Here’s something you need to hear: accessibility SEO isn’t optional
Inclusive SEO, web accessibility optimization… Whatever you call it, here’s what you need to know
Good SEO isn’t just about rankings—it’s about making your site usable for everyone. Accessibility SEO ensures your website works seamlessly for all users, including those with disabilities, while improving search performance at the same time.
Imagine walking into a store, but the aisles are blocked, the signs are unreadable, and the checkout is impossible to use. That’s what a poorly optimized website feels like for users with disabilities—and search engines take notice.
Accessibility SEO helps you create a better experience for all visitors by:
- Ensuring your site meets WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards
- Improving usability with features like alt text, proper headings, and keyboard navigation
- Boosting engagement and conversions by making your content accessible to more people
Beyond being the right thing to do, accessibility is also becoming a bigger ranking factor. If your website isn’t inclusive, you’re not just alienating users—you’re also leaving rankings (and revenue) on the table. Let’s fix that.
Accessibility SEO explained (no-fluff)
Here’s the essential breakdown of accessibility SEO without the industry jargon or unnecessary complexity. If you’re looking for the straightforward, actionable version that actually delivers results, you’re in the right place.
WTF are we talking about here? (definition)
Optimizing a website to ensure it can be accessed and easily navigated by all users, including those with disabilities or impairments.
What’s this trying to accomplish? (goals)
To improve user experience for users with disabilities, enhance website inclusivity, and ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG).
What actually works? (best practices)
- Using alt text for images
- Ensuring proper heading structures (H1, H2, etc.)
- Keyboard navigation compatibility
- Transcripts/captions for multimedia content
- High-contrast color schemes
Where do most people get it wrong? (common mistakes)
- Missing alt text or using irrelevant descriptions
- Improper heading hierarchy
- Inaccessible forms and buttons
- Videos without subtitles or captions
- Overlooking keyboard-only navigation
Who should focus on accessibility SEO? (use cases)
- Public-sector websites (required by law)
- E-commerce stores aiming to broaden customer reach
- Educational platforms
- Health and medical websites
How much will this move the needle? (impact on rankings)
Medium (indirect but increasingly significant due to better user experience signals).
How long until I see some movement? (timeframe for results)
Medium-term (typically a few weeks to several months).
What should be in your SEO toolkit? (tools + software)
- WAVE Evaluation Tool
- Lighthouse (Google Chrome)
- Siteimprove
- Axe Accessibility Checker
- Screaming Frog (for auditing alt tags, headings, etc.)
How do you know if it’s working? (metrics to track)
- Accessibility scores (e.g., Lighthouse/WAVE)
- Bounce rate
- Engagement metrics (average session duration, page views)
- Conversion rates for users using accessibility tools
- User feedback and reports
Who’s crushing it with accessibility SEO? (examples of successful implementation)
- BBC – The British Broadcasting Corporation. (Consistently recognized for high accessibility standards)
- GOV.UK (UK Government Digital Service)
Who should you be listening to? (experts)
- Aleyda Solis: An international SEO consultant, speaker, and author celebrated for her expertise in technical SEO and accessibility best practices.
- Kim Krause Berg: A leading search engine marketing expert, consultant, and author renowned for her contributions to website accessibility and usability.
- Glen Gabe: An SEO strategist and digital marketing consultant recognized for his innovative approaches to enhancing website accessibility and search performance.
Is this something you can DIY? (difficulty level)
Intermediate
What’s this going to set you back? (cost considerations)
Moderate. This can require developer and designer resources or third-party auditing services, typically ranging from hundreds to several thousand dollars depending on site complexity.
Accessibility SEO: Where to go from here?
You’ve got the accessibility SEO basics down, but the search landscape changes faster than Google can update its algorithm.
Stay ahead with deep dives from the Loganix blog:
Or if you’d rather spend your time growing your business instead, get in touch with our team. We’ve helped hundreds of businesses just like yours climb the rankings with proven strategies.