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What small businesses and charities need to know about accessibility online

Author

James Holloway

Date Published

Designers should always keep their users in mind shows on a computer screen

Making your website accessible is about more than ticking a box. It is about making sure everyone who wants to use your site can do so easily and confidently.

For many small businesses and charities, accessibility feels like something they want to get right but are not sure where to begin. The good news is that even small improvements can make a big difference.

What you need to know about accessibility

Why accessibility matters

Accessibility means making sure your website works well for as many people as possible. That includes visitors who may:

  • Use screen readers
  • Navigate by keyboard instead of a mouse
  • Have visual impairments or colour blindness
  • Find complex layouts or language difficult to process

When your site is accessible, it is easier for everyone to use. It also helps with your search rankings and shows that you care about inclusion.

Common accessibility issues (and how to improve them)

You do not need to be an expert to make your site better for your visitors. Here are some simple actions that help:

  • Add alt text to images: Describe what is in your images so screen reader users are not left out
  • Use clear heading structures: Make sure your page titles and headings follow a logical order, like H1 for the main heading, H2 for sections, and so on
  • Write descriptive link text: Avoid vague links like Click here. Instead, use meaningful text like Read our latest article on accessibility
  • Check your colour contrast: Make sure text stands out clearly against backgrounds so it is easy to read
  • Include captions on videos: Help people who are deaf or hard of hearing follow along easily

Accessibility is good for everyone

When your website is easier to use, it benefits all your visitors — not just those with disabilities. Clear navigation, readable text, and well-labelled links improve the experience for everyone.

Accessibility is not just about compliance. It is about being welcoming and inclusive.

When to get expert help

There are lots of free tools that can help you spot basic accessibility issues. But a proper accessibility check goes deeper than that.

If you want to be sure your website is as inclusive as it can be, working with someone who knows what to look for is a smart move.

We often work with organisations who want to make their website more inclusive but are not sure where to start. If that sounds familiar, we are always happy to help.

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