The SMB Guide to Making Your Website and Documents Digitally Accessible

Have you ever considered how many potential customers leave your website due to accessibility issues? It’s not just a guess. A UK Click-Away Pound survey found that 69% of disabled internet users leave websites that aren’t accessible. For small and medium businesses, this represents a significant missed opportunity. 

So, how do you make your website and documents digitally accessible? This guide will show you simple, actionable steps to make your website and documents welcoming to everyone. 

Understand How People Use Your Site

It’s easy to think your website is intuitive just because it works for you. But that doesn’t mean it works for everyone. Some people use a keyboard instead of a mouse. Others rely on screen readers that read text aloud or use voice commands to navigate a page. Testing how real users with disabilities interact with your website can reveal insights you might never notice.

The most valuable insights come from real users. Invite feedback from people who use assistive technologies. Watch how they navigate your site, where they get stuck, and how they interpret your content. You’ll often find that small design or content changes can remove significant barriers.

Make Your Visuals Accessible for All

Visual accessibility is one of the most commonly overlooked areas on websites. Millions of people have some degree of visual impairment and rely on different aids to access digital content.

Text should clearly stand out against its background, even for people with low vision or color blindness. A contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for standard text is considered accessible. Utilize free tools, such as the Contrast Checker from WebAIM, to simplify verification.

Make Documents User-Friendly

Many businesses share essential information through downloadable documents, such as PDFs, Word files, or PowerPoint presentations. Unfortunately, many of these documents are inaccessible by default.

When creating a PDF, make sure that it is tagged. Tagged PDFs have structural information such as headings, paragraphs, and tables, which makes the PDF more readable for screen readers. Ensure that you include alt text for images and organize the content so that it reads correctly for users relying on assistive technology. A simple test for accessibility before sending or uploading the document can ensure that it is readable by everyone.

Make Reading Easier and Reduce Mental Effort

Some users may learn differently or have cognitive disabilities that affect how they read and interpret information. But even those without diagnosed disabilities enjoy plain and uncluttered content.

Use plain language. Avoid using complex, lengthy sentences or jargon when a straightforward explanation will suffice. Break your writing up into short paragraphs with explanatory subheadings. This is easier for everyone to read and find what they require in a short amount of time.

The fonts you choose also matter. Fonts like Arial, Verdana, and Sans-Serif are easier to read on the screen. Choose a font size of at least 14 points for body text and never use all caps or italics because they are harder to read.

Support People with Hearing or Mobility Needs

Accessibility extends beyond visual or cognitive needs; millions of people have hearing or physical disabilities that impact their ability to use technology.

Provide captions or transcripts for all video and audio content to support deaf or hard-of-hearing visitors. Consistently adding these is important, as many viewers watch videos on mute, especially at work or in public. Transcripts also help search engines index your content, giving your site a slight SEO boost.

For users with limited mobility, ensure that your website is completely accessible with only a keyboard. All links, buttons, and form fields should be accessible using the Tab key. Avoid features that require fine motor control, such as small click-tooltips or drag-and-drop interfaces.

Keep Improving Through Feedback and Data

Accessibility isn’t a one-time project; it’s an ongoing process. Each time you update your site or add new content, test to ensure everything remains accessible. Encourage visitors to provide feedback if they encounter issues, and consider including an accessibility statement on your site to show your commitment and provide contact information for support.

Analytics tools can also provide insights into accessibility gaps. When you notice users abandoning pages or forms, it is usually an indication of an accessibility or usability issue.

Make Accessibility Part of Your Brand

For SMBs, accessibility can seem like just another item on an already long to-do list. But it’s a wise investment in your reputation and customer relationships. When your website and documents are accessible, you’re showing your audience that your business is thoughtful, inclusive, and professional. You’re also protecting yourself from potential legal risks, as accessibility standards like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply to many websites.

The good news is that beauty and accessibility can go hand in hand. You can have a modern, visually striking website that’s also accessible by thoughtfully choosing colors, design elements, and language that welcome everyone.

Ready to Make Your Website More Accessible?

Accessibility is not a technical requirement. It’s about people. It’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of their ability, can read your content, fill out your forms, or download your documents. For business owners, that’s the essence of good service: meeting customers where they are and including everyone.

By investing the time to make your documents and site accessible, you’re opening doors and removing barriers. Whether you’re doing your color contrast check, adding alt text to images, naming PDFs, or performing keyboard navigation testing, each step brings you closer to a more inclusive online experience.

Ready to make your website accessible, user-friendly, and welcoming to all visitors? Let us help you transform your site into a powerful asset for your business. Contact us today to get expert guidance and start creating an accessible, modern website that works for everyone.

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