Website accessibility means designing and developing your site so that everyone can use it, including people with disabilities. It’s about removing barriers that might prevent someone from accessing your content, navigating your pages, or completing important actions. Accessible websites work for everyone — regardless of ability, device, or situation.
Why Website Accessibility Matters
The internet is for everyone. People may experience permanent disabilities (such as vision or hearing loss), temporary challenges (like a broken arm), or situational limitations (like using a phone in bright sunlight). A truly accessible website ensures they can still interact with your content and services without difficulty.
Accessibility isn’t just good practice — in many countries, it’s also a legal requirement. Making your site inclusive can protect you from complaints while expanding your audience.
Key Principles of Website Accessibility
Accessible websites follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which are built on four main principles:
- Perceivable: Information must be presented in ways people can recognise — for example, adding alt text to images for screen reader users.
- Operable: All functionality must be available via keyboard as well as mouse, and interactive elements must be easy to use.
- Understandable: Content and navigation should be clear, consistent, and easy to follow.
- Robust: Websites should work across different devices, browsers, and assistive technologies.
Examples of Website Accessibility Features
- Text alternatives (alt text) for images.
- High colour contrast between text and background.
- Captions or transcripts for video and audio content.
- Keyboard-friendly navigation.
- Responsive design for mobile and tablet users.
Website Accessibility and SEO
Accessible websites often perform better in search rankings. Features like descriptive headings, structured content, and alt text not only help people with disabilities but also make your site easier for search engines to understand. In other words, accessibility supports both user experience and visibility.
How Marble Websites Can Help With Accessibility
Marble Websites builds accessibility into every project. They ensure:
- Clear layouts that work across all devices.
- Readable text sizes and colour contrasts that meet WCAG standards.
- Keyboard-friendly menus and links.
- Alternative text for images and descriptions for multimedia content.
Whether you’re looking for web design Northwich, web design Cheshire, or a full site refresh, Marble focuses on making your site inclusive for all visitors.
Local Example of Accessibility in Action
A community group in Cheshire needed a site that parents, carers, and older visitors could use easily. Marble Websites redesigned the site with larger text, high-contrast colour schemes, and simplified navigation. The feedback? More people were able to find information quickly, and attendance at events increased.
Final Thought
Website accessibility is about creating a digital space where no one is excluded. It benefits your visitors, your reputation, and even your search rankings. By choosing a partner like Marble Websites — especially if you want local expertise in web design Northwich or web design Cheshire — you can make sure your site works for everyone, every time.
