Here are a few simple things you can do when editing your website to make it more user friendly and accessible:
1. Never Just Link the Words “Click Here”, “Here” or “Read More”
You’ve probably seen and made links that like this: “To learn more click here!” Instead use a more descriptive link like “learn more about our product”
Using generic link text such as “Click Here” or “Read More” can create a bad user experience
Visitors who use assistive technologies like screen readers find it hard to understand the meaning of links that are generic like “Click Here”. Also, using generic terms like “read more” doesn’t help visitors who like to skim text versus reading everything. Finally, using generic text tells search engines nothing about the linked web page.
2. Stop Opening New Tabs with Links
Every day, we click on links that take us to different sites, tabs, and windows, and we don’t worry about it. But for a person who is blind or visually impaired, it can create a confusing situation when navigating. If your goal is to make your website more accessible, you must notify users that they’ll be going to a new tab or window before they click on the link. Or just don’t open a new tab. Instead add a notice with the link that says (external site). This will let your user know that by selecting the link they will load a new website. “It’s important to warn all users that a new window is about to be opened. Some users, especially those with cognitive disabilities may not notice that a new window has opened. If a user wants to open a link in a new window or tab, they can do that, but don’t make that decision for them. ” Colleen Gratzer, Accessibility Specialist, Creative Boost Academy 
3. Add Descriptive Alt Text to Your Images
When you add an image to a webpage, you have an opportunity to describe the image to people who may not be able to see it and to search engines. This is the field called “alt text”. Add meaningful alt text to images that are not just added for decorative reasons. However, if your image is just meant to be decorative, you should leave the alt text field empty.
In addition, an image title is not needed if you’ve added descriptive alt text. Just leave the title blank.
You can improve all kinds of websites from trade associations, educational institutions, financial services, restaurants to retail by consistently following these tips. Contact us if you have questions or need help with your website.
