Design & Content
Here are 20 high-impact fixes you can implement today. They improve usability for everyone and support the quality signals search engines reward. Pair them with Adjustable, our on-page accessibility toolbar, to give visitors personal controls (contrast, text size, motion) that boost engagement and conversions.
How to Use This List
Prioritize top landing pages and key pathways (home, pricing, product, contact/checkout).
Aim for AA results and maintain a straightforward tracking sheet: Issue → Page → Owner → Complete.
After each batch, re-scan and conduct a 5-minute keyboard test.
20 Quick Wins
1) Give Every Page a Descriptive H1
Ensure the H1 reflects the page’s main purpose. Follow with a logical H2/H3 format underneath.
2) Fix Page Titles
Ensure <title> is unique, descriptive, and changes with page state (e.g., “Thank you – Contact”).
3) Add a Visible “Skip to Content” Link
Place it as the first focusable element; display it on focus and jump to #main.
4) Use Real Landmarks
Wrap content with semantic regions: <header>, <nav>, <main id="main">, <aside>, <footer>.
5) Make Link Text Meaningful
Replace “click here” with specific actions or context (“View pricing”, “Download brochure”).
6) Write Helpful Alt Text (and Omit Where Decorative)
Describe purpose, not appearance. Use alt="" for decorative images and CSS backgrounds for pure decoration.
7) Ensure Text and Controls Meet Contrast Standards
Utilize a contrast checker. Adjust tokens for body text, buttons, links, and focus outlines.
8) Make Focus Visible Everywhere
Provide a distinct, high-contrast focus indicator for links, buttons, inputs, and custom controls.
9) Verify Keyboard Access
Tab through: can you access all interactive elements? Use Enter/Space/Arrows effectively.
10) Tidy Headings and Reading Order
Keep visual order consistent. Avoid skipping levels (don’t jump H2 → H4). Remove decorative heading styles from body text.
11) Label Every Form Input
Include programmatic labels (<label for="…">). Group radios/checkboxes with <fieldset><legend>.
12) Write Specific, Polite Error Messages
Clarify what went wrong and how to fix it. Announce changes with a courteous live region if errors are dynamic.
13) Enable Autocomplete on Common Fields
Use autocomplete="name email address-line1 postal-code tel" to expedite completion and minimize errors.
14) Don’t Rely on Color Alone
Incorporate text/icon/state changes for mandatory fields, errors, and active items.
15) Create Interactive Elements with Actual Buttons/Links
Use <button> for actions and <a href="…"> for navigation. Add ARIA only when necessary.
16) Rectify Modal/Dialog Behavior
Confine focus within the dialog, restore focus to the trigger on close, and label the dialog for screen readers.
17) Pause Auto-Rotating Carousels
Provide play/pause controls. Avoid rapid auto-advance; ensure keyboard and screen reader operation.
18) Respect Motion Preferences
Reduce or disable non-essential animations if prefers-reduced-motion is enabled.
19) Stabilize Layout to Prevent Shifts
Set image dimensions, reserve space for embeds, and be cautious with late-loading fonts to improve CLS.
20) Make Targets Comfortable on Mobile
Enhance tap sizes and spacing. Allow pinch-zoom and ensure content reapplies at 320px without sideways scrolling.
Copy-Paste Mini Checklist (Markdown)
Quick Testing Routine (15 Minutes)
Keyboard Sweep (5 min): Use Tab/Shift+Tab, open/close menus & modals, operate forms, verify visible focus.
Screen Reader Skim (3–5 min): Check title, headings, labels, error announcements.
Automated Checks (2–3 min): Run your scanner on the page template and triage real issues.
Mobile Spot Check (3–5 min): Verify targets, zoom, reflow, motion comfort.
How Adjustable Helps
Correct the structural issues above, and then add Adjustable to boost user comfort and retention:
Inbuilt contrast and text size controls enhance readability for more users.
Reading aids and motion settings decrease friction in crucial funnels.
Easy installation, immediate UX boost—ideal for Marketing Managers and Website Owners needing quick results.
FAQs
Are These Wins Sufficient for AA Compliance?
They address common failures and enhance real-world usability. For full AA compliance, adopt ongoing checks and address component-specific issues.
Where Should We Start?
Address titles, headings, links, alt text, contrast, and focus on your primary landing and conversion pages.
Do Toolbars Replace Accessibility Work?
No. Toolbars like Adjustable improve comfort and control but don’t fix incorrect structures. Use both.
Next Steps
Implement 5–7 wins on your top pages today.
Execute a quick scan and a keyboard walkthrough after each deployment.
Add Adjustable to cater to diverse needs while continuing enhancements.
Read next: WCAG 2.2 AA Checklist.
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