Sites accessibility troubleshooting technical errors and ensuring that your website is always accessible is one of the biggest hurdles to manage when thinking about good SEO practices over time. You can use a sitemap.xml file to inform search engines about all URLs on your website. This sitemap can be read by search engines and contains a list of all important URLs and meta data on the website. The Googlebot uses this list as a basis to analyze the website and review the corresponding URLs. The sitemap.xml le always has the same structure Both the XML version and coding are special ed in the file. The URLs can be supplemented with additional metadata [e.g. the frequency with which the URL is changed () or the last modification ().]The sitemap.xml can be created using different content management systems There are also special sitemap generators available for the creation of the file.After creating the file, you should upload it to the Google Search Console. Google then checks the sitemap-XML for accuracy. However, there is no guarantee that all webpages given in the sitemap will be crawled and indexed. This is up to the search engine.
Improve Your Site accessibility
Tips for improving your sites accessibility:• Regularly update your sitemap.xml and adjust your sitemap.xml whenever you change URLs or edit content.• Check the status codes of the pages using the sitemap and fix any sites accessibility errors.
How to Improve Your site Accessibility: Step-by-Step
✅ Step 1: Use Clear and Simple Language
• Write short sentences.
• Use everyday words that are easy to understand.
• Avoid jargon or explain it clearly when used.
Example: Instead of “utilize,” use “use.”
✅ Step 2: Add Alt Text to All Images
• Alt text describes an image so screen readers can tell blind users what it shows.
• Keep it brief and meaningful.
Example: alt=”A girl using a laptop at a coffee shop”
✅ Step 3: Use Proper Heading Structure
• Use headings (<h1>, <h2>, <h3>, etc.) in the right order.
• This helps screen readers and search engines understand your content structure.
Example:
<h1> Website Title
<h2> Section Title
<h3> Sub-section
✅ Step 4: Ensure Keyboard Navigation Works
• Some users can’t use a mouse.
• Your site should allow users to navigate using the Tab key.
• Make sure all buttons, menus, and forms can be accessed with a keyboard.
✅ Step 5: Use High Contrast Colors
• Text should be easy to read against the background.
• Use black text on white background, or dark text on light colors.
• Avoid light gray text or color combinations like yellow on white.
Use tools like WebAIM Contrast Checker to test your color contrast.
✅ Step 6: Make All Links Descriptive
• Instead of “Click here,” use links that tell users what they’ll get.
Bad: Click here
Good: Read our guide to SEO
This helps users with screen readers understand the purpose of the link.
✅ Step 7: Add Captions and Transcripts for Videos
• Add closed captions for videos so users who are deaf can understand.
• Offer transcripts so users can read the audio content.
Tools like YouTube offer automatic captioning you can edit.
✅ Step 8: Label Your Forms Clearly
• Every form field (name, email, message, etc.) should have a label.
• Include placeholder text as guidance.
Example:
Name: [_________]
Also make sure error messages (like “Email is required”) are easy to see and understand.
✅ Step 9: Responsive Design for All Devices
• Your website should work well on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
• Use a responsive theme that adjusts automatically.
Most modern WordPress themes already support this.
✅ Step 10: Use ARIA Labels (Advanced)
• ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) is a set of attributes you can add to HTML to improve accessibility.
• This is more technical and helps with screen readers.
Example:
<button aria-label=”Close menu”>X</button>
If you use WordPress plugins or builders like Elementor, many add ARIA labels automatically.
Tools to Test Your site accessibility
You don’t need to be a developer to test your site. Try these tools:
1. WAVE Web Accessibility Tool
• Website: https://wave.webaim.org/
• Paste your URL and get an accessibility report.
2. Google Lighthouse (in Chrome)
• Right-click → Inspect → Click “Lighthouse” tab → Run an audit.
• It shows accessibility scores and suggests fixes.
3. axe DevTools Extension
• A Chrome/Firefox plugin that shows detailed sites accessibility issues on any page.
Sites accessibility Plugins for WordPress
1. WP Accessibility
• Adds helpful features like skip links, alt text reminders, and contrast toggles.
2. One Click Accessibility
• Enables basic accessibility features without any coding.
3. Accessibility Checker
• Scans your posts/pages for accessibility issues inside your WordPress dashboard.
4. Equalize Digital Accessibility Checker
• Gives page-by-page recommendations and real-time feedback.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Missing alt text on images.
• Using color as the only way to show meaning (e.g., red for errors).
• Poor contrast between text and background.
• Inaccessible sliders or carousels.
• Not testing your website with a keyboard.
• Auto-playing videos or background music without controls.
Site accessibility is a Continuous Process
Improving accessibility isn’t a one-time job. As you add new pages, posts, or media, you must keep these best practices in mind. Keep reviewing, updating, and testing your site regularly.
Summary: Easy Checklist
TaskDone?Use simple language✅Add alt text to all images✅Use proper heading tags✅Ensure keyboard navigation✅Use high-contrast colors✅Use meaningful link text✅Add captions to videos✅Label all form fields✅Make your site mobile-friendly✅Test regularly with tools✅
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