Website accessibility is about ensuring that everyone can use your website effectively, regardless of ability, device, or circumstance. Accessible websites provide better experiences, reach broader audiences, and often improve overall usability.
Accessibility benefits users with disabilities, but it also improves navigation, readability, mobile experiences, and engagement for all visitors.
This checklist can help identify opportunities to make your website more inclusive and user-friendly.
1. Use Proper Heading Structure
Headings help users understand content hierarchy and improve navigation.
Best practices include:
- Only one H1 per page
- Use H2s for major sections
- Use H3s for subsections
- Avoid skipping heading levels
Clear heading structures benefit both users and screen readers.
2. Add Alt Text to Images
Alternative text describes images for people using assistive technologies.
Good alt text should:
- Be concise
- Describe important information
- Avoid keyword stuffing
- Be omitted for decorative images
3. Ensure Sufficient Color Contrast
Low contrast can make content difficult to read.
Evaluate:
- Text against backgrounds
- Buttons
- Links
- Form labels
Good contrast improves readability for everyone.
4. Use Readable Font Sizes
Text should be comfortable to read across devices.
Consider:
- Body text size
- Line spacing
- Paragraph spacing
- Responsive typography
Readable typography improves engagement and usability.
5. Make Navigation Keyboard Accessible
Many users navigate websites without a mouse.
Visitors should be able to:
- Navigate menus
- Access links
- Complete forms
- Activate buttons
Keyboard accessibility is an important usability consideration.
6. Use Descriptive Link Text
Links should clearly indicate where they lead.
Avoid:
- Click here
- Read more
- Learn more
Instead use descriptive phrases that provide context.
7. Label Form Fields Clearly
Forms should be easy to understand and complete.
Best practices include:
- Visible labels
- Helpful instructions
- Clear validation messages
- Logical field order
8. Provide Error Messages
Users should understand what went wrong and how to fix it.
Effective messages are:
- Clear
- Specific
- Easy to locate
- Helpful
9. Avoid Using Color Alone
Information should not rely exclusively on color.
Examples include:
- Icons
- Text labels
- Patterns
- Visual indicators
This improves accessibility for users with color vision deficiencies.
10. Make Buttons Easy to Use
Buttons should be:
- Clearly labeled
- Large enough to tap
- Visually distinct
- Easy to identify
This is especially important for mobile users.
11. Support Screen Readers
Assistive technologies help many users navigate websites.
Consider:
- Semantic HTML
- Proper labels
- Meaningful headings
- Logical content order
12. Ensure Responsive Design
Accessible websites should work across devices.
Review:
- Mobile layouts
- Tablet experiences
- Desktop displays
- Orientation changes
13. Avoid Autoplay Media
Unexpected audio or video can create barriers.
If media automatically starts:
- Provide pause controls
- Allow users to stop playback
- Offer captions where appropriate
14. Provide Captions for Videos
Captions improve accessibility and usability.
They help:
- Users with hearing impairments
- Mobile users
- Visitors in quiet environments
- Non-native speakers
15. Maintain Consistent Navigation
Consistency reduces cognitive effort.
Users should know:
- Where they are
- How to move around
- What to expect
16. Use Adequate Spacing
Whitespace improves readability and comprehension.
Review:
- Paragraph spacing
- Margins
- Padding
- Line height
17. Test Without Images
Content should remain understandable even if images do not load.
Ask:
- Does the page still make sense?
- Are important messages preserved?
- Can users complete tasks?
18. Check Focus Indicators
Keyboard users should always know which element is selected.
Focus states should be:
- Visible
- Consistent
- Easy to identify
19. Simplify Language
Clear communication benefits all users.
Consider:
- Short sentences
- Simple wording
- Descriptive headings
- Logical structure
20. Conduct Accessibility Reviews Regularly
Accessibility is an ongoing process.
Businesses should review websites:
- After redesigns
- Before launches
- After major updates
- As part of routine maintenance
Continuous improvements help maintain better experiences over time.
How FeedbackGuru Evaluates Accessibility
FeedbackGuru combines human expertise with AI-powered analysis to identify accessibility concerns and usability opportunities.
Our reviews assess:
- Navigation
- Content structure
- Readability
- Contrast
- Forms
- Mobile usability
- Accessibility considerations
- Overall user experience
The objective is to provide actionable recommendations that help businesses create more inclusive and effective digital experiences.
Final Thoughts
Accessibility is not just about compliance. It is about creating experiences that are easier to use, easier to understand, and more welcoming for everyone.
Improving accessibility often leads to better usability, stronger engagement, and higher customer satisfaction.
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