The website should also be accessible to people who are deaf or have a disability. There are many ways to make a website accessible, but some common tips include making sure the site can be navigated using only a keyboard, providing text alternatives for non-text content, and ensuring that color is not the only way to convey information. Whether you’re doing the SEO in-house or taking the help of SEO services, it’s important to know these tips:
1. Use clear and concise language
Use clear and concise language throughout the website. This will make it easier for people with disabilities to understand the content. Moreover, using simple language will also help improve your SEO as it will be easier for search engines to index the content.
2. Make sure the site can be navigated using only a keyboard
People who are blind or have low vision may use a screen reader to navigate the website. They will need to be able to access all the content and navigation using only the keyboard. Keep the overall navigation simple and easy to understand.
3. Provide text alternatives for non-text content
Some people with disabilities are not able to see or hear certain types of content. It’s important to provide text alternatives for this type of content, such as captions for videos or transcripts of audio files.
4. Ensure that color is not the only way to convey information
Some people with color blindness are not able to see certain colors. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that color is not the only way to convey information. For example, don’t use color alone to indicate required fields on a form.
5. Use headings and lists
Use headings and lists to structure the content on your website. This will make it easier for people with disabilities to navigate the site and understand the information. Moreover, using headings and lists will also help improve your SEO.
6. Avoid using images of text
If you must use images of text, make sure that the text is still readable when the image is turned off. You can do this by ensuring that there is sufficient contrast between the text and the background or by providing a text alternative for the image.
7. Use fonts that are easy to read
Use fonts that are easy to read, such as sans-serif fonts. This will make the content more accessible for people with disabilities, particularly those with low vision. In addition, using easy-to-read fonts will also help improve your SEO.
8. Provide sufficient contrast between the text and the background
Make sure there is sufficient contrast between the text and the background. This will make the content more accessible for people with low vision. In addition, using high contrast will also help improve your SEO.
9. Avoid using blinking or flashing content
Some people with photosensitive epilepsy can have a seizure triggered by certain types of blinking or flashing content. Therefore, it’s important to avoid using this type of content on your website.
10. Use descriptive link text
Use descriptive link text so that people with disabilities will know where the link goes. For example, instead of using “click here,” use “read more about our SEO services.”
11. Give users control over time-sensitive content
Some types of content, such as videos and audio files, can be time-sensitive. It’s important to give users control over this type of content so that they can choose when and how to consume it. For example, provide controls for pausing, stopping, and advancing the content.
12. Avoid using pop-ups
Some people with disabilities find it difficult to close pop-ups. In addition, pop-ups can be disruptive to the overall user experience. Therefore, it’s important to avoid using them on your website.
13. Use error messages that are clear and helpful
If an error occurs, use an error message that is clear and helpful. This will make it easier for people with disabilities to understand what went wrong and how to fix it.
14. Make forms easy to understand and use
Forms can be difficult for people with disabilities to understand and use. It’s important to make sure that the form is laid out in an intuitive way and that the instructions are clear. In addition, use input field labels so that people with disabilities will know what information is being requested.
15. Ensure that your website can be navigated using a keyboard
Some people with disabilities are not able to use a mouse. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your website can be navigated using a keyboard. This can be done by ensuring that all links and form controls can be reached using the tab key.
16. Use alternative text for images
Provide alternative text (alt text) for images. This will allow people with disabilities who are using a screen reader to understand what the image is about. In addition, using alt text will also help improve your SEO.
17. Use captions and transcripts for videos
Provide captions and transcripts for videos. This will allow people with disabilities who are deaf or hard of hearing to understand the video content. In addition, using captions and transcripts will also help improve your SEO.
18. Use audio descriptions for videos
Provide audio descriptions for videos. This will allow people with disabilities who are blind or have low vision to understand the video content. In addition, using audio descriptions will also help improve your SEO.
19. Use data tables for tabular data
If you need to present tabular data on your website, use a data table. This will make the data more accessible for people with disabilities. In addition, using a data table will also help improve your SEO.
20. Test your website regularly
It’s important to test your website regularly to ensure that it remains accessible to people with disabilities. This can be done by using automated testing tools or by conducting manual tests. You can also opt for SEO services so that the experts can take care of everything.
Wrapping up!
These are just some of the things that you need to keep in mind when it comes to SEO and accessibility. By following these tips, you can make sure that your website is accessible to everyone.
