Improving the accessibility of websites and web applications is something we’re passionate about. There are so many simple things site owners can do that would really make a difference, but they often don’t know where to begin. Begin here:
Delete “click here” from your vocabulary.
Every time you’re tempted to type “Click here to access the PDF” or “to read more click here,” stop and think about how you would interact with that link if you were visually impaired.
I’ll give you a hint: if you were using a screen reader, when you got to that link, your device would say:
- Click here
Every single link on the page would sound like:
- Click here
- Click here
- Click here
Lordy, so many click heres. It’s the click here lottery. You never know what you’re going to get! And that’s exactly the point.
Improve Accessibility With One Habit
Rewrite all your “click here” sentences so the linked text describes the thing you’re linking to. For example, right now your website might say:
We’ve written a great article about how to mix feed for your honeybees. Click here to download.
Don’t do that. Do this instead:
We’ve written a great article about how to mix feed for your honeybees. Download honeybee feed recipes and instructions.
This is WAY better because, when navigating links using a screen reader, you would hear an actual description of what happens when you click on the link instead of a mysterious, disembodied “click here.” This one change could be the difference between a person being able to use your website or not.
In this example, we’re using a real sentence, which is to say there’s a verb and a direct object. The verb is helpful because it describes what will to happen when you click. (Note to armchair grammarians: we’re using imperative voice, which doesn’t require a subject.)
Another Approach
If the last approach is too clunky for you, you could do it this way:
We’ve written a great article about how to mix feed for your honeybees.
This approach often fits more naturally into the flow of writing, but it still gives the reader the gist of what’s coming. If you were using a screen reader, you would naturally assume clicking that link would provide instructions for mixing feed. (I use this technique three times in this article.)
While it’s far from a complete solution, this one simple accessibility hack will make it infinitely easier for people with disabilities to interact with your content.
Want more info about making your website accessible? Read our post on Web accessibility basics. (See what I did there?)
PS: While the example links in this article look like links, they aren’t coded that way, so screen readers will not try to follow them, even if the sighted among you did. Sorry about that. I tricked you.
PPS: This will also help your SEO. (BONUS!)
PPPS: If you want recipes for honeybee feed, ask me using the contact form.
