This article gives 7 tips for creating accessible content for your website.
1. Provide Descriptive Alt Text for Images 🖼️
Every image conveys meaning and must have alternative text (alt text) describing its purpose or content. Avoid image of" or redundant text unless necessary.
2. Use Meaningful Link Text 🔗
Links should make sense out of context. Instead of "Click here" or "Read more", say something like “Read our accessibility policy” or "View more on the NSPCC website".
3. Use Proper Headings (H1–H6) 📝
Structure your content using formatted headings. This helps screen readers navigate the page and improves usability for all users. Never use headings purely for visual style. The page title is always your Heading 1 (H1), so your next heading on the page should be H2, then H3 and so on.
4. Ensure Good Colour Contrast 🔎
Text should have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 against its background. This benefits users with visual impairments and improves readability in general. You can check your contrast ratio on the WebAIM website.
5. Provide Captions and Transcripts for Media 💬
Videos must include captions to be accessible, and audio files should have a transcript available. Uploading videos to YouTube or Vimeo allows the user to turn on autogenerated Closed Captions without you needing to add them to the video.
6. Use Lists and Tables Correctly ✅
If you are creating a bulleted list, ensure you use either the automated bullet or numbers option. For tables, use the proper framework layout tool and use proper headers for structured content. Avoid using tables to space out your content.
7. Use Clear, Concise Language 🗣️
While it might not be an accessibility failure, try to avoid jargon or complex vocabulary. Write in plain English and structure your content logically so it's easy to follow for everyone, including users with cognitive impairments.