Even if you’ve already optimized your website for search engine algorithms, there may be another type of optimization you’ve overlooked.  Millions of people live with disabilities that can make it difficult for them to access certain websites. If your site isn’t easily accessible, these people will likely move on to another site.  Fortunately, removing barriers to access is relatively simple and there’s really no downside. Optimizing your site for accessibility will even help you appear more attractive to search engine algorithms. Truly a no-brainer! 

Use Alt Tags for Every Image

Many people who are blind or who have poor eyesight use a screen reader to help them read the content on your website.  One thing screen readers can’t read is images, unless they’re alt-tagged. If you’re not using alt tags on every image, it may be hard for people with certain disabilities to comprehend your information.  Try adding descriptive alt tags that can tell screen readers (and search engines) what’s in your images.

Allow for Text Resizing

While some people have no problem reading small text, others depend on text resizing to get the information they need.  Fortunately, you can set up text resizing so that it will look good no matter the text size.

Add Captions to Video Content

If your website contains audio and video content, people who can’t hear may not be able to engage with it.  Adding descriptive captions to audio-visual content will ensure these people can enjoy your videos.

Use Contrasting Colors in Your Design

The great thing about having a website is that you have nearly unlimited design options.  This can be tricky, as some color combinations are difficult to read for people with color blindness.  You want to use a high contrast color combination like black text on a white background. Remember to avoid color combos like red/green that can be impossible for people with color blindness to read, or yellow text on a white background that can be painful for anyone to look at.

While this website accessibility checklist doesn’t cover every aspect of accessibility optimization, it is a good place to start.  If you need advice about website accessibility, the team at TIC Digital Marketing is available to answer your questions.  Get in touch with us today by dialing (858) 480-9932, by sending an email to [email protected], or by filling out our contact form.  You can get a free website audit to help you identify accessibility issues.