Making Your Website Accessible: A Practical Guide to Accessible Web Design Services
- Matthew Foster
- Dec 23, 2025
- 4 min read
Creating a website that everyone can use is not just a nice-to-have - it’s essential. When I first started working with small businesses and sole traders, I quickly realised how many websites unintentionally shut out potential customers. Accessibility isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about opening doors. So, how do you make your website accessible? Let’s dive into some practical steps and ideas that you can start using today.
Why Accessible Web Design Services Matter for Your Website
You might wonder, why should I care about accessible web design services? Well, think about it. Your website is often the first impression people get of your business. If someone struggles to navigate your site because of poor design choices, they’ll likely leave and never come back. That’s a missed opportunity.
Accessible web design means creating a site that works well for everyone - including people with disabilities, older users, and those with slower internet connections. It’s about making sure your content is clear, your navigation is simple, and your site is usable with different devices and assistive technologies.
Here’s what accessible web design services can help you with:
Improving usability for all visitors, not just those with disabilities.
Boosting your SEO because search engines favour well-structured, accessible sites.
Reducing legal risks by complying with accessibility laws and guidelines.
Expanding your audience by welcoming more people to your business.
By investing in accessible web design, you’re not just doing the right thing - you’re making a smart business move.
How to Start with Accessible Web Design Services
Starting with accessible web design services might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You can begin with small, manageable changes that make a big difference. Here’s a simple approach I recommend:
Check your colour contrast
Make sure your text stands out against the background. Low contrast can make reading difficult for many users. Tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker are free and easy to use.
Use clear, simple language
Write in short sentences and avoid jargon. This helps everyone understand your message quickly.
Add descriptive alt text to images
Alt text helps screen readers describe images to users who can’t see them. Be specific and concise.
Ensure your site works with a keyboard
Some users can’t use a mouse and rely on keyboard navigation. Test your site by tabbing through links and buttons.
Use headings properly
Headings organise your content and help screen readers navigate your pages. Use them in order (H1, H2, H3) and don’t skip levels.
Provide captions and transcripts for videos
This supports users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Test your site regularly
Use tools like WAVE or Lighthouse to identify accessibility issues. And don’t forget to ask real people for feedback.
Remember, accessible web design services can guide you through these steps and tailor solutions to your specific needs. It’s worth considering professional help if you want to get it right from the start.
What are the 4 Types of Accessibility?
Understanding the different types of accessibility can help you focus your efforts where they matter most. Here are the four main types:
1. Visual Accessibility
This is about making your site usable for people with visual impairments, including blindness, colour blindness, and low vision. Features like screen reader compatibility, high contrast, and scalable text fall under this category.
2. Auditory Accessibility
This type supports users who are deaf or hard of hearing. Providing captions, transcripts, and visual alerts instead of sounds are key strategies.
3. Motor Accessibility
Some users have limited motor skills and may find it hard to use a mouse or keyboard. Designing for motor accessibility means ensuring your site can be navigated with alternative input devices and that clickable areas are large enough.
4. Cognitive Accessibility
This focuses on users with learning disabilities or cognitive impairments. Clear language, consistent navigation, and avoiding distractions help make your site easier to understand and use.
By addressing all four types, you create a website that truly welcomes everyone.
Practical Tips to Improve Your Website Accessibility Today
Let’s get hands-on. Here are some practical tips you can apply right now to make your website more accessible:
Use semantic HTML
Proper HTML tags (like `<nav>`, `<main>`, `<article>`) help screen readers understand your page structure.
Label form fields clearly
Every input box should have a visible label or an aria-label attribute. This helps users know what information to enter.
Avoid automatic content changes
Don’t make content move or update without user interaction. This can confuse screen reader users.
Provide skip links
These let users jump straight to the main content, bypassing repetitive navigation.
Make buttons and links obvious
Use clear text and avoid vague phrases like “click here”.
Test colour blindness
Use tools like Coblis to see how your site looks to people with different types of colour blindness.
Keep your layout simple and consistent
Predictable layouts help users find what they need quickly.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider reaching out for web accessibility services that specialise in helping small businesses. They can audit your site and provide tailored advice.
Keeping Accessibility in Mind as Your Website Grows
Making your website accessible isn’t a one-time task. It’s an ongoing commitment. As you add new content, features, or redesign your site, keep accessibility front and centre.
Here are some ways to maintain accessibility over time:
Train your team
If you have staff updating your website, make sure they understand accessibility basics.
Use accessible templates and plugins
Choose tools that follow accessibility standards.
Regularly review your site
Schedule audits every few months to catch new issues.
Listen to your users
Encourage feedback and be ready to make improvements.
Stay updated on guidelines
Accessibility standards evolve, so keep an eye on the latest advice from organisations like W3C.
By embedding accessibility into your website’s DNA, you’ll build a stronger, more inclusive online presence that grows with your business.
Making your website accessible is a journey worth taking. It opens your business to more people, improves user experience, and sets you apart in a crowded digital world. If you want to explore how accessible web design services can help you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with experts who understand the needs of small businesses and sole traders. Together, you can create a website that truly works for everyone.
