A simple guide to accessibility: color contrast, alt text, keyboard navigation, and why it helps everyone and your SEO.
Website accessibility means that the largest possible number of people can use your site, including those with visual or motor impairments or those who use screen readers. But accessibility is not a service for a small group only; it is an improvement that benefits every visitor: older people, someone browsing under bright sun, or someone using the site with one hand. The surprise is that it serves SEO too, because what a screen reader understands, a search engine understands. This guide walks through practical basics that make your site accessible to everyone without complexity.
Light text on a light background, or faded gray, is hard for many people to read, especially on a phone in bright light. The rule is that the contrast between text and background must be sufficient; body text needs a contrast ratio of at least about 4.5 to 1, and large text needs a slightly lower ratio. Do not rely on color alone to convey information; if an invalid field is only red, someone who cannot distinguish red will not understand. Add a symbol or text alongside the color. Test your colors with contrast-checking tools before relying on them, because what looks clear on your screen may be faint on another.
A screen reader does not see the image; it reads its written description, known as alt text. Write a concise, accurate description for each meaningful image: "The Nasj team in a work meeting" is better than "image." If the image is purely decorative and carries no information, leave it with empty alt text so the reader skips it. Alt text also helps when an image fails to load, and it gives search engines an understanding of the image content, which improves your presence in image search. Keep the description natural, not a stuffing of keywords.
Not every visitor uses a mouse or touch; some navigate with the keyboard only, pressing the tab key to move between links, buttons, and fields. Make sure every interactive element can be reached and activated with the keyboard, and that there is a clear visual indicator showing where focus currently sits, such as an outline around the selected button. Do not hide this indicator because it looks unpolished; it is a necessity for those who rely on it. Arrange the navigation order logically so focus moves from the top of the page to the bottom in a predictable order, not random jumps.
A screen reader relies on headings to navigate within a page, just as you rely on a quick glance. Use correct, sequential heading levels, with one main heading for the page and logical subheadings beneath it, without skipping levels just for looks. Write links with clear text that describes their destination; "Read the SEO guide" is better than "click here," which means nothing out of context. Forms need clear labels tied to each field so a screen reader user knows what is required in each box.
If you have a video, provide captions or a written transcript for those who cannot hear or prefer to read. Avoid content that flashes rapidly, because it can disturb or harm some users. Excessive animations and transitions confuse people who are sensitive to motion; keep them calm, and respect the system setting that requests reduced motion if the visitor has enabled it. Content that changes automatically, such as moving slides, should give the visitor control to pause and advance.
Every accessibility improvement raises the quality of the site for everyone. Good contrast eases every eye, clear structure makes reading easier, alt text strengthens image search, and ordered headings help search engines understand your page. An accessible site is usually faster, cleaner, and easier to use, and these are all positive signals for SEO and for how long visitors stay. Accessibility is not an extra burden but a reflection of real craftsmanship, and in some sectors it may be a requirement that strengthens your customers' trust in you.
At Nasj we build websites and landing pages with accessibility in mind from the start: sound color contrast, alt text for images, full keyboard navigation, correct heading structure, and forms with clear labels. We make your site comfortable for the largest number of people, which reflects positively on their experience and on your visibility in search.
If you want a site that everyone can use easily and that serves both your reputation and your SEO, reach out to Nasj and let us build you an accessible experience worthy of your business.