SEO in Perth: How To Check Web Accessibility?

Navigating the digital landscape is no longer just about reaching audiences—it’s about reaching them inclusively. With a dominating number of internet users globally, diversity is at an all-time high online. It is a legal obligation today in most countries, including Australia.

But accessibility isn’t just a legal obligation—it’s about enhancing the user experience for everyone, including those with disabilities. As content evolves and websites scale, accessibility technology dynamically supports these changes, ensuring inclusivity remains at the forefront.

So, is it time to evaluate your website’s accessibility? Let’s explore how to identify and address accessibility issues in a few simple steps, like experts of SEO in Perth.

Definition:

Website accessibility means making websites usable for everyone. It includes considering people with different needs, like those who have trouble seeing, moving, hearing, or understanding information. Based on that, one needs to add different features like easy-to-read text, options for bigger fonts, compatibility with screen readers, and shortcuts for keyboards.

All organisations need to ensure their websites are easy for everyone to navigate. Accessibility also makes good business sense, as it allows more people to use your website, expanding your potential audience.

Check Your Web Accessibility in 5 Steps:

SEO in Perth experts implement various steps to improve accessibility. You can do the same, but you should keep building on them to make your site as inclusive as possible. So, start with the following steps.

1. Add Closed Captioning for All Content

Closed captions, also known as subtitles, are text displayed in conjunction with visual or audio material. They serve to aid individuals facing hearing challenges and those in noisy surroundings. Additionally, transcripts can enhance your SEO endeavours. Most video hosting platforms offer the ability to enable closed captions for viewers.

SEO experts ensure this feature is activated and thoroughly review the content to ensure its functionality. So, you can also follow the same tip.

2. Incorporate Alt Text for Images

Alt text, also referred to as alternative text, is a descriptive text provided for non-textual elements like images and videos. It is utilised by assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to convey the content of these elements to users.

For example, the alt text “Baby the Corgi Puppy” can be used for an image. This alt text serves as a substitute in case the image fails to load properly. Alt text can be inserted into content through your website-hosting platform, and it’s essential to ensure you choose the right web design company in Melbourne to keep it clear, concise, and informative.

3. Ensure Adequate Colour Contrast

Colour contrast refers to the variation in brightness between elements in the foreground and background of your website. A greater contrast makes it easier for users to read and navigate your site. Strong colour contrast is particularly beneficial for those with visual impairments and colour blindness, as well as for preventing eye strain in general users.

According to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), text and images of text should ideally have a contrast ratio of 4.5:1, while large text should have a ratio of at least 3:1. So, SEO experts of a web design company in Melbourne ensure this in all their projects.

4. Evaluate Keyboard Accessibility

Keyboard navigation enables users to interact with your website without needing a mouse. It allows them to scroll, access links, and perform actions using keyboard commands, which is particularly beneficial for those with mobility limitations.

Effective keyboard navigation necessitates clear visual cues indicating a user’s location on a page and available actions. For instance, a drop-down menu might need to appear for users to select input for a form.

To assess keyboard navigation:

Attempt to complete tasks on your website solely using the keyboard.
Note any unclear pathways or inaccessible elements.
Encourage team members to conduct similar tests and report any accessibility barriers for resolution.

5. Utilise Heading Formats Effectively

Heading styles, such as H1, H2, and H3, establish the structure of content on your website, organising it hierarchically. Beyond enhancing visual appeal, these headings aid users in comprehending the flow and message of the text.

Additionally, heading styles play a crucial role in assisting screen readers and supporting visually impaired individuals who navigate your website.

So, experts of a web design company in Melbourne verify heading structures through the website’s backend or by inspecting web pages using the right-click menu. Even several free tools are available to identify pages lacking proper heading styles.

Final Words

Prioritising web accessibility is a continuous endeavour, crucial for fostering inclusivity and mitigating legal risks. By embracing accessibility tools like Accessibility Scan and Monitor and AI Accessibility Widget, you not only uphold social responsibility but also expand your website’s reach, ensuring it’s loved by all users.

If you need more help, reach out to a professional company offering web design and SEO in Perth. Try consultation with companies for further information.