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Website Accessibility Checklist for Small Businesses

An accessible website works for people who use screen readers, keyboards, captions, zoom, or other tools. It also tends to be easier for everyone to use. This checklist covers the basics, based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Note: this is a starting point, not legal advice. If you have specific legal requirements, check with your attorney.

Images

  • [ ] Every meaningful image has alt text that describes it. See images in Joomla or images in WordPress.
  • [ ] Decorative images are marked as decorative (empty alt text).
  • [ ] Text isn't only in images. If it is, the same text is on the page too.

Headings and structure

  • [ ] Each page has one H1 (the main title).
  • [ ] Headings go in order (H2, then H3 under it) and aren't used just for big text.
  • [ ] Lists use real list formatting.

Links and buttons

  • [ ] Link text makes sense on its own, like "View our services" instead of "Click here."
  • [ ] Links look like links (not just a different color).
  • [ ] Buttons have clear labels.

Color and text

  • [ ] Text has enough contrast with its background. Free contrast checkers can test this.
  • [ ] Color isn't the only way information is shown (for example, required form fields are marked with text, not just red).
  • [ ] The page still works when zoomed to 200%.

Keyboard

  • [ ] You can reach and use every link, button, menu, and form with the Tab key.
  • [ ] You can see where the focus is as you tab through the page.
  • [ ] Pop-ups and menus can be closed with the keyboard.

Forms

  • [ ] Every field has a visible label.
  • [ ] Error messages explain what's wrong and how to fix it.
  • [ ] CAPTCHAs have an accessible option.

Video and audio

  • [ ] Videos have captions.
  • [ ] Audio-only content has a transcript.
  • [ ] Nothing plays automatically with sound.

Documents

  • [ ] PDFs are accessible (tagged, with headings and alt text), or the same content is on a web page.

Testing

  • Try using your site with just a keyboard.
  • Run a free automated checker. Joomla 5 and 6 include an Accessibility Check button when editing articles.
  • Automated tools only catch some problems, so test by hand too.

Keep it up

Accessibility isn't a one-time task. Every new page, image, and document needs the same care.

Related

How 3by400 can help

We build accessibility into the website design process and can review your current site.

Start a project

Ready to talk about your website? Start a project or reach us at 678-379-9321 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We're based in Dalton, GA, and work with businesses everywhere.

Accessibility