website-accessibility

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Some browsers have some kind of disability, and many websites have barriers preventing people from using them.

People with disabilities use the internet daily, so creating a website with features and functions that improve accessibility is crucial.

An accessible website is more than just a moral issue; failing to cater to people with disabilities could result in legal action.

In this guide, learn more about online accessibility, why you need to have an accessible website, and how you can work with your agency to create one.

What Is Web Accessibility?

Accessibility “focuses on how a disabled person accesses or benefits from a site, system, or application.” That means you should design and develop websites and technologies so that everyone can use them.

While making a website more accessible might require an upfront outlay, the costs often pale in comparison to the court-imposed fines that many organizations just can’t afford.

What Are Common Website Accessibility Issues?

There are various accessibility issues that people with disabilities experience when browsing the internet:

Low Contrast on Text

Low contrast on text makes it hard for people with vision-related disabilities to read your content.

Missing ALT Text

ALT text is a description of an image on your website. Screen readers, often used by people with vision problems, read the ALT text out loud.

Lack of Closed Captions or Audio Descriptions

People with vision and hearing issues rely on closed captions or audio descriptions to understand videos on your website.

Too Many Navigation Links

Too many navigation links can make it difficult for users to move around your website. Pay close attention to the user experience on your website and ensure internal links are helpful and accurate.

How to Improve Website Accessibility

Here are just some of the ways you can improve website accessibility:

Provide text alternatives for video and audio content that serve the same purpose.
Use audio descriptions or text transcripts for videos with audio.
Present all web content in a meaningful order to improve readability.
Don’t use web designs that rely solely on color.
Don’t play audio automatically.
Make web content accessible without the use of a keyboard.
Allow users to navigate pages without the use of a keyboard.
Allow users to pause, hide, or stop auto-updating content.
Provide users with a way to skip repeated blocks of content.
Use clear and helpful page titles.
Identify input errors.
Label web elements.
Add captions to live video content.
Make sure your website adapts to landscape and portrait views.
The contrast ratio between text and the background of your website should be at least 4.5:1.
Don’t use images of text.
Suggest fixes when a user makes an error.
Use sign language translations for prerecorded content.
Use alternatives for live audio.
Define unusual words and phrases.
Define abbreviations.

Why You Should Invest in Web Design for Accessibility

While some of these tools might be useful, the best way to improve accessibility is to invest in a brand-new web design. Gudvil Nexus is a full-service web agency specializing in web design, SEO-led content marketing, and conversion rate optimization. We can help you improve your website accessibility and take a holistic approach to your sales and marketing funnels.

Final Word

Web accessibility is more important than ever. Although there’s no legal requirement to make your websites accessible, more companies are facing legal action for not making their sites user-friendly for people with disabilities. Accessibility guidelines can help you improve the accessibility of your digital assets, while various online tools let you audit your website. However, investing in web design can ensure your business is accessibility-compliant and doesn’t end up in court for an accessibility violation.

Do you want to improve website accessibility? Start a conversation with us about marketing website design and growing your business.