How to Improve Website Accessibility for Users

Learning how to improve website accessibility helps businesses create digital experiences that more people can navigate, understand, and use.

Website accessibility involves designing and developing content for users with different abilities, including people who rely on screen readers, keyboards, or other assistive technologies.

Accessibility also supports broader usability by making information clearer and interactions more predictable.

1. Use Clear Heading Structures

Headings help visitors understand how content is organised.

Use one descriptive main heading and arrange subsequent headings in a logical hierarchy.

Avoid selecting heading levels purely for visual appearance.

A clear structure also helps screen reader users navigate between sections.

2. Provide Meaningful Alternative Text

Alternative text describes relevant images for people who cannot see them.

For informative images, explain the content or function in a concise way.

Decorative images should generally use empty alternative text so assistive technologies can skip them.

Avoid keyword stuffing or repeating information already available nearby.

3. Improve Colour Contrast

Low-contrast text can be difficult to read, particularly for people with visual impairments.

Under WCAG 2.2 Level AA, normal text generally requires a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1, while large text generally requires at least 3:1.

Check text, buttons, form labels, and other essential interface elements.

4. Make Your Website Keyboard-Friendly

Not every visitor uses a mouse.

Users should be able to navigate important interactive elements using a keyboard.

Test whether they can:

• Move through links and buttons using Tab.
• Identify the currently focused element.
• Operate menus and forms.
• Close interactive components where appropriate.
• Navigate without becoming trapped.

Visible keyboard focus indicators are essential.

5. Use Descriptive Link Text

Links should explain their destination or purpose.

Instead of repeatedly using “Click Here”, choose descriptions such as “View Our Services” or “Read the Accessibility Guide”.

Meaningful links are easier to understand when encountered outside their surrounding paragraph.

6. Make Forms Easier to Complete

Accessible forms need clear labels, instructions, and error messages.

Form Element	Accessibility Improvement
Input fields	Provide visible, associated labels
Required fields	Clearly identify mandatory information
Error messages	Explain what needs correcting
Buttons	Use descriptive action labels
Validation	Avoid relying on colour alone

Ensure forms can be completed using a keyboard.

7. Support Different Screen Sizes and Zoom Levels

Users may enlarge text or access websites through smaller screens.

Test whether content remains readable and functional when zoomed or resized.

Avoid layouts that unnecessarily require horizontal scrolling.

8. Review Multimedia Accessibility

Videos and audio content may require additional accessibility support.

Provide captions for prerecorded videos containing speech and consider transcripts where appropriate.

Avoid automatically playing distracting media without suitable controls.

How to Test Website Accessibility

Automated tools can identify certain technical issues, but they cannot detect every accessibility barrier.

Combine automated checks with manual keyboard testing and, where possible, testing involving users with disabilities.

Use the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) as a reference for evaluation.

FAQs About Website Accessibility

What is WCAG?

WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, a set of internationally recognised recommendations for accessible digital content.

Does website accessibility help SEO?

Some accessibility practices, such as meaningful headings and descriptive image alternatives, can also support content understanding. However, accessibility and SEO have different objectives.

Can an existing website become more accessible?

Yes. Many improvements can be implemented incrementally without rebuilding the entire website.

Create Digital Experiences More People Can Use

Accessibility should be considered throughout design and development, not treated as an optional finishing touch.

Through UI/UX Design & Motion Experiences and Website & App Development, NewGen helps businesses build clearer, more intuitive digital interfaces.

Explore how accessibility improvements can become part of your website’s ongoing development.