And since it will be background image, it cannot have an “ALT” text because a background image is a style property of an element and ALT tag is …

Is it possible to add an alt tag to a background image? – Support …

May 20, 2022 … … alt text so that if someone is looking at the site with a screen reader they can know what is appearing on the page.

What is the best way to handle alt text for a background image with a …

Alt Text Best Practices · Keep it short, usually 1-2 sentences. · Consider key elements of why you chose this image for your document, instead of describing every …

Write helpful Alt Text to describe images | Digital Accessibility​

Oct 9, 2018 … Hey guys, does anyone know if there is away to add alt tags to background images? I'm optimizing a site that I designed for SEO but it …

Alt tags for background images for SEO – SEO – Forum | Webflow

Typically, alt text is used with <img> tags in HTML to provide a textual alternative for images. However, if an image is set as a CSS background, the alt …

[Answered] How to add alt text for a background image in HTML/CSS?

Choosing between background images and traditional images can significantly impact your SEO strategy. Background images, often used for aesthetics, do not carry the same SEO weight as traditional images. Search engines rely on alt text and filenames for indexing images, which are typically missing or less effective in background images.

When I look at a website, I immediately assess how images reflect on its SEO health. Traditional images allow for easy optimization through descriptive alt text and proper file names. This is crucial because it enables search engines to understand the content and context of your images, directly influencing your ranking.

On the other hand, background images are often implemented via CSS, which offers minimal opportunities for SEO optimization. They lack the necessary attributes that enhance visibility and searchability. This approach might yield a visually pleasing site, but it’s simply not enough in the competitive digital landscape where visibility is king.

Effective alt text can significantly improve SEO and accessibility, but many still overlook its potential. I’ve come across several websites that use alt text brilliantly, making them stand out in search results. A notable example is a major e-commerce site that sells outdoor gear. They implemented descriptive alt text for each product image—specifically detailing the item, color, and intended use. This not only helped visually impaired users but also boosted their organic rankings because search engines could index their images more effectively.

Another compelling case is a local restaurant’s website. They included alt text for their food photography, describing both the dish and the ingredients. By doing this, they not only enhanced the experience for visually impaired visitors but also attracted food enthusiasts searching for specific dishes. Search engines recognized the relevance of the images alongside their menu offerings, driving more traffic to their site.

Social media platforms also showcase the power of alt text. Platforms like Instagram now encourage users to add alt descriptions to their posts. Influencers who embrace this feature often see better engagement rates. One influencer, for example, consistently includes detailed descriptions of her workout images. This approach helps not only her followers with disabilities but also fitness enthusiasts searching for specific workouts online.

The best thing about these examples is that they demonstrate how simple changes can yield substantial benefits. Using effective alt text creates a win-win: it serves users and enhances your search visibility. Incorporating clear and concise descriptions can transform your website’s SEO, increasing organic traffic while making your content accessible to everyone.

Analyzing alt text can significantly impact SEO and accessibility. Here are my top five picks that I believe every website owner should consider for a thorough examination of their alt attributes.

1. 1. Screaming Frog SEO Spider: This tool remains my go-to for crawling websites, letting me quickly identify missing or ineffective alt text. Its ability to export detailed reports is a game-changer.
2. 2. Sitebulb: Besides being fantastic for generating a visual representation of your site’s structure, Sitebulb offers an insightful audit on alt text usage which helps me pinpoint enhancements.
3. 3. Google Search Console: This free tool is invaluable for monitoring how Google interacts with your website. The coverage report can sometimes highlight issues with image indexing, which ties back to your alt text.
4. 4. Moz Pro: While it’s primarily an SEO suite, Moz Pro includes features to analyze on-page SEO factors. I particularly appreciate its alt text metrics to see how well-optimized my images really are.
5. 5. SEMrush: Known for its comprehensive suite of tools, SEMrush allows keyword analysis down to your images. The alt text feature helps identify opportunities to rank even higher.

Alt text plays a crucial role in optimizing images for search engines, enhancing accessibility, and improving user experience.

• Improves image discoverability: Search engines can’t ‘see’ images like we do. By adding descriptive alt text, I ensure that search engines can index my images, making them discoverable in search results.
• Enhances user experience: Providing alt text means that users with visual impairments can understand the content of my images via screen readers, which is a fundamental aspect of web accessibility.
• Boosts page relevance: Alt text offers context to images that relate to my written content, helping search engines understand the overall theme of my page. This can enhance my site’s relevance and ranking.
• Prevents content loss: If images don’t load due to poor connection or other issues, the alt text serves as a fallback, ensuring that visitors still gain some insights from my content.
• Increases keyword optimization opportunities: When I strategically include keywords in my alt text, I’m giving myself another chance to rank for relevant search terms, potentially driving more organic traffic to my site.

