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Digital accessibility is more important than most businesses realise. A UK Click-Away Pound survey found that 69% of disabled internet users leave websites that aren’t accessible — meaning many SMBs are losing potential customers without even knowing it.
This guide will show you simple, practical steps to make your website and documents accessible and welcoming to everyone.
Understand How People Use Your Site
It’s easy to think your website is intuitive just because it works for you, but that doesn’t mean it works for everyone. Some people use a keyboard instead of a mouse, while others rely on screen readers that read text aloud or use voice commands to navigate a page.
Testing how real users with disabilities interact with your website can reveal issues you might never notice. Invite feedback from people who use assistive technologies. Watch how they navigate your site, where they get stuck, and how they interpret your content. You’ll often find that small changes can remove significant barriers.
Make Your Visuals Accessible for All
Visual accessibility is one of the most commonly overlooked areas. Millions of people have some degree of visual impairment and rely on accessible design to interact with digital content.
Ensure text clearly stands out against its background, even for users with low vision or colour blindness. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text is considered accessible. Tools like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker can help you verify this quickly.
Make Documents User-Friendly
Many businesses share important information through downloadable documents like PDFs, Word files, or PowerPoint presentations, but these are often inaccessible by default.
When creating a PDF, make sure it is properly tagged. Tagged PDFs include structural elements such as headings, paragraphs, and tables, making them readable for screen readers. Always add alt text to images and organise content so it flows logically for assistive technologies. A quick accessibility check before sharing can make a big difference.
Make Reading Easier and Reduce Mental Effort
Some users process information differently or may have cognitive disabilities that affect how they read and interpret content. Clear, simple writing benefits everyone.
Use plain language and avoid unnecessary jargon. Break content into short paragraphs with clear subheadings so users can quickly find what they need.
Font choice also matters. Fonts like Arial, Verdana, and other sans-serif options are easier to read on screens. Use a minimum of 14-point text and avoid using all caps or excessive italics, as these can reduce readability.
Support People with Hearing or Mobility Needs
Accessibility goes beyond visual and cognitive considerations. Many users have hearing or physical disabilities that affect how they interact with digital content.
Provide captions or transcripts for all video and audio content to support deaf or hard-of-hearing users. This also benefits people who watch videos on mute, which is common in workplaces or public spaces.
For users with limited mobility, ensure your website can be fully navigated using only a keyboard. All links, buttons, and form fields should be accessible using the Tab key. Avoid features that require precise movements, such as small clickable areas or drag-and-drop interactions.
Keep Improving Through Feedback and Data
Accessibility isn’t a one-time task — it’s an ongoing process. Every time you update your website or add new content, review it to ensure it remains accessible.
Encourage users to provide feedback if they encounter issues, and consider adding an accessibility statement to your site to demonstrate your commitment. Analytics can also highlight problem areas — if users frequently abandon certain pages or forms, it may indicate accessibility or usability issues.
Make Accessibility Part of Your Brand
For SMBs, accessibility can feel like just another task on a long to-do list, but it’s a smart investment in both reputation and customer relationships.
An accessible website shows that your business is inclusive, thoughtful, and professional. It also helps reduce legal risks, as accessibility standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply to many websites.
The good news is that accessibility and good design go hand in hand. You can create a modern, visually appealing website that is also inclusive by making thoughtful choices around colours, layout, and language.
Ready to Make Your Website More Accessible?
Accessibility isn’t just a technical requirement — it’s about people. It ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, can engage with your content, complete forms, and access your services.
By improving accessibility, you’re removing barriers and opening your business to a wider audience. Whether you’re checking colour contrast, adding alt text, improving document structure, or testing keyboard navigation, every step makes a difference.
Ready to make your website accessible, user-friendly, and welcoming to all visitors? Contact us today for expert guidance and start building a more inclusive digital experience.
📞 0808 281 0808
📧 info@adaptivecomms.co.uk
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This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.
