Web accessibility is becoming an increasingly important factor for search engine optimization (SEO) and online success. With more users expecting websites to be accessible, web accessibility audits are a crucial step for any web development company or business looking to improve their SEO and online presence.
What is a Web Accessibility Audit?
A web accessibility audit examines how accessible a website is for users with disabilities. This includes users who are blind, deaf, have motor impairments, or other disabilities that make using the web difficult.
The audit checks whether the website meets accessibility standards and guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Meeting these standards helps ensure people with disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate, and interact with website content.
Why Web Accessibility Matters for SEO?
Having an accessible website provides several SEO benefits:
1. Improves indexing and crawling
Search engines like Google are getting better at crawling accessibility features on pages. This includes alt text on images, headings, and semantic HTML tags. Having proper tags and markup helps search bots better understand and index page content.
2. Provides a better user experience
An accessible site offers a frustration-free experience for all users. Better user experience signals to search engines that a site provides value, engagement, and satisfaction.
3. Attracts more traffic sources
An accessible site opens up your content to more user groups. Blind users often rely on screen readers and other assistive technologies to browse the web. Ensuring your site works with these tools means reaching this audience.
4. Meets legal requirements
In many countries, web accessibility is required by law for public sector organizations and educational institutions. Failure to comply can lead to legal action. Staying accessible helps avoid potential penalties.
5. Shows social responsibility
Having an accessible site demonstrates a commitment to digital equality and inclusion. It’s a chance to show your business cares about all potential customers or clients.
What Does a Web Accessibility Audit Cover?
A proper web accessibility audit will check for:
- Semantic HTML – Using proper header tags (H1, H2, etc.), image alt text, buttons, and other semantic elements that add structure and meaning.
- Headings Structure – Headings should be used sequentially (e.g. not jumping from H1 to H3) to outline page content correctly.
- Color Contrast – Having sufficient color contrast between foreground and background colors, especially for text.
- Text Alternatives – Providing text alternatives for non-text content like images, videos, and audio files.
- Document Structure – Using headings, lists, and other structural elements to organize page content.
- Links and Buttons – Ensuring links are uniquely identifiable and buttons indicate their action well.
- Page Navigation – Site navigation should be logical, consistent, and have skip navigation links.
- Forms – Form elements need accessible names, labels, and instructions.
- Media Alternatives – Providing transcripts, captions, and text alternatives for multimedia.
- ARIA Markup – Using ARIA roles, labels, and cues to improve accessibility where needed.
- Focus Order – Logical focus order for viewing content with keyboard navigation.
- Accessibility Statement – Having an accessibility statement or policy for users.
How Web Development Companies Can Audit Accessibility?
For those looking for a top-notch web development company interested in performing accessibility audits, here are some tips:
- Use established web accessibility evaluation tools like WAVE, Axe, or Accessibility Insights to test for WCAG conformance.
- Perform manual checks of site navigation and interactions using only a keyboard, screen reader, or other assistive tools.
- Work with actual users with disabilities to user test site interfaces and provide feedback.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest web accessibility guidelines and legal requirements.
- Follow accessibility best practices during site design, development and testing phases.
- Create an accessibility policy, statement, or program for continued improvement.
- Consider getting a trusted third-party accessibility certification or audit result.
The Importance of Regular Web Accessibility Auditing
Like security audits, web accessibility should be an ongoing process rather than a one-off exercise. Regularly auditing site accessibility ensures:
- New pages or features maintain compliance with standards
- Any new accessibility issues are caught early
- You keep up with any changes in accessibility regulations
- You continue to provide equal access for all users.
Linking accessibility checks to your web development workflow helps make audits a recurring task, not an afterthought.
FAQs
What is a web accessibility audit?
A web accessibility audit examines how accessible a website is for users with disabilities. It checks whether the website meets accessibility standards and guidelines to ensure people with disabilities can effectively use it.
Why are web accessibility audits important?
Web accessibility audits are important because they help identify barriers that disable users face in perceiving, understanding, navigating, and interacting with website content. Fixing these issues ensures equal access and optimal experience for all users.
What standards do web accessibility audits check for?
Common standards used in audits include the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 and Section 508 standards. These cover recommendations for semantics, document structure, navigation, alt text, color contrast, interface accessibility, and more.
How often should you conduct an audit?
It’s recommended to audit accessibility at least once a quarter or whenever substantial changes are made to site content or design. Regular auditing helps quickly catch and fix any new accessibility issues.
What tools are used for web accessibility audits?
There are various automated testing tools like WAVE, Axe, and Accessibility Insights. You can also perform manual checks with assistive technologies, checkers, and actual user testing.
How can you improve accessibility based on audit results?
Audit results will pinpoint problem areas to address like missing alt text, low color contrast, lack of headings, etc. Develop a plan to systematically go through and fix these issues to improve accessibility.
Who should perform the audit?
Web developers familiar with accessibility standards can test technical implementation, while UX designers should focus on the UI experience. Third-party accessibility auditors provide unbiased expertise.
Should you get an accessibility certification?
Third-party accessibility certifications like Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) compliance show your commitment to accessibility. However, audits and user testing should continue post-certification.
What are the benefits of auditing and improving accessibility?
Major benefits include better SEO, reaching wider audiences, improving UX, meeting legal requirements, and demonstrating social responsibility. Overall, it leads to more business and happier users!
Final Thoughts
With the benefits for SEO and overall user experience, ensuring your website is accessible to all should be a top priority. Conducting thorough web accessibility audits provides the feedback you need to continue improving.
Partnering with web development companies experienced in accessibility is key. By making inclusive online experiences the norm, businesses can expand their audience and better connect with customers in the modern digital landscape.
