Common Website Accessibility Issues to Fix First

Have you noticed that some visitors leave your website if it’s hard to use? This is a common problem. Research shows that many disabled users leave sites that don’t meet their accessibility needs. For small and mid-sized businesses, this can mean losing customers, missing out on revenue, and building less trust.

The good news is that making your website more accessible can be both simple and affordable. This guide will show you easy steps to help make your website and documents more inclusive for everyone.

Learn How Different People Experience Your Website

Your website might seem easy for you to use, but people interact with it in different ways. Some use only a keyboard, while others depend on screen readers or voice commands to get around.

You learn the most by watching real users. Ask people who use assistive technologies to try your site and share their feedback. Pay attention to where navigation is confusing or content is unclear. Often, small changes like clearer labels or better page structure can remove big barriers.

Make Visual Content Easier to See and Understand

Visual accessibility is often overlooked in web design. Many people have low vision or color blindness and need strong contrast and clear layouts to read content easily.

Text needs to stand out clearly from its background. Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for regular text. Free tools like WebAIM contrast checkers can help you test your colors and fix issues quickly.

Create Documents That Everyone Can Use

Web accessibility is important for more than just your website. PDFs, Word files, and slide decks often have important information, but many are hard or impossible for screen readers to access.

When creating PDFs, use the right tags so headings, lists, and tables are set up correctly. Add image descriptions and make sure the content reads in a logical order. Before sharing any document, check that it works with assistive tools. These small steps can make a big difference for people who need them.

Make Content Easier to Read and Process

Some people have cognitive or learning differences that affect how they process information. Clear, simple content helps everyone, not just people with disabilities.

Use plain language whenever possible. Short sentences, brief paragraphs, and clear subheadings make content easier to scan and understand. Avoid jargon and explain ideas clearly.

Typography matters too. Fonts like Arial or other sans-serif styles are easier to read on screens. Use at least 14-point size for body text, and avoidusing  all caps or too much italics,since theseh can be hard to rea.d.

Support Users With Hearing or Mobility Challenges

Accessibility is also important for people with hearing loss or limited mobility.

Always add captions or transcripts to videos and audio content. This helps deaf or hard-of-hearing users and also helps people who watch videos on mute. Transcripts can also improve SEO by making your content easier for search engines to find.

For people with mobility challenges, your website should work with just a keyboard. Make sure links, buttons, and forms can be reached using the Tab key. Avoid features that need precise mouse movements, like small clickable areas or drag-and-drop tools.

Improve Accessibility Through Ongoing Feedback

Accessibility is not a one-time fix. It’s something you need to keep working on. Every time you update content or add new features, test them for accessibility. Ask visitors to report problems and think about adding an accessibility statement that shows your commitment and gives people a way to contact you.

Analytics can also show where problems exist. High drop-off rates on certain pages or forms may point to usability or accessibility barriers that need attention.

Make Accessibility Part of Your Brand Identity

For small and mid-sized businesses, accessibility might feel like just another task on a long to-do list, but it’s also a chance to stand out. An accessible website shows your business is inclusive, professional, and focused on customers.

It also helps lower legal risk. Accessibility laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act apply to many websites, so making improvements early is a smart move.

Accessibility doesn’t mean you have to give up good design. With careful color choices, layout, and language, your website can look great and be welcoming to everyone.

Ready to Make Your Website and Documents Accessible?

Accessibility isn’t just about meeting technical rules. It’s about people. It means making sure every visitor can read your content, use your forms, and get your information without barriers.

Every step you take, like improving contrast, adding image descriptions, testing keyboard navigation, or fixing documents, brings your business closer to a more inclusive online presence.

If you want to make your website more accessible, user-friendly, and inclusive, expert help can make the process easier. We can work together to build a modern, accessible website that works for everyone. Contact us today to get started.