Why accessibility matters for your business

Web accessibility means ensuring everyone — including people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities — can use your website effectively. In the UK and globally, accessible digital products are both an ethical responsibility and a commercial advantage.

Accessible websites reach a wider audience, rank better in search engines, and are easier for everyone to use on mobile devices or in challenging environments. Semantic HTML, proper heading hierarchy, and descriptive link text help both screen readers and search crawlers.

Colour contrast is often overlooked. Text should have at least 4.5:1 contrast against its background (3:1 for large text). Don't rely on colour alone to convey information — use icons, labels, or patterns as well. Colour-blind users need other cues.

Keyboard navigation is essential. Every interactive element must be reachable and operable via keyboard. Visible focus indicators help users know where they are. Test your site with Tab only — no mouse. Fix any traps or dead ends.

Screen readers depend on structure. Use headings in order (h1, h2, h3). Add alt text to images that convey information; decorative images can have empty alt. Form fields need associated labels. ARIA can help when HTML falls short, but prefer semantic HTML first.