5 Web Accessibility Fundamentals Every Website Needs
Let’s get one thing straight… accessibility isn’t a “nice to have”.
It’s a must.
Your website should work for everyone. Not just the people browsing on perfect WiFi, with perfect eyesight, using a mouse. Real users don’t look like that.
And with accessibility becoming a legal requirement for many businesses, it’s something you can’t afford to ignore either.
So, what does “accessible” actually mean?
In simple terms, it means your website is easy to use, navigate and understand for all users, including those with visual, hearing, motor or cognitive challenges.
The good news? Most accessibility improvements don’t just help a few people… they make the experience better for everyone.
The fundamentals to get right
You don’t need to overcomplicate it. Focus on these five areas, and you’re already ahead of most.
1. Make your content easy to read
If your text blends into the background, people will switch off quickly.
Strong colour contrast makes content easier to read for users with visual impairments and anyone scrolling in less-than-ideal conditions.
Think dark on light (or vice versa). Keep it simple.
2. Don’t forget your images
Images without context? Useless for some users.
Alt text gives screen readers something to work with, helping visually impaired users understand what’s on the page. It also gives search engines more context, too.
If the image disappeared, would your content still make sense?
3. Make your site easy to navigate (without a mouse)
Not everyone uses a trackpad.
Your website should work just as well using a keyboard, with a clear tab order and visible focus states so users know where they are.
Quick test: try navigating your site using only the Tab key.
4. Make video content accessible
Video is great… unless someone can’t hear it.
Captions or transcripts make your content usable for people with hearing impairments, and for anyone watching without sound (which, let’s be honest, is most people).
Bonus: it helps with SEO too.
5. Structure your content properly
Messy pages = confusing experience.
Clear headings (H1, H2, H3…) help users and screen readers understand your content and jump to what they need faster.
If someone scanned your headings only, would it still make sense?
The TLH take
Accessibility isn’t about ticking boxes.
It’s about creating a better experience.
The brands doing this well aren’t adding accessibility at the end… They’re building it in from the start.
Because when your website works for more people, it simply performs better. If you want the experts to work on your website and make it one to be enjoyed by everyone… You know who to call (and it’s not the ghost busters).
About The Author
