An accessible website is one that more people can use comfortably. That includes people with vision, hearing, movement or learning differences, older visitors, and anyone using a phone in bright sunlight.
Most of the basics are simple, and they make your website better for everyone.
1. Use enough colour contrast
Light grey text on a white background looks stylish but is hard to read. Make sure text stands out clearly from its background. Free contrast checker tools can tell you if your colours pass.
2. Keep text readable
Use a comfortable font size for body text, keep lines from getting too long, and leave space between paragraphs. If you have to squint, so do your visitors.
3. Add alt text to images
Alt text is a short description of an image. Screen readers read it out loud for people who can’t see the image. Describe what matters, like “Kitchen renovation with white cabinets and a wood island”. Decorative images don’t need it.
4. Use real headings in order
Headings (H1, H2, H3) give your page structure. Screen reader users often jump between headings to scan a page. Use one H1 for the main title, then H2s for sections, in a logical order.
5. Write clear link text
“Click here” doesn’t say where a link goes. “Read our kitchen renovation guide” does. Clear link text helps everyone, especially people navigating by keyboard or screen reader.
6. Make sure everything works with a keyboard
Try using your website with only the Tab and Enter keys. Can you reach the menu, the buttons and the contact form? Can you see where you are on the page? If not, some visitors can’t use it at all.
7. Label your form fields
Every field in your contact form should have a visible label, not just placeholder text that disappears when someone starts typing. Error messages should explain what to fix.
8. Be careful with motion
Animations can make a site feel lively, but too much movement can be uncomfortable for some people. Good websites respect the “reduce motion” setting on a visitor’s device. Every site I build does this.
9. Caption your videos
Captions help people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and anyone watching with the sound off.
Why it matters for your business
An easier website means more people can find what they need and get in touch. Many accessibility fixes also overlap with good SEO, like clear headings and descriptive alt text.
If you’d like your site checked, get in touch. You might also find real photos vs stock photos useful for the image side of things.
