Many people find websites difficult to use, not because the content is bad, but because they haven’t been designed with everyone in mind. If someone can’t read your text, use your forms, or play your videos, they’ll leave.
This includes older users, people with low vision, those using screen readers, and anyone with limited movement. The good news? If you use WordPress, it’s easy to make changes that help. Here’s how to get started.
1. Use Colours That Are Easy to Read
Some colour combinations are complex to see, especially when using exceptionally light colours on a white background. Ensure your text stands out clearly against the background. Black on white is a safe choice.
Use tools like WebAIM Contrast Checker to test your colour contrast. This helps people with low vision and makes your site easier for everyone to read.
2. Write Alt Text for All Images
Alt text is a short description that explains an image. Screen readers read this text out loud, so people who can’t see the image still know what it’s about.
Keep it simple. For example, instead of “Image of a successful businessman climbing the corporate ladder,” just say “Man standing on stairs holding a laptop.” If an image is purely decorative, you can leave the alt text blank using alt=””.
3. Use Headings the Right Way
Headings help break up your content and make it easier to follow. They also help screen reader users understand how your page is set out.
Use heading tags like this:
- <h1> for your main title (used once per page)
- <h2> for sections
- <h3> for sub-points under those sections
Don’t skip heading levels or use headings just to make text bigger.
4. Make Sure People Can Use the Keyboard
Not everyone uses a mouse. Your website should work using only a keyboard. This includes menus, links, buttons, and forms.
Test your site by pressing the Tab key to navigate through links and the Enter key to click. You should be able to do everything without a mouse.
5. Use Links That Make Sense
Avoid link text like “Click here” or “More info.” Instead, say exactly what the link is for, like “Read our pricing guide” or “Contact our team.”
This helps all users, especially people using screen readers, and improves how your site appears in search engines.
6. Make Forms Easy to Understand and Use
Every form field should have a label that clearly indicates what information to enter. If there’s an error, show a clear message like “Please enter a valid email address.”
Forms should also be accessible with a keyboard and easy to use on mobile devices.
7. Add Captions or Written Text for Videos
If your site includes video or audio, always add captions or a full written version. This helps people who are deaf or prefer to read.
It’s also helpful for people who are watching in quiet places or who can’t play sound.
8. Don’t Auto-Play Videos or Sounds
Auto-play can be distracting or even overwhelming. Let users choose when to play video or sound. This is ideal for individuals with learning or sensory challenges, as well as for those who prefer not to be startled by loud noises.
9. Test Your Site with a Screen Reader
You can download free screen readers, such as NVDA (for Windows) or VoiceOver (on Mac), to test how your website sounds.
This helps you understand what someone hears when using assistive tools and spot problems you might have missed.
10. Get Help from a Web Expert
There’s a lot to think about, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. A skilled web team can review your site and help you identify and resolve issues that affect real users.
If you’re not sure where to start, even a quick check of your site’s colours, links, and forms can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts from Web Design Owl
Making your WordPress site easier to use is one of the best things you can do. It helps real people access your content and improves your site’s chances in search engines.
At Web Design Owl, we build and update websites to work well for everyone, no matter how they use the web. Whether you need a simple fix or a full review, we’re happy to help.
Want a clear answer on how your site is doing? Contact us now for a friendly, no-nonsense review.
