Simple Ways to Make Your Website Accessible to Everyone
The above is a collage of disability symbols on computer keyboard keys.
Simple Ways to Make Your Website Accessible to Everyone
More than 5 billion people worldwide use the Internet to work,
communicate and look up information. Some have mental or physical limitations,
such as dyslexia, visual impairment, or spinal cord injuries, which can affect
their ability to access web pages. For example, they might not be able to hear
audio content, distinguish between different colors, or read small fonts.
Wondering how to make a website accessible? First, it's important
to understand that achieving web accessibility is a team effort. This process
usually requires the expertise of a web developer, digital marketer, SEO
specialist, web designer and other professionals. But, as a small business owner,
you can create a blog for free and implement
some accessibility features yourself. For example, it's easy to add alt tags to
images and include audio descriptions in videos. However, you may need help
with more complex tasks, such as using the proper HTML markup on your site or
blog.
What Is Web Accessibility?
About 16% of the world's population lives with a disability. Depending on your industry and location, any of these people could be a potential customer. If your business website isn't accessible, you're missing out on sales and profits.
Web accessibility is a set of features, tools, and technologies
that allow users with disabilities to navigate the internet. Basically, it ensures everyone has equal access to
information and the benefits derived from it. In the context of web design,
these features may include the following:
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Alternative (alt) text for images
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High-contrast colors
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Keyboard focus indicators
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Logical heading structure
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Closed captions on videos
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Large buttons and icons
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Descriptive links
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Scalable text
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Semantic HTML
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ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications)
For example, the BBC website features high-contrast text and images, keyboard-friendly tab navigation, audio descriptions, and other accessibility features.
How to Make Your Website More Accessible
A recent
study conducted on the top one million
homepages found that fewer than 4% met the standards for digital accessibility.
Most websites had low-contrast text, empty links or buttons, images without
alternative text, and other issues that posed challenges to disabled users.
Given these aspects, it makes sense to improve the accessibility
of your website or blog. This practice would not only allow you to expand your
reach but also give you a competitive advantage. Plus, your business website
will gain more visibility in search results, leading to higher traffic and
conversions.
That said, here's what you can do to ensure your website is
accessible to everyone.
Use
Descriptive Alt Tags
Alt tags are HTML attributes that describe the images on a web
page.
For example, the alt tag of a product image featuring an HP laptop
could be something like, "HP-laptop-15t-fd000"
or "15.6-inch-HP-laptop."
Blind or visually impaired users rely on screen readers to navigate the web. These software
programs can read the alt text aloud, allowing them to understand what an image
is all about.
Go one step further and add meaningful captions under or next to
the pictures on your website or blog. Don't place the text over the image
because it cannot be processed by screen readers.
Optimize Your
Links for the Visually Impaired
On a similar note, use clear, descriptive anchor text and
hyperlinks. The former is the clickable text of a link, as shown below:
Find out how to make a website accessible (link)
to visually impaired users.
In this scenario, you'll use the phrase "how to make a
website accessible" as anchor text and link to a relevant blog post or
landing page.
As a rule of thumb, avoid using generic words and phrases, such as
"Click here" or "Learn more," in anchor text. The
same goes for hyperlinks, which should be relevant, descriptive, and succinct.
Choose Readable Fonts
Some fonts are easier on the eye and more legible than others.
Take Curlz MT or Jokerman, for example. They're hard to read on
most screens, distracting from the message you want to convey.
Your best bet is to choose clear, readable fonts like Arial,
OpenDyslexic, Calibri, Helvetica, or APHont. The latter was actually designed
by the American Printing House for the Blind.
Generally, it's best to avoid handwriting-style or cursive fonts,
as well as those with unnecessary embellishments. Use a contrast ratio of at
least 4.5:1 for regular text and 3:1 for headings to ensure proper readability.
Keep the
Navigation Simple
Having too many navigation links can slow down readers who use
assistive devices to access your website or blog.
Keep your website's navigation menu as simple as possible. Flux Academy recommends including a maximum of seven links in the main menu and using white space to separate it from the website content.
Make sure you also provide a sitemap, skip links, and descriptive
headings. Avoid pop-ups, animations, flashing content, modal windows, and other
unnecessary elements.
Write in
Plain Language
Plain language makes it easier to get your message across,
regardless of the target audience. Plus, it's more accessible to people with
cognitive and learning disabilities.
Steer clear of jargon and use common words to make your content
easier to read. If you need to use technical or less common terms, provide
clear definitions. Write in the active voice and get to the point quickly.
Avoid large blocks of text and use bullet lists, headings, images,
or other elements to break down your content. Stick to one idea per paragraph
and state your main point before going into detail.
Last, consider using the Readability Test Tool, the Hemingway App,
or Grammarly to check and improve the readability of your work.
These
are just a few of the steps you can take to make your website more accessible.
You could also provide transcripts for audio content, create accessible forms,
and enable resizable text. Go one step further and optimize your site for
keyboard navigation.
These practices may seem overwhelming, but once you get the ball
rolling, everything becomes easier. Plus, you can use web accessibility testing
tools like WAVE, Dynomapper, or ARC Toolkit to assess your website or blog.
Why Your Business Website Should Be
Accessible to Everyone
Accessible websites can benefit everyone, not just people with
disabilities. They're clean, interactive, and easy to navigate, allowing users
to find what they need when they need it. Their features may also come in handy
for the elderly, people with a slow Internet connection, and those navigating
the web on their smartphones or other devices with small screens.
Think about those days when you're tired and your eyes hurt, but
you still need to work on the computer. In this situation, a website with small
fonts, low-contrast images, and complex navigation can make everything a lot
harder.
Also, note that web accessibility, or WCAG 2.1, is a legal
requirement in some countries. For instance, U.S. government websites must be
accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
From a technical standpoint, website accessibility isn't a ranking
factor but can boost your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.
Accessible websites provide a better user experience than
traditional sites. Additionally, WCAG 2.1 standards are in line with SEO best
practices.
For example, the use of descriptive links and alt text can improve
both website accessibility and SEO. These practices can enhance the user
experience, leading to higher search engine rankings.
Last but not least, web accessibility can improve your bottom line. In 2021, online retailers lost $828 million in revenue over Christmas because their websites failed to meet the WCAG 2.1 standards. But if you follow these guidelines, you'll reach a wider audience and drive brand awareness. The result? More sales, higher revenue, and happier customers.
Ultimately,
it's in your best interest to prioritize accessibility. By doing so, you'll
provide a superior user experience and reach thousands of new potential
customers. Think of it as an opportunity to grow your business while making the
world a better place.