Website Accessibility: 6 First Checks for Small Businesses
Can people use your website comfortably? A few checks can reveal real barriers. This short video explains six points, with written steps and practical notes below.
1:47 · No narration: the video shows each step as text on screen, and every step is written out below, with buttons that jump the video to it.
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The six points in the video
The video is silent. These are its on-screen headings, explanations and labels, followed by supporting notes.
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Step 1: Try keyboard navigation
Can you reach and use links and controls?
On-screen labels: Tab through; Visible focus; No keyboard traps.
Use the keyboard to reach links and controls. Look for a visible focus indicator and check that you can move away from each component.
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Step 2: Enlarge the text
Check that important content stays usable.
On-screen labels: Readable text; No overlap; Controls remain available.
Increase the text size and look for overlapping words, missing information or controls that become difficult to reach.
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Step 3: Review text contrast
Make words clear against their background.
On-screen labels: Text colour; Background colour; Readable labels.
Check text against its actual background, including buttons and form labels. Use an appropriate contrast checker for a measured review.
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Step 4: Use meaningful headings
Help readers understand the page structure.
On-screen labels: Clear sections; Useful heading order; Descriptive labels.
Headings should describe the sections and form a meaningful structure. Visual size alone does not make text a heading.
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Step 5: Check important images
Provide text for information the image conveys.
On-screen labels: Image purpose; Useful alternative; Equivalent information.
Decide what each important image communicates. Supply an equivalent text alternative appropriate to its purpose and context.
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Step 6: Test a real task
Use what you find to plan a fuller review.
On-screen labels: Find a service; Make an enquiry; Record the barriers.
Try a task such as finding a service or making an enquiry. Note the barriers and use the findings to guide further testing.
A practical check for your business
These checks are a starting point, not a complete accessibility audit. Record barriers, prioritise important customer journeys and arrange a fuller review where needed. Include people with relevant access needs when evaluating the experience.
Sources and further detail
Common questions
Do these six checks prove a website is accessible?
No. They can reveal useful issues, but a fuller review is needed to assess the site more thoroughly.
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