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Must-Know Website Accessibility Tips

Do more by using these website accessibility tips.

Image: Unsplash

Developing your small business online can be an exciting venture, but it’s important to make sure your website is accessible to all users. By implementing these must-know website accessibility tips, you can ensure your website is inclusive and user-friendly. Ultimately, this will improve the overall success of your small business. In addition to benefiting individuals with disabilities, website accessibility also enhances the user experience for all users. In turn, this improves engagement and customer satisfaction. So, use these tips to develop your small business and create a welcoming and accessible online presence.

1 One of the Top Website Accessibility Tips is Providing Alternative Text for Images

Alternative text (alt text) briefly describes an image that screen readers can read. Screen readers are software programs that read the text on a webpage aloud for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Providing alt text for images allows screen readers to describe the image to the user. This makes the content more accessible. Alt text should be concise and descriptive, accurately conveying the purpose of the picture.

2 Use Descriptive Headings

Headings are used to structure content on a webpage. As a result, they make it easier for users to understand and navigate. Using descriptive headings not only improves the user experience but also makes the content more accessible for individuals using screen readers. Headings should be clear and explanatory, accurately summarizing the section’s content.

3 Ensure Proper Color Contrast

Color theory plays a crucial role in website accessibility, particularly when it comes to color contrast. The proper color contrast between text and background is essential for individuals with low vision or color blindness. Without this, they are not able to read and navigate a website.

You can ensure the text is readable by following the guidelines for color contrast ratios provided by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Moreover, don’t forget the role of color theory in ensuring user-friendliness for all users, not just the disabled ones.

4 Provide Captions and Transcripts for Video and Audio Content

Video and audio content should include captions and transcripts. This makes the content accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Captions should accurately convey the spoken content and include non-speech elements such as music or sound effects. Transcripts provide a written version of the audio content, making it accessible to individuals who are not able to hear it.

5 Ensure Keyboard Accessibility

Keyboard accessibility is one of the website must-haves. This is crucial for individuals unable to use a mouse or touch screen. Websites should be designed to be navigable using only a keyboard. This includes ensuring that all interactive elements are accessible on the keyboard such as drop-down menus and forms.

6 Avoid Using Images of Text

Using images of text can be problematic for individuals using screen readers. Specifically, the software cannot read that text. So, whenever possible, the text should be presented as actual text rather than an image. This ensures the content is accessible to all users, including screen readers.

7 Provide Clear and Concise Link Text

Link text should be clear and concise, accurately describing the link’s destination. Once again, this is important for individuals using screen readers. The main reason is that they rely on link text to navigate the website. Thus, you should avoid using vague or generic link text such as “click here” or “read more”.

8 Ensure Forms are Accessible

Forms should be designed to be accessible to all users, including individuals using screen readers. This includes ensuring that all form elements have descriptive labels and instructions. Furthermore, make sure error messages are clear and concise.

9 Provide Text Equivalents for Non-Text Content

Non-text content, such as images, graphs, charts, and diagrams, should have text equivalents or descriptions that convey the same information as the non-text content. This allows individuals with visual impairments who cannot view the non-text content to understand the conveyed information.

10 Ensure Consistent Navigation

Consistent navigation is important for individuals with disabilities who may rely on familiar website layouts to navigate efficiently. Navigation should be clear and concise. Moreover, the order of navigation items should be logical and consistent throughout the website.

11 Use Accessible PDFs

If your website provides downloadable documents, such as PDFs, it’s important to ensure they are accessible. Accessible PDFs should include text that can be read by screen readers. And don’t forget about the headings and alternative text for images and other non-text content.

12 Provide Accessible Multimedia Players

Multimedia players should be designed to be accessible to all users, including individuals with disabilities. This includes providing keyboard shortcuts for controls, captions, transcripts for video and audio content, and clear and concise media descriptions.

13 Ensure Consistent Language and Terminology

Consistent language and terminology are important for individuals with cognitive disabilities who may have difficulty understanding complex or technical language. Using consistent language and vocabulary throughout the website helps to ensure that all users can understand the content.

14 Avoid Automatic Media Playback

Automatic media playback, such as videos or audio that play automatically when a webpage is loaded, can be disruptive for individuals with disabilities. Users may have difficulty locating and stopping the media, which can interfere with their ability to navigate the website. Avoid automatic media playback whenever possible.

15 Use Descriptive Page Titles and Headings

Page titles and headings should be descriptive and accurately convey the page’s content. This helps users with disabilities understand the website’s structure and organization. As a result, they’ll be able to navigate more efficiently.

16 Test Website Accessibility

Regular testing of website accessibility is essential to ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines. You should perform testing using assistive technologies such as screen readers and keyboard navigation. At the same time, you can ask individuals with disabilities to test and provide feedback on the website’s accessibility.

Using Website Maintenance Services

While it’s important to implement these website accessibility tips, it’s equally important to maintain accessibility over time. Therefore, the experts from wpfullcare.com advise you to use website maintenance services. Professionals can help ensure your website remains accessible and up-to-date with the latest accessibility guidelines. These services can include regular accessibility audits, website code, and design updates, and ongoing monitoring to ensure accessibility compliance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, website accessibility is essential for creating an inclusive and welcoming online presence. By implementing these must-know website accessibility tips, you can ensure your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. And this will help your business thrive.