Website accessibility means reducing barriers that make a page difficult to read, navigate, understand, or operate. It helps people who use screen readers, keyboards, zoom, captions, voice controls, or other assistive tools—and many of the same improvements make a website easier for everyone.
This checklist is a practical starting point, not a legal assessment or a promise of compliance. Accessibility needs vary by website, content, and organization, but every business can improve the fundamentals.
Use Clear Headings and Page Structure
Headings should describe the sections that follow and appear in a logical order. A visitor scanning visually and a screen-reader user navigating by headings should both be able to understand the page outline. Avoid choosing a heading level only because of how large it looks; appearance belongs in the design, while the heading level communicates structure.
Make the Site Usable With a Keyboard
Try moving through the website using the Tab key without a mouse. You should be able to reach menus, links, buttons, form fields, and interactive elements in a sensible order. The currently focused item needs a visible outline, and menus or popups should not trap the visitor.
Check Text Size, Contrast, and Zoom
Low-contrast text may look stylish but can be difficult to read. Check small text, button labels, placeholder text, text placed over images, and muted colors. Zoom the page to make sure content remains readable without overlapping or disappearing.
Write Useful Alternative Text for Images
Alternative text should communicate the purpose of an informative image in context. A project photo might identify the finished service and location; a purely decorative texture can usually have empty alt text. Do not stuff keywords or repeat a nearby caption word for word.
Make Links and Buttons Understandable
Labels such as “View fencing projects” or “Request a website audit” are clearer than repeated “Click here” links. A button should describe what happens next. Do not rely only on color to show that text is clickable or that a field contains an error.
Review Forms Carefully
- Every field needs a persistent, understandable label.
- Required fields should be identified in more than one way.
- Error messages should explain what needs to be corrected.
- Success messages should be noticeable and confirm what happened.
- The form should be comfortable to complete on a phone and with a keyboard.
Provide Captions and Avoid Unnecessary Motion
Videos with spoken information should include accurate captions. Avoid autoplaying audio, rapid flashing, or motion that cannot be paused. Respect visitors who prefer reduced motion when animations are part of the design.
Do Not Treat an Accessibility Widget as a Complete Fix
A toolbar or overlay may offer useful preferences, but it cannot repair unclear content, incorrect headings, unlabeled controls, inaccessible forms, or every theme and plugin problem. The strongest approach begins with the site’s structure and content, then uses appropriate testing and tools to find remaining issues.
Start With the Highest-Impact Pages
Review the home page, main service pages, navigation, and contact form first. Those are the paths most visitors need. Recheck accessibility whenever a new page, plugin, form, or major design element is added.
Accessibility basics are part of our approach to WordPress web design and website redesigns. If the current site is difficult to use and you want help prioritizing improvements, contact NC Web Crafters.
