Why Website Accessibility Matters (And It’s Easier Than You Think)
Let’s be honest — most small business websites aren’t built with accessibility in mind.
Not because the people behind them don’t care. But because no one really explained what it is, why it matters, or how easy it can be to fix.
So let’s do that now. In plain English.
This isn’t about ticking legal boxes (though that’s part of it). It’s about making sure your website works for everyone — including the 1 in 5 people in the UK with a disability.
And yes, it’s good for business too.
What Is Website Accessibility?
Website accessibility means designing your site so that people with disabilities — visual, hearing, cognitive, or physical — can use it without barriers.
That includes people who:
- Use screen readers
- Navigate with keyboards instead of a mouse
- Have colour blindness
- Struggle with flashing content
- Need clear, structured layouts to process information
It’s about making your website inclusive, usable, and welcoming.
Why It Matters for Small Businesses
Accessibility isn’t just for councils and corporations. Here’s why it’s important for you too:
- You reach more people
Accessible sites are usable by a wider audience. Why turn people away because your website doesn’t work properly for them?
- It helps your SEO
Google loves accessible websites. Clear structure, image alt text, and fast loading all help you rank higher.
- You reduce legal risk
In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 means websites should be accessible. If yours isn’t, you could technically be discriminating — and yes, people have been sued.
- It shows you care
It reflects well on your brand. Simple as that.
How to Make Your Website More Accessible (Without Rebuilding It)
You don’t need a total redesign to improve accessibility. Here are practical fixes that make a big difference:
- Use Proper Heading Structure
Your content should be broken into H1, H2, H3 headings — in order — to help screen readers navigate.
Check your pages: is the headline marked as H1? Are sections grouped with H2s? If not, update them.
- Add Alt Text to All Images
Alt text is a short description of what an image shows. It helps visually impaired users understand your content — and boosts SEO.
Example:
Bad: IMG_2837.jpg
Good: Smiling woman holding a bouquet of flowers outside Farnham Flower Shop
- Ensure Good Colour Contrast
Text should stand out from the background — especially on buttons and links. Pale grey text on white might look trendy, but it’s unreadable for many.
Use free tools like WebAIM Contrast Checker to test yours.
- Make All Buttons and Links Keyboard-Friendly
Can someone tab through your site without using a mouse? Try it. If they get stuck, it’s time to adjust how things are coded.
- Avoid Flashing or Autoplay Content
Fast-flashing images or autoplaying videos can trigger seizures or just annoy people. Let visitors choose when to play media.
- Write in Plain English
It’s not just about disabilities — clear, simple language helps everyone. Short sentences, everyday words, and no jargon go a long way.
- Add ARIA Labels (if needed)
ARIA tags help assistive tech understand parts of your site (like menus or sliders). If you’re using WordPress, many themes handle this — but check with your developer.
Accessibility and WordPress
The good news? WordPress has made big improvements.
Most modern themes are accessibility-ready, and plugins like WP Accessibility can help fix common issues.
Still, it’s worth doing a manual check. Free tools like WAVE or Accessibility Checker (a WordPress plugin) are great starting points.
What You Can Do Next
- Review your top 3 pages using the tips above
- Add alt text to images going forward
- Fix your headings and button contrast
- Use tools like WAVE or PageSpeed Insights to find issues
- Ask for feedback — especially if you know someone who uses accessibility tools
And if you’d like a quick review of your site from an accessibility angle, just give me a shout. No obligation, just honest, helpful advice.
Because your website should work for everyone. And it doesn’t take much to make a big difference.