If you’ve ever looked into website accessibility and immediately felt out of your depth, you’re not alone.
It can sound technical. Formal. Like something you need a specialist (and a lot of time) to get right.
But here’s the good news: making your website more accessible doesn’t have to start with a complete overhaul. In fact, some of the most meaningful improvements are small, straightforward changes – the kind you can realistically build into your day-to-day website updates.
And those small changes? They make a real difference to the people using your site.
Why website accessibility matters (more than you might think)
At its core, website accessibility is about making sure your website can be used and understood by as many people as possible.
That includes people who:
- Use screen readers
- Navigate using a keyboard instead of a mouse
- Have visual impairments or colour blindness
- Are neurodivergent or easily overwhelmed by cluttered layouts
- Are simply viewing your site on a small screen, in a rush, or with poor internet
In other words: accessibility isn’t just for a small group of people. It benefits everyone.
A more accessible website is:
- Easier to navigate
- Clearer to understand
- More inclusive
- And often… better performing overall
It’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a calmer, clearer experience for real people.
What does an accessible website actually look like?
An accessible website doesn’t need to look clinical or stripped back.
In fact, many accessible websites feel:
- Calm rather than cluttered
- Clear rather than clever
- Easy to move through without second-guessing
Visitors should be able to:
- Understand what you do quickly
- Navigate without confusion
- Read your content comfortably
- Take action without friction
If your website feels easy to use, chances are you’re already part of the way there.
Small changes that make a big difference
If you’re not sure where to start, here are some simple, practical ways to improve your website accessibility.
1. Add clear alt text to your images
Alt text (alternative text) describes what an image shows. It’s used by screen readers and helps visually impaired users understand your content.
Instead of:
“image1.jpg”
Try:
“Golden retriever lying on a green sofa”
Keep it short, clear and descriptive.
2. Check your colour contrast
Light grey text on a white background might look subtle and elegant – but it can be difficult to read.
Make sure there’s enough contrast between your text and background so your content is easy to read for everyone.
If in doubt, darker text on a light background is usually a safe choice.
3. Use headings properly
Headings aren’t just for styling – they help structure your content.
A clear hierarchy (H1, H2, H3) makes your pages easier to scan and helps screen readers interpret your content correctly.
It also makes your writing easier to follow for everyone.
4. Keep your language simple and clear
You don’t need complicated wording to sound professional.
Clear, straightforward language:
- Reduces confusion
- Builds trust
- Makes your content more accessible to a wider audience
If someone has to reread a sentence to understand it, it’s probably worth simplifying.
5. Make links descriptive
Instead of:
“Click here”
Try:
“Read more about my website services”
This gives context to both users and screen readers – and improves usability across the board.
6. Check your site on mobile
Accessibility isn’t just about assistive technology – it’s also about real-world use.
Open your website on your phone and ask:
- Is the text easy to read?
- Are buttons easy to tap?
- Does anything feel fiddly or frustrating?
A smooth mobile experience is a huge part of accessibility.
7. Make sure your contact details are easy to find
If someone wants to get in touch, don’t make them hunt for it.
Clear, visible contact options reduce friction – especially for users who may already find navigating websites more challenging.
You don’t have to do everything at once
This is where I think accessibility advice can sometimes go wrong.
It becomes an all-or-nothing task. A long checklist. Something that feels too big to start.
But improving your website accessibility can be gradual.
Start with:
- Your most visited pages
- The small changes that feel manageable
- One improvement at a time
It all adds up.
A quick, honest reflection
If you’re reading this and thinking:
“I’m not sure how accessible my website actually is…”
That’s completely normal.
Most websites aren’t intentionally inaccessible – they’ve just evolved over time without a clear accessibility focus.
And that’s exactly where a fresh pair of eyes can help.
Take a closer look at your website
If you’d like a clearer picture of how your website is performing – including accessibility – a Site Audit is a really good place to start.
We’ll look at:
- What’s working well
- Where there might be barriers or friction
- How accessible and user-friendly your site feels
- What you can improve (without overwhelming you)
You’ll come away with practical, prioritised next steps – so you can make confident decisions about what to do next, whether that’s small tweaks or something more substantial.
If that sounds helpful, you can book a Site Audit or get in touch for a chat.
Final thoughts
An accessible website isn’t about perfection.
It’s about consideration.
Small, thoughtful changes that make your website easier to use, clearer to understand, and more welcoming to the people you want to reach.
And that’s something every good website should aim for.