Step 1: Choose an Accessible Website Template
The first step to building an accessible website is starting with a solid foundation. Many website builders like WIX, Squarespace, and GoDaddy offer templates that are already designed with accessibility in mind.
– WIX: Offers templates that are mobile-friendly and have good contrast between text and background.
– Squarespace: Its templates are clean and easy to navigate, ensuring people can move around your site without confusion.
– GoDaddy: Their templates are straightforward, and you can easily adjust colors and text sizes to improve accessibility.
Make sure to choose a template with a simple, clean design that doesn’t overwhelm visitors. The easier it is for people to navigate, the better!
Step 2: Use Descriptive Alt Text for Images
Not everyone can see the images on your website, so it’s important to add alt text (short for “alternative text”) to describe them. Alt text allows screen readers—tools used by people with visual impairments—to describe the image to the user.
How to add alt text:
– WIX: When you upload an image, there’s an option to add alt text. Simply write a short description of what’s in the image.
– Squarespace: Alt text can be added in the image block settings.
– GoDaddy: After uploading an image, look for the “Add alt text” field to include a description.
Pro Tip: Be specific and concise. Instead of writing “dog,” try “Golden Retriever playing with a tennis ball.”
Step 3: Make Your Text Readable
Text that is hard to read can make your website inaccessible. The font size, style, and color you choose can either make your content easy to consume or a real headache to deal with.
Here’s how to make sure your text is readable for everyone:
– Font Size: Use a font size of at least 16px for body text. This ensures it’s large enough for most people to read without straining.
– Font Type: Stick to simple, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Georgia. Avoid overly decorative or fancy fonts that are harder to read.
– Contrast: Make sure there’s enough contrast between your text and background. For example, light gray text on a white background is tough to read, but black text on a white background is clear and easy on the eyes.
All website builders, including WIX, Squarespace, and GoDaddy, let you adjust font sizes, types, and colors to improve readability.
Step 4: Ensure Your Website is Keyboard Accessible
Some people can’t use a mouse and rely on their keyboard to navigate websites. This means that every clickable element on your website—like buttons, links, and forms—needs to be accessible using just the keyboard.
Test it yourself:
– Open your website and try using the Tab key on your keyboard to navigate.
– Make sure you can move from one link, button, or field to the next without any issues.
– Press Enter to select options or click on buttons.
If you notice any areas where you can’t use the keyboard to access something, consider simplifying the design or layout. The good news is that most platforms like WIX, Squarespace, and GoDaddy automatically create keyboard-friendly websites, but it’s still a good idea to test.
Step 5: Use Clear and Descriptive Links
When adding links to your website, make sure the link text clearly describes where the link will take the user. Instead of writing “click here,” be more specific about what the user is clicking on.
For example:
– Instead of: **Click here**
– Use: **Learn more about our social media services**
This helps users, especially those using screen readers—understand exactly where they’re going when they click a link.
Step 6: Provide Transcripts or Captions for Videos
If your website features videos, make sure to include captions or transcripts so that users with hearing impairments can still access the information. Many video-hosting platforms, like YouTube, offer automatic captions, but it’s important to review them for accuracy.
How to add captions:
– WIX: Use YouTube or Vimeo to embed videos with captions directly into your site.
– Squarespace: You can add captions using the video block settings.
– GoDaddy: GoDaddy allows video embedding from external platforms, so you can include captions through the video settings.
Step 7: Test for Mobile Accessibility
More people are browsing websites on their phones than ever before, so making sure your site is mobile-friendly is key to accessibility. Thankfully, WIX, Squarespace, and GoDaddy all offer templates that automatically adjust for mobile screens.
Here’s what to check:
– Make sure text is readable without needing to zoom in.
– Test all buttons and forms to make sure they’re large enough to tap easily.
– Ensure images load properly and don’t disrupt the flow of the page.
Most platforms offer a mobile preview option, so you can see how your site will look on phones and tablets before it goes live.
Step 8: Check Color Contrast
Color contrast is important for people with visual impairments or color blindness. Your website’s colors need to be easy to distinguish so that all users can clearly see the text, buttons, and important elements on your site.
There are free tools online that help you check the contrast between the colors on your site. If your text blends into the background or doesn’t stand out, you’ll need to adjust the colors. Platforms like WIX, Squarespace, and GoDaddy allow you to easily change color schemes and make sure everything is visible.
Building an accessible website doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these simple steps, you can make sure your site is welcoming and usable for everyone—no matter their abilities. And while you don’t need to be a tech expert or know how to code, keeping accessibility in mind from the start will not only help you connect with more customers but also create a better user experience for all.
If you need help ensuring your website is accessible or have any questions along the way, The Wilder Shoppe is here to assist you! We specialize in building websites that are not only beautiful but also functional and inclusive.
Reach out to us today, and let’s make your website work for everyone!