Implementing alt text across different content management systems (CMS) can feel burdensome, but it’s essential for enhancing accessibility and SEO. First off, **I cannot stress enough how crucial alt text is; it describes images for screen readers and search engines alike.** Each CMS has its quirks, so let’s tackle a few popular ones.

For WordPress users, adding alt text is simple. **When uploading an image, you’ll see an ‘Alt Text’ field in the Media Library; make good use of this!** Ensure your description captures the essence of the image succinctly. I make it a habit to include relevant keywords without stuffing. This not only aids SEO but also enhances content clarity for visually impaired users.

On Shopify, you can edit alt text directly in the admin panel. **Go to the product page, click on the image, and fill in the ‘Alt Text’ field.** I find that describing the product and its purpose gives both SEO benefits and user context.

For Joomla, the process is slightly different. When you insert an image in your articles, **always locate the Image Properties and use the Alternative Text field.** Here, I favor clear descriptions that serve both users and search engine crawlers.

If you’re working with Wix, it’s incredibly user-friendly. **Select the image, click on ‘Settings’, and find the ‘Image Alt Text’ section.** Ensure your description is short but informative. I often add location tags for images relevant to local SEO strategies.

Lastly, for custom-built sites, implementing alt text often requires some coding. **Make sure the image tags include ‘alt’ attributes; this facilitates both user experience and SEO rankings.** For me, alt text is non-negotiable since it not only improves accessibility but also helps in indexing images properly.

By following these tips for various CMS platforms, **you’ll significantly enhance your site’s SEO and user experience.** Properly implemented alt text is not just an option; it’s an SEO essential.

Alt text is essential for enhancing accessibility and improving SEO. Think of it as a textual description that provides context for images on your website. Here’s how to craft effective alt text that meets both user needs and search engine standards.

First, be descriptive yet concise. Aim for clarity while avoiding overly lengthy descriptions. For instance, instead of saying “A picture of a sunny beach with people playing volleyball,” a succinct alternative could be: “Beach volleyball game on a sunny day.” This not only keeps alt text focused but also makes it easier for screen readers to interpret.

Include relevant keywords, but do not overstuff. A natural use of keywords enhances search engine ranking without compromising user experience. If the image relates to a blog about summer activities, incorporating phrases like “summer beach” can be beneficial.

Additionally, avoid phrases like “image of” or “picture of”. Describing the image directly tells users what they need to know without unnecessary preamble. For example, instead of “Image of a cat sitting on a windowsill,” simply write “Cat sitting on windowsill.” This approach not only saves words but also engages users more effectively.

Always aim for context. The purpose of the image matters—if it’s decorative, then it may not even need alt text, but if it’s functional, like a button, make sure the alt text describes its action clearly.

Lastly, keep the audience in mind. Craft alt text that resonates with who will interact with your content. Are your visitors casual readers or specific niche enthusiasts? Tailoring your descriptions to suit their expectations boosts both usability and engagement.

By applying these best practices regularly, you’ll not only improve accessibility but also enhance your SEO efforts effectively.

Alt text, or alternative text, is a descriptive attribute added to images on a website. It serves multiple purposes; primarily, it enhances accessibility for visually impaired users by providing a text alternative that screen readers can vocalize. More importantly, alt text plays a significant role in SEO. Search engines cannot ‘see’ images in the way humans can. Instead, they rely on this text to understand the content and context of the images within your site. By optimizing alt text with relevant keywords, you improve your chances of ranking higher in search engine results. This not only boosts your visibility but also drives organic traffic to your website. Furthermore, descriptive alt text can lead to better user engagement since it can enhance the overall experience on your site. It provides clarity to your audience, helping them understand the visual content even if the images do not load properly. In a competitive digital landscape, overlooking alt text is a missed opportunity for both accessibility and SEO.

Writing alt text for background images can be tricky, but it’s crucial for accessibility and SEO. I believe that alt text should describe the function of the background image rather than its visual details. If the image adds context or meaning to the content, then a brief description is warranted. However, if it serves as mere decoration, a simple ‘decorative image’ note suffices.

Avoid overstuffing keywords. Aim for clarity and relevance instead. For example, if your background image relates to a travel blog, describe the journey instead of listing various locations. This ensures search engines understand your content better while maintaining a user-friendly experience.

Additionally, ask yourself what the image conveys to the user. The focus should be on enhancing understanding for screen readers and improving SEO relevance. Keep the alt text concise, ideally under 125 characters. This balance of brevity and information will serve both user experience and search engine ranking effectively.

Writing effective alt text is essential for optimizing images and improving accessibility. Here are a few tools I highly recommend. First, **Alt Text Generator** offers a straightforward interface that quickly assists in generating descriptive text. You’ll find it super helpful, especially for bulk images. **Microsoft Word** surprisingly has a robust built-in function that analyzes images and suggests alt text based on their content. This can save you time with repetitive tasks.

