When people talk about sustainability in web design, accessibility doesn’t always get the spotlight it deserves.
But here’s the thing: a truly sustainable website isn’t just about performance or carbon footprint – it’s also about people. Making sure everyone can access and use your site, no matter their ability, device, or setup.
So if you’re ready to make your website a little more inclusive (without needing a developer or an entire weekend), here are eight small-but-mighty checks you can do today:
1. Inclusive Images
Add alt text to every image.
Screen readers rely on it to describe visuals for people who are blind or have low vision. It’s also useful if an image fails to load – and it’s great for SEO, too.
💡 Hot tip: I use AltText.ai to automatically generate alt text. The first 25 images are free, and it saves a ton of time.
2. Content Structure & Assistive Tech Compatibility
Use proper heading levels (H1, H2, H3…) and label links clearly.
A logical content structure helps everyone and it’s absolutely essential for those using assistive tech like screen readers.
✅ One H1 per page that clearly describes the topic
✅ Follow heading levels in order – don’t jump from H1 straight to H4
✅ Label links descriptively (“Download my guide” > “Click here”)
Good structure = better comprehension and navigation for all users.
3. Consistent Navigation
Keep your navigation predictable.
Menus, layouts, and links should stay consistent across your site. When navigation changes, users – especially those with cognitive challenges – have to re-learn how to move around.
💡 Pro tip: Avoid hiding key links in dropdowns, and keep your main menu consistent across every page.
4. Keyboard Accessibility
Make sure your site can be navigated using only a keyboard.
Not everyone can use a mouse or touchpad. Keyboard access is essential for many users with motor disabilities.
💡 Try this: Visit your site and press the “Tab” key. Can you move through links and forms easily? If not, some behind-the-scenes tweaks might help.
5. Clear Colour Contrast
Check that your text stands out from the background.
Low contrast can make text unreadable – especially for people with low vision or colour blindness.
💡 Try this: Use the WebAIM Contrast Checker to test your colours and adjust as needed.
6. Don’t Rely on Colour Alone
Use more than just colour to convey meaning.
If you’re using red for errors or green for success, include icons or text labels too.
💡 Example: Instead of only turning a field red, add a note like “Please enter a valid email.”
7. Website Customisation
Give users control over how they view your site.
Some users need bigger text, higher contrast, or alternate fonts. Offering those options dramatically improves accessibility.
💡 Tool to try: UserWay’s Accessibility Widget lets visitors customise their experience.
8. Form Accessibility
Make sure your forms are easy to complete – with or without a mouse.
Forms are often where accessibility breaks down.
✅ Label every field clearly
✅ Write plain, clear error messages
✅ Test your form using only the Tab key
If you can’t fill out your form with the keyboard alone, your visitors will struggle too.
Feeling overwhelmed? Start small.
You don’t have to fix everything at once. Even a few of these updates can make a world of difference for your visitors and for your site’s sustainability footprint.
And if you’d like an extra pair of eyes (or fins 🐋) to check how accessible your site really is, I’m here to help.
If you’d like to dive deeper into accessibility, I highly recommend checking out Gen Herres at the Easy A11y Guide – she’s an accessibility expert and a truly brilliant educator.