We all want to be thought of as considerate of others and making sure their needs are cared for. Especially if you own a business, this is vital to enjoy a good reputation and the increased business this brings. As the internet is used by most of the world, it is an area that our businesses and their websites need to ensure is considerate of the needs of others. Companies, like accessiBe are making others more aware of these needs and helping companies to address any issues and get their websites fully accessible, even within a matter of days. But what kind of things are we talking about? What are four things that can help with website accessibility?
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Make your page easy to understand
A key to this is to use headers to give each page structure. Clear structure makes it much easier for users to follow. Keep the content as simple as possible. Don’t put too much on one page where it is possible for a visitor to be overwhelmed and put off from continuing on your website.
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Make sure all forms are labelled correctly and simple to follow.
Most websites have forms on them somewhere and they can be necessary and useful. However, for those with visual or cognitive impairments they can be a problem area. It might not be easy to see what is being asked of them or what question relates to what field on the form. So, this is an important step to take into account. Someone using a screen reader in particular, may have difficulties.
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Be careful of your use of tables for information.
We all love a good table and they can be very useful when trying to convey information on our website. But when using them, as with forms, they need to be kept simple. And it’s important to avoid unnecessary tables. Again, they can cause problems for those using a screen reader or something similar.
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Keep thinking accessibility, accessibility, accessibility
So, you have your site up and running. Whenever you are adding new information or content, keep accessibility at the forefront of your mind. No matter who visits your site, whether they have accessibility needs or not, they should all be able to clearly read and understand you website.
Obviously, the main takeaway throughout all of these tips is simplicity. This will benefit everyone, not just those with accessibility needs and will make your website more welcoming and popular with all.
