At Dogwood, we’ve always said your website is your virtual front door. Just like you’d ensure a brick-and-mortar business is accessible to all visitors, your website should be designed with the same inclusivity. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about creating a welcoming experience for everyone who wants to interact with your business, learn more about your services, or purchase.
The Everyday Struggles of Inaccessible Websites
We’ve all experienced the frustration of landing on a website where something isn’t usable. I’ve visited websites where the text blends into the background so much that my eyes struggle to separate the two. Or where the font is so tiny that I have to magnify my screen just to read basic information.
Imagine how that feels for someone with a visual impairment or other disability. It can be entirely impossible for them if it’s frustrating for me. That’s why accessibility isn’t an afterthought—it should be a priority.
The Biggest Mistakes Businesses Make
One of the most common misconceptions about website accessibility is the belief that a single plugin or program can fix everything. While tools like Ally from Elementor (which Dogwood includes in all our hosting plans) can assist with accessibility, they only work effectively if the site is built correctly in the first place. A poorly structured website will still have barriers, no matter how many accessibility features are layered on top.
Another mistake is treating accessibility as a one-time fix rather than an ongoing commitment. Design choices, content updates, and third-party integrations can introduce new challenges, so regular reviews are essential.
How to Make Your Website More Accessible
Improving website accessibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some of the most effective steps businesses can take:
- Start with Accessibility in Mind – The best approach is to build accessibility into the site from the beginning rather than trying to fix issues later. This means considering factors like color contrast, text size, keyboard navigation, and alt text for images right from the start.
- Use Clear, Readable Text – Avoid color combinations that make text difficult to read, ensure font sizes are large enough, and use clear headings to structure content logically.
- Make Navigation Easy for Everyone – Users should be able to navigate your site without a mouse (using only a keyboard or assistive devices). Properly labeled buttons and logical menu structures help ensure smooth interactions.
- Optimize for Screen Readers – Use descriptive alt text for images, proper heading structures, and avoid vague links like “Click Here.” Instead, provide context like “Learn more about our services.”
- Test Your Website for Accessibility Issues – At Dogwood, we use specialized tools to analyze our sites for accessibility issues. But beyond automated scans, real user testing can highlight obstacles that may not be obvious through software alone.
Following WCAG Guidelines for Compliance
At Dogwood, we follow WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) to ensure our sites meet industry standards. These guidelines provide a framework to create operable, understandable, and robust sites for all users.
If you’re not sure whether your site is accessible, it may be time to seek professional help. Accessibility isn’t just about avoiding legal risks—it’s about ensuring every visitor has a seamless experience on your site.
Accessibility Final Thoughts
Your website should be open and accessible to everyone, just like your physical storefront. Whether it’s a customer with visual impairments, mobility limitations, or other challenges, they should be able to navigate, interact with, and benefit from your online presence without barriers.
If you’re unsure whether your site meets accessibility standards, Dogwood is here to help. Let’s make sure your virtual front door is open to everyone.
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