Why Is My Website Not Accessible? 7 Common A11y Mistakes

You've built a great website, but something feels off. Maybe you've received a complaint, or you've noticed that some users struggle to navigate your pages. Or perhaps you're just wondering: "Why is my website not accessible?"

Accessibility (a11y) isn't just about compliance—it's about ensuring everyone, including people with disabilities, can use your site effectively. And it's not just a moral imperative; it's also good for business. Accessible sites tend to rank better in search engines and convert better because they provide a smoother user experience for all.

In this guide, we'll walk through the 7 most common accessibility mistakes that could be holding your website back, and show you how to fix them.

1. Missing or Poor Alt Text

Images are a core part of the web, but if they lack descriptive alt text, screen readers can't convey their content to visually impaired users. Alt text should describe the image's purpose or content in context. For decorative images, use empty alt text (alt="") to indicate they should be ignored.

Fix: Add descriptive, concise alt text to all meaningful images. For example, alt="Woman using laptop with accessibility software" is better than alt="image1". Don't stuff keywords—describe what's actually in the image.

2. Insufficient Color Contrast

Low contrast between text and background can make content unreadable for people with low vision or color blindness. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.

Fix: Use a contrast checker tool to test your color combinations. Adjust your palette until you meet the guidelines. If you're using brand colors that don't pass, consider using them for large headings or decorative elements only.

3. Non-Descriptive Link Text

Links like "click here" or "read more" don't tell users where the link goes, especially when read out of context by a screen reader. This forces users to scan surrounding content to understand the purpose.

Fix: Use descriptive link text that makes sense on its own. For example, "Read our guide on accessible design" is better than "click here." If you must use generic text, add an aria-label to provide context.

4. Missing Form Labels

Forms are a common pain point. If form fields don't have associated labels, users with screen readers may not know what information to enter. Placeholder text is not a substitute—it disappears when typing and often lacks contrast.

Fix: Always use <label> elements tied to inputs via the for attribute. If you can't use a visible label, use aria-label or aria-labelledby. Also, ensure error messages are clear and linked to the relevant field.

5. Keyboard Navigation Issues

Many users rely on the keyboard to navigate—whether due to motor disabilities or preference. If your site has elements that can't be accessed via the Tab key, or if focus indicators are invisible, you're excluding these users.

Fix: Test your site by tabbing through it. Ensure all interactive elements are reachable and that focus is visibly indicated (e.g., a visible outline). Avoid using tabindex="-1" on interactive elements unless you're managing focus programmatically.

6. Videos Without Captions or Transcripts

Video content is popular, but if it lacks captions, deaf or hard-of-hearing users can't access the information. Similarly, audio content without transcripts is inaccessible to many.

Fix: Add captions to all videos. For pre-recorded videos, you can use YouTube's automatic captions as a starting point but always review and edit for accuracy. Provide a full transcript for podcasts or audio clips.

7. Not Testing with Real Users

Automated tools can catch some issues, but they can't replace real-world testing. You might be missing problems that only emerge when someone with a disability uses your site.

Fix: Conduct usability testing with people who have disabilities. If that's not possible, use screen reader software like NVDA or VoiceOver to experience your site as they would. Also, consider using browser extensions that simulate color blindness.

How to Get Started with Accessibility

If this feels overwhelming, start with a free website audit. Tools like MyWebsiteScore can crawl your site and flag common accessibility issues, giving you a prioritized list of fixes. From there, tackle the most critical problems first—often those that affect keyboard navigation and alt text.

Remember, accessibility is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. As you add new content or features, keep these principles in mind. And if you're unsure about something, consult the WCAG guidelines or seek advice from accessibility experts.

The Business Case for Accessibility

Beyond the ethical reasons, accessibility can boost your SEO. Search engines appreciate semantic HTML, descriptive text, and fast-loading pages—all of which align with accessibility best practices. Accessible sites also tend to have lower bounce rates and higher conversions because they provide a better experience for everyone.

Plus, in some jurisdictions, accessibility is a legal requirement. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the European Accessibility Act have led to lawsuits against companies with inaccessible websites. Ensuring your site is accessible reduces legal risk.

Take Action Today

Don't let accessibility be an afterthought. Start by identifying the issues on your site. Run a free audit of your website to see where you stand and get actionable recommendations. Then, work through the fixes systematically.

Your users—and your bottom line—will thank you.

For more guidance, explore our other guides on improving your website's performance and user experience. And remember, every step you take toward accessibility makes the web a better place for everyone.

Run a free audit to uncover accessibility issues on your site today.

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