**ImageKit** is another fantastic resource that combines live image optimization with alt text suggestions. The integration makes it easy to keep your website’s images SEO-friendly. Additionally, **Axe accessibility checker** provides suggestions if your alt text needs improvement, ensuring your content is compliant with accessibility standards.

To wrap it up, using a combination of these tools will ensure your alt text is not only descriptive but also effective for SEO and accessibility. Remember, every image deserves a good alt text, and these tools make the process so much simpler!

Keyword stuffing in alt text can absolutely harm your SEO. Many people still believe that cramming as many keywords as possible into alt text is a smart strategy to boost visibility. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Search engines have evolved significantly, and they can recognize when text is manipulated for rankings.

Using excessively keyword-heavy alt text not only creates a poor user experience but also jeopardizes your chances of ranking well. When search engines detect this practice, they may penalize your site, leading to lower visibility in search results. Alt text is meant to provide context to images, and stuffing it with keywords compromises that purpose.

I firmly believe that a clear, concise description of the image should be the focus. This way, you enhance accessibility for users who rely on screen readers. Plus, you’ll maintain a good standing with search engines who prioritize genuine, user-friendly content.

In my opinion, the best practice is to use relevant, naturally occurring keywords that describe the image without overdoing it. Keep it authentic, and your SEO will thank you.

Yes, alt text is essential for every image on your site. It serves multiple vital purposes that directly impact both accessibility and search engine optimization. First, it provides context to visually impaired users using screen readers, ensuring they understand the content of images. If your site isn’t accessible, you risk alienating a significant audience.

Moreover, search engines like Google analyze alt text to understand the image’s content. This can significantly influence your site’s ranking in search results. Each image offers an opportunity to target specific keywords; ignoring alt text is a missed chance to enhance your SEO strategy.

Some might argue that for decorative images, alt text isn’t necessary, but I firmly disagree. Even for these, consider using an empty alt attribute to signal to assistive technologies that the image is not important. This contributes to a cleaner user experience.

In short, every image deserves alt text—it’s a fundamental SEO practice. Prioritize it across your website to improve accessibility, user experience, and search performance.

Alt text is essential for website accessibility. As someone who prioritizes both user experience and SEO, I can’t stress enough the importance of providing alternative text for images on your site. Alt text allows screen readers to describe images to visually impaired users, making your content accessible to everyone. Without it, you’re effectively locking out a significant portion of your audience, which is not just unfair but also damaging to your site’s reputation.

Furthermore, search engines use alt text as a ranking factor. By including relevant keywords in your alt text, you’re not only enhancing accessibility but also boosting your search engine optimization efforts. This dual benefit is something you cannot afford to overlook. Therefore, when adding images to your website, ensure you craft meaningful and descriptive alt text.

Ultimately, neglecting alt text is a missed opportunity. It’s an easy fix that can significantly widen your audience and improve your SEO performance. Every blog post deserves to be accessible to all, and that starts with the simplest of elements: the alt text.

Alt text is critical for search engine ranking. It helps search engines understand your images, boosting visibility. Additionally, it ensures accessibility for those using screen readers. Ignoring this aspect is a missed opportunity for both SEO and inclusivity.

**Effective alt text transforms user experience.** It not only enhances accessibility but also boosts engagement by providing context. **When users understand visuals better, they stay on the page longer, increasing interaction.** Invest in crafting precise alt text—it’s a game changer!

Keyword stuffing is a pitfall that suffocates content quality. Instead, prioritize being descriptive and accurate to engage readers. My experience shows that authenticity creates a genuine connection, boosting both SEO and user satisfaction.

Optimizing alt text is non-negotiable for SEO success. I constantly use auditing tools to pinpoint missing or ineffective alt text, ensuring every image works harder for my site. This simple step can dramatically improve both accessibility and search engine rankings.

Alt text can enhance SEO for background images just like it does for traditional images. I’m convinced that properly describing background images with alt text not only boosts accessibility but also improves search visibility. Don’t overlook this crucial SEO element!

**I believe understanding accessibility standards is vital.** Alt text is crucial for SEO and ensures inclusivity for visually impaired users. **Ignoring these standards can alienate a substantial audience and compromise your rankings.** Regularly update your knowledge to optimize content effectively.

Effective alt text sets your content apart in the SEO landscape. It enhances accessibility and improves search engine ranking. By adding well-crafted descriptions, I’m not just optimizing for bots; I’m making my content relatable for all users. Stand out where it matters!

Writing alt text isn’t a one-time task; it’s an ongoing commitment. I find that regularly updating alt text enhances accessibility and SEO performance. Each new image or content update demands careful consideration of alt text to maintain effectiveness.