How does accessibility impact SEO?Accessibility and SEO go hand in hand. Features like descriptive alt text for images, clear headings, and fast-loading pages not only help users with disabilities but also improve your site’s visibility in search engines. By prioritising accessibility, you can enhance your SEO and attract more visitors to your site.
Can improving accessibility increase my website’s traffic?Yes. An accessible website can reach a broader audience, including people with disabilities who might otherwise be excluded. It also improves user experience for everyone, which can lead to higher engagement and conversions. Additionally, search engines often favour accessible sites, boosting your rankings.
Does accessibility mean compromising on design?Not at all. Accessible websites improve the overall design by prioritising clarity and usability. Factoring in accessibility ensures features like clear navigation, readable text, and good colour contrast, which not only make the site usable for people with disabilities but enhance the experience for all users. This creates a better, more inclusive website without compromising on aesthetics.
How often should I check my website for accessibility issues?You should review your website’s accessibility regularly, ideally every four to six months or when making significant changes. Regular checks ensure your site remains accessible as you add new content, make updates, or as standards evolve.
What standards or guidelines should websites follow for accessibility?Websites should follow WCAG (currently WCAG 2.2) for accessibility. These guidelines are organised around four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR). They ensure that your website is usable for people with a variety of disabilities, including visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments.
What are the benefits of making my website accessible?An accessible website improves the experience for all users, not just those with disabilities. It helps you reach a wider audience, reduces bounce rates, and improves SEO. Plus, it positions your brand as inclusive and forward-thinking, building trust and loyalty with your customers.
How can I tell if my website is accessible?You can start by checking for basic issues, such as ensuring images have alt text, testing keyboard navigation, and using tools to check colour contrast. For a more comprehensive review, we can provide a detailed audit of your website to identify any accessibility issues. Get in touch for more information and to see how we can support you.
What is web accessibility, and why does it matter?Web accessibility ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can access and use your website. This means designing for screen readers, keyboard navigation, colour contrast, and more. It matters because 24% of the UK population has a disability, and 7 in 10 will leave a site if they encounter accessibility issues. Improving accessibility expands your audience, enhances your brand’s reputation, and can even boost your SEO.
