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Boost Website Growth: Top 18 Accessibility Changes for SEO
In today’s digital age, website accessibility is no longer just a moral obligation but a strategic advantage. Ensuring that your website is accessible not only opens it up to a wider audience but also enhances your SEO efforts. Below, we explore the top 18 accessibility changes you can implement to boost your website’s growth.
1. Use Descriptive ALT Text for Images
Images on your website should always have descriptive ALT text. This is essential for visually impaired users who rely on screen readers, and it helps search engines understand the content of your images better. Ensure your ALT text is concise yet informative.
2. Implement ARIA Landmarks
Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) landmarks enhance navigation for screen reader users, making it easier to jump to key sections of your website. Identify elements like navigation bars, main content areas, and footers with ARIA attributes to improve accessibility.
3. Optimize Keyboard Navigation
Ensure your website is fully navigable using a keyboard. The tab key should allow users to move through links, form fields, and buttons seamlessly. This practice enhances usability for those with mobility issues, as well as improving user experience overall.
4. Provide Text Transcripts for Multimedia
Multimedia content should have accompanying text transcripts. This is critical for users with hearing impairments and is also a valuable SEO opportunity, as search engines index text easily.
5. Ensure Color Contrast Meets Standards
The color contrast between background and text impacts readability for users with visual impairments. Use tools to check that your color contrasts meet the
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards.
6. Use Headings Strategically
Proper use of heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) structures content logically, aiding both accessibility and SEO. This helps screen readers understand document structure and guides search engines in content indexing.
7. Support Screen Reader Usability
Test your website’s compatibility with popular screen readers, and make necessary adjustments. This might include ensuring form fields are labeled correctly and links have meaningful descriptions.
8. Simplify Form Interactions
Make forms more accessible by using clear labels and placeholders, providing error messages that are easy to understand, and ensuring the process is straightforward from start to finish. This improves the user experience and reduces form abandonment.
9. Provide Alternative Text for CAPTCHA
Don’t let CAPTCHA be a barrier. Provide an alternative text option that users with disabilities can use to verify their identity, ensuring everyone can access your site’s functionality.
10. Design for Mobile Accessibility
With an increasing number of users accessing websites via mobile devices, it’s imperative that your site is designed with mobile accessibility in mind, ensuring touch targets are large enough and navigation is clear.
11. Make Use of Descriptive Link Text
Links like “click here” or “read more” are ambiguous. Descriptive link text gives users context about the content they are about to access, improving navigation and linking relevance for SEO.
12. Provide Consistent Navigation
Ensure navigation is consistent across all pages to aid user orientation and navigation. This is essential for both user experience and SEO because it helps with internal linking.
13. Create Accessible PDFs and Documents
Ensure all PDFs and attached documents are accessible. This includes adding tags, bookmarks, and ensuring content is readable by text readers, enhancing usability and indexing.
14. Label Form Elements Clearly
All form fields should be clearly labeled using text labels directly associated with the input elements. This helps users to understand what information is required, reducing errors and enhancing usability.
15. Test with Real Users
Conduct usability testing with real users including those with disabilities. This feedback is invaluable in identifying areas for improvement and ensuring your site meets accessibility standards.
16. Regularly Update Your Accessibility Practices
Technology and standards evolve; so should your accessibility practices. Stay informed about updates to ensure your site remains accessible and optimized for search engines.
17. Ensure Fast Loading Speed
A fast-loading website contributes to an efficient user experience for all, including those with disabilities. Optimize images, leverage caching, and minimize scripts to boost loading speed, favoring both accessibility and SEO.
18. Communicate Accessibility Efforts
Let your audience know about your commitment to accessibility. By including an accessibility statement on your website, you make your status known and invite feedback for continuous improvement.
By implementing these changes, your website can provide an inclusive experience while gaining the SEO advantage. Accessibility should be at the forefront of any web strategy, benefiting both users and search engines alike.
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