Key takeaways
- Accessibility means designing websites that people with disabilities, and everyone else, can use.
- The widely used standard is WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Many fixes are simple and also improve SEO and usability.
- Automated tools find only some problems. Keyboard and screen reader checks matter too.
Why it matters
Many people use screen readers, keyboard navigation, captions, zoom or voice control, and many more face temporary or situational limits, such as a broken wrist or bright sunlight. An accessible site serves more customers, reduces legal and reputational risk, and tends to be clearer for everyone. Requirements vary by province and organisation, so check the rules that apply to you.
The most common problems
- Low colour contrast between text and background.
- Images without alt text.
- Links labelled only “click here” or icons without names.
- Form fields without labels.
- Menus and buttons that cannot be used with a keyboard.
- Videos without captions.
Practical fixes
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Low contrast | Use a contrast checker; aim for WCAG AA ratios (4.5:1 for normal text). |
| Missing alt text | Describe informative images briefly; leave decorative images with empty alt text. |
| Unclear links | Use descriptive text such as “view our pricing”, and aria-labels for icon-only links. |
| Unlabelled forms | Add visible labels connected to each field. |
| Keyboard traps | Test with Tab and Shift+Tab; keep a visible focus outline. |
| No captions | Add captions or a transcript to videos and audio. |
Use proper structure
Use real headings in order, lists for lists, and buttons for actions. Semantic structure helps assistive technology and also helps search engines. Many items match our on-page SEO checklist.
How to test
- Run an automated check with Lighthouse or similar tools to catch common issues.
- Navigate with a keyboard only and make sure every action is reachable.
- Zoom to 200% and confirm nothing is lost on a phone-sized screen.
- Try a screen reader on key pages, or ask users who rely on one.
Next steps
Accessibility is easiest when built in from the start, as in our web design and development work. For an existing site, request a review.
Frequently asked questions
What is WCAG?
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are international technical recommendations from the W3C for making web content accessible.
Do accessibility overlays fix everything?
No. Overlay widgets cannot fix underlying problems in design and code, and accessibility experts generally recommend fixing the site itself.
Does accessibility help SEO?
Indirectly, yes. Clear structure, descriptive links and alt text overlap with SEO best practice.
More from the blog
What Is SEO and How Long Does It Take?
A plain-language explanation of SEO, why results take months, a realistic timeline and the red flags to watch for when hiring.
Read more about What Is SEO and How Long Does It Take? →On-Page SEO Checklist
A practical on-page SEO checklist: titles, headings, content, internal links, images, schema and more, explained in plain language.
Read more about On-Page SEO Checklist →Google Business Profile Checklist
Step-by-step checklist to claim, verify and complete your Google Business Profile, with the mistakes that cause suspensions.
Read more about Google Business Profile Checklist →Core Web Vitals Explained
What the three Core Web Vitals measure, Google's published thresholds, field versus lab data and a simple improvement plan.
Read more about Core Web Vitals Explained →What Affects Website Cost
Why website prices vary, the main cost factors, ongoing costs after launch and what a good quote should include.
Read more about What Affects Website Cost →WordPress vs Custom vs Builders
Compare WordPress, custom-coded sites and drag-and-drop builders on cost, flexibility, SEO, ownership and maintenance.
Read more about WordPress vs Custom vs Builders →Website Redesign Checklist
A redesign checklist covering goals, content audit, URL redirects, tracking, testing and launch so you do not lose traffic.
Read more about Website Redesign Checklist →E-commerce Conversion Basics
Product pages, trust, shipping clarity, checkout and speed: the fundamentals that turn online store visitors into customers.
Read more about E-commerce Conversion Basics →SEO vs PPC
How organic search and paid ads differ in speed, cost, control and long-term value, and when to use each or both.
Read more about SEO vs PPC →Content Marketing for Small Business
How to plan useful content, choose topics from real customer questions, publish consistently and measure what works.
Read more about Content Marketing for Small Business →Email Marketing Basics and CASL
Build an email list, write useful campaigns, and understand the basics of consent under Canada's anti-spam law (CASL).
Read more about Email Marketing Basics and CASL →Social Media Plan
Choose platforms, define content pillars, set a realistic schedule and measure results with a lightweight social media plan.
Read more about Social Media Plan →Ready to grow with Smartise?
Tell us about your business and goals. We will recommend the smallest set of changes that makes the biggest difference, and tell you plainly what we can and cannot promise.