Web accessibility means designing websites that are available to everyone, regardless of their abilities or technology. When you design your website with accessibility in mind, you’ll create an equal experience for all visitors and expand your audience while making your site easier to use. Elementor helps make your website accessible to all.
Start with accessibility in mind and build it into your website from the ground up instead of trying to add it in later. When you keep accessibility in mind when building websites with Elementor, you’ll end up designing for readability and clear organization. You’ll also design websites that are easier to navigate on all devices and assistive technologies. Below are some accessibility best practices when building websites with Elementor.
Learn About Inclusive Design
Inclusive design means you’re creating experiences that work for the largest amount of visitors. One aspect of inclusive design is accessibility.
Consider how your visitors will interact with your content using keyboards, screen readers, voice commands, and other technologies. Designing your website keeping these visitors in mind will help you build a website that works for everyone.
Pick Accessible WordPress Themes
The first step to building an accessible Elementor website is starting with an accessible WordPress theme. An accessible WordPress theme is one that is coded with accessibility standards in mind.
- Clear code layout
- Responsive design
- Proper heading hierarchy
- Easy keyboard navigation
- Accessible menu systems
Starting with a good foundation will allow you to build your website with accessibility in mind and lessen the amount of accessibility adjustments you have to make later.
Build Proper Heading Structures
Headings help organize your content and guide your visitors through your pages. Screen readers also use your heading structure to interpret how your pages are organized so your visitors can navigate using assistive technologies.
When working with Elementor, your heading structures should progress logically from one section to the next. Skipping heading levels is not recommended as this can make it difficult for visitors to navigate and understand your content using assistive technologies.
Use Readable Fonts
Typography greatly impacts how accessible your website is. If your website isn’t easy to read, it’ll be difficult for your visitors to consume your content.
- Make sure your text is legible on all devices. Not everyone will view your website on a large screen.
- Increase the space between lines of text and paragraphs. This allows your visitors to focus on your content without distraction.
Use High Color Contrast
Color contrast is important for accessibility. If there is not enough contrast between your text and its background, many visitors will not be able to read your content.
- Use dark text on light backgrounds.
- Try to avoid low contrast colors.
- Test out your colors before publishing.
- Make sure any text on buttons is readable.
- Test your color contrast on multiple devices.
The higher color contrast your website has, the easier it is to read which enables everyone to have a better browsing experience.
Write Descriptive Link Text
Try to explain where a link will go or what will happen when your visitors click on a link. Learn More doesn’t tell your visitors anything. They have no clue where that link will go once they click on it.
If your link will redirect your visitors to another page on your website, tell them. If they will be redirected to an email submission page, let them know. Being descriptive with your links will not only help with accessibility but help your visitors know what to expect once they click on a link.
Add Descriptions to Your Images
Images are great for adding visual interest to your website, but make sure the images you use also help with accessibility. Images require a description which will allow screen readers to describe your images to visitors who need help consuming your content.
Providing descriptions for your images helps with accessibility and helps paint a better picture for your visitors. If you’re using decorative images that don’t add any relevant information to your content, you may not need to include a description. Elementor makes it easy to add descriptions to your images.
Design for Keyboard Navigation
Some visitors may navigate your website with a keyboard instead of a mouse. Design your Elementor websites with these visitors in mind.
Here is a breakdown of key accessibility considerations and their corresponding benefits.
| Accessibility Aspect | Key Features | Technological Support | User Benefit |
| WordPress Themes | Clear code layout | ARIA compliance | Improved usability |
| Heading Structures | Logical progression | Screen reader compatibility | Better navigation |
| Readable Fonts | Legibility on devices | Responsive typography scaling | Enhanced readability |
| Color Contrast | High contrast ratios | WCAG guidelines | Content clarity |
By incorporating these elements, you enhance both functionality and user satisfaction on your website.
Navigation through your content should be easy and intuitive. Menus, buttons, forms, and other elements should be easy to navigate via keyboard. Visitors should not get stuck in your navigation or other interactive elements on your website.
Improve Form Accessibility
Forms can be used for many different purposes. They can help you communicate with your visitors, collect registrations, and even build your email list.
- Label your form fields.
- Provide clear instructions.
- Provide visible validation errors.
- Ensure your fields maintain proper tab order.
- Make form submission as easy as possible.
Making it easy for your visitors to fill out your forms will allow them to complete your forms and increase successful form interactions.
Limit Animation
Animations are great; too many animations can be a problem. Some visitors may become distracted or experience discomfort when too many animations are triggered while browsing your website.
Elementor gives you many options when it comes to animations. Use them, but don’t go overboard. The less moving elements you have, the more your visitors will focus on your content.
Support Accessibility on Mobile Devices
Not everyone will visit your website using a desktop device. Many users will interact with your website using mobile devices.
Buttons should be easy to click and content should resize accordingly. Users shouldn’t have to pinch to zoom or scroll too much to read your content on mobile devices.
Test Your Website
The more you test your website the better accessibility you’ll have. Some tests you should perform include the following.
- Screen reader testing
- Keyboard navigation
- Mobile accessibility
- Color contrast
- Form usability
Performing these tests will allow you to ensure your website is accessible for everyone. Regular testing will allow you to catch any areas you may have missed.
Include Captions and Transcripts
Videos and audio content are great but you should make sure your multimedia content is accessible to your visitors. Just because your content may not be accessible to someone doesn’t mean they shouldn’t get to consume your content.
Providing transcripts and captions are a great way to allow others to consume your content. Adding captions to your video content helps and ensuring your media players are easy to understand and use also helps. These elements will allow everyone to engage with your multimedia content.
Write for Accessibility
The best way to keep your website accessible is to keep it simple. Don’t confuse your visitors with too much content or clutter.
Use clear and concise language. Organize your content in a way that is easy to read and navigate. Use headings and allow your content to get straight to the point. Simplicity is key when building accessible websites.
Provide a Better Experience for All Visitors
Web accessibility should be considered for everyone. Visitors come to your website with different abilities and will use a variety of devices and technologies when browsing your website.
When you design your website with accessibility in mind, you’re allowing everyone to have a great experience on your website. Keeping your website accessible will allow you to improve usability, increase engagement, and provide value to every single person that visits your website.