Every business wants a website that looks great, works well and is easy for people to use.
What’s often overlooked is that accessibility plays a big part in all three.
It’s sometimes treated as a niche issue or left until the end of a project, when in reality, around 1 in 4 people in the UK live with a disability. If your website is difficult to read, navigate or use with assistive technology, you’re potentially shutting out a significant portion of your audience.
A quick guide to web accessibility
In real terms, website accessibility means designing and building websites, apps and digital tools so everyone can use them.
That includes people with visual, hearing, motor, cognitive or neurological disabilities. It can also support people with temporary access needs, such as an injury, or situational barriers that affect how they browse.
Features of accessible websites often include: keyboard-friendly navigation, descriptive links, strong colour contrast, alternative text for images and transcripts for video and audio content.
The most widely used guidelines come from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), through the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These set a clear standard for making digital content more usable and inclusive.
The case for better accessibility
If you’re a public sector organisation, digital accessibility is a legal requirement, not an option. Even when there isn’t a legal obligation, accessibility is still part of creating a more inclusive digital experience. The easier your website is to use, the more people can access the information, services or support they need.
Reach more people
If around 1 in 4 people in the UK live with a disability, accessibility has a direct impact on how many people can engage with your business. If website users can’t complete simple actions like reading a page, filling in a form or making an enquiry, they’re unlikely to stay.
Improve usability for everyone
Accessibility features make websites easier to use in everyday situations, whether someone is on a mobile, in a loud place, dealing with poor Wi-Fi or recovering from an injury.
Support SEO
Good accessibility often overlaps with good SEO. Clear headings, alt text, transcripts and well-structured content help search engines understand your website more easily.
Reduce work later
Building accessibility into a website from the start is far more efficient than trying to fix problems after launch. It saves time, reduces cost and creates a stronger foundation for the future.
Accessibility should be built in, not bolted on
A strong website partner will help you consider accessibility across strategy, UX, design, content and development, from planning clear user journeys and accessible layouts to writing helpful labels, structuring content properly and building against recognised standards.
Automated checks have their place, but they only tell part of the story. Human testing is key to understanding how people actually use a website: where they get stuck, what feels unclear and what could work better.
The right support also helps accessibility last beyond launch, making it easier for your team to keep content, pages and future updates consistent.
If you’re planning a new website or looking to improve an existing one, we’re always happy to chat.
