Ever visited a website that felt like a maze?
Or struggled to read tiny text on your phone?
I’ve been there too.
And as an SEO entrepreneur, I’ve seen how poor website accessibility & usability can tank your traffic, frustrate users, and even hurt your rankings.
But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be this way.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to create a website that’s not only accessible and usable but also loved by your audience.
Why Website Accessibility & Usability Matter
Let’s get one thing straight: your website isn’t just for you.
It’s for everyone—whether they’re using a screen reader, navigating with a keyboard, or browsing on a tiny phone screen.
Ignoring website accessibility & usability means:
- Losing potential customers.
- Hurting your SEO.
- Risking legal issues (yes, really).
But when you get it right, you create a seamless experience that keeps users coming back.
What is Website Accessibility?
Website accessibility means making your site usable for everyone, including people with disabilities.
This includes:
- Visual impairments.
- Hearing impairments.
- Motor disabilities.
- Cognitive disabilities.
Think of it as levelling the playing field so everyone can access your content.
What is Website Usability?
Usability is about how easy and intuitive your website is to use.
It’s about:
- Clear navigation.
- Fast load times.
- Mobile-friendly design.
In short, usability is what makes your site a joy to use—not a chore.
The Overlap Between Accessibility & Usability
Here’s the thing: accessibility and usability go hand in hand.
A site that’s accessible is often more usable, and vice versa.
For example, adding alt text to images (an accessibility practice) also improves usability by providing context if the image doesn’t load.
How to Improve Website Accessibility
1. Use Alt Text for Images
Alt text describes images for screen readers.
It’s also useful if the image doesn’t load.
Keep it concise but descriptive.
2. Ensure Keyboard Navigation
Some users can’t use a mouse.
Make sure they can navigate your site using just the keyboard.
Test it by tabbing through your site.
3. Add Captions and Transcripts
Videos and podcasts should have captions or transcripts.
This helps users with hearing impairments and those who prefer reading.
4. Use High-Contrast Colours
Low-contrast text is hard to read, especially for users with visual impairments.
Stick to high-contrast colour combinations like black text on a white background.
5. Make Forms Accessible
Label your form fields clearly.
Use error messages that explain what went wrong and how to fix it.
How to Improve Website Usability
1. Simplify Navigation
Your menu should be easy to find and use.
Stick to common labels like “Home,” “About,” and “Contact.”
2. Optimise for Mobile
Over half of web traffic comes from mobile devices.
Make sure your site looks and works great on smaller screens.
3. Speed Up Your Site
Slow load times drive users away.
Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to identify and fix speed issues.
4. Use Clear Calls to Action
Tell users what to do next.
Whether it’s “Sign Up,” “Buy Now,” or “Learn More,” make it obvious.
5. Test, Test, Test
Usability isn’t a one-time fix.
Regularly test your site with real users to find and fix pain points.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Accessibility Altogether: It’s not just a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential.
- Overcomplicating Design: Fancy animations and complex layouts can hurt usability.
- Forgetting About Mobile: If your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re losing half your audience.
How I Improved My Own Website
When I first launched my site, I made all the classic mistakes.
Tiny text, confusing navigation, and zero thought for accessibility.
The result? High bounce rates and frustrated users.
It wasn’t until I overhauled the design, added alt text, and simplified the navigation that things turned around.
Now, my site is not only more accessible and usable but also ranks higher in search results.
Lesson learned: small changes make a big difference.
FAQs About Website Accessibility & Usability
Q: Is website accessibility a legal requirement?
A: In many countries, yes. For example, the UK has the Equality Act 2010, and the US has the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Q: How do I test my site’s accessibility?
A: Use tools like WAVE or axe to identify accessibility issues.
Q: Can usability improvements boost my SEO?
A: Absolutely. Google prioritises user-friendly sites, so improving usability can improve your rankings.
Q: How often should I update my site for accessibility and usability?
A: Regularly. Technology and user expectations evolve, so your site should too.
Tools to Improve Website Accessibility & Usability
- WAVE: Identifies accessibility issues.
- Google PageSpeed Insights: Tests site speed and usability.
- Hotjar: Tracks user behaviour to identify pain points.
- Screen Readers: Test your site with tools like NVDA or VoiceOver.
Final Thoughts
Website accessibility & usability aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the foundation of a successful website.
By making your site inclusive and user-friendly, you’ll not only reach a wider audience but also create a better experience for everyone.
So, start small.
Add alt text to your images.
Simplify your navigation.
Test your site on mobile.
Before you know it, you’ll have a website that’s not only accessible and usable but also loved by your audience.
