The 8-Point Checklist For Creating An Inclusive Website

Image of four people standing shoulder to shoulder, with their arms around each other, and watching the sun rise from high upon a hill.

Developing an inclusive website is a process. It’s also easy.

But, what exactly is an inclusive website and how and why might you create one?

Inclusive websites are intentionally designed to reduce barriers. They also seek to increase, rather than impede, access to the content they contain.

Follow the simple 8 point checklist below for developing an inclusive website, and tick off each reasonable adjustment once they have have been made.

‘But,’ you may ask, ‘where on earth do I start?’ 🤷‍♀️

If you’re feeling brave, ask for feedback about your site from people who have visual or processing disabilities. You might be surprised how many people genuinely appreciate being asked for their opinion.

Never be afraid of what you might discover!

We all have to start somewhere. If you want your website to be inclusive, and you’re willing to make adjustments to meet the needs of your wider target audience, the steps you take will be noticed and appreciated. You may even attract new followers and win new business.

The 8-point checklist for creating an inclusive website…

✅  Use high contrast. To ensure that important information remains legibility, avoid low contrast. If in doubt, use the squint test. Partially close your eyes. If the text is difficult to read, it needs more contrast or to be increased in size.

✅  Font size. Avoid small text. Small text is often hard to read and for many others simply won’t be legible. Aim for 11pt text or more.

✅  Breathing space. Nobody likes feeling crowded. Give important information space to breath. Avoid aligning text close to images or shapes.

✅  Break it down. Break complex information and long paragraphs into manageable chunks. Short snippets of text are better for retaining attention.

✅  Font choice. Avoid decorative fonts for paragraph text and use it sparingly for headlines, if you want them to to legible. Check that your text is easy to read. See point 8!

✅  Alignment. Range left as much as possible. Some website visitors will find text that is centred or aligned right, difficult to follow. Even if it does look nice!

✅  Alt image text. Include descriptions for the images on your website. This avoids awkward silences when text-to-speech apps are being used. Add this to your social media posts in the edit option once images have been added.

✅  Ask for feedback about your website. And don’t take what you hear personally! Use it to make improvements that your visitors will appreciate.

You’ve got this!

If you’ve found this blog, and my 8-point checklist, helpful please share it far and wide across your social media.

Thank you! 🕊

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Hi, my name’s Ansal.

I used to teach graphic design and Functional Skills English. Before that, I worked in advertising and marketing. Before that, I ran a successful graphic design business. 🛎. 💻

Now, I craft inclusive content for graphic designers, website developers, business owners and charities. I also offer a consultancy service on how to make websites more inclusive. 💡🔮

When there’s a will, there is always a way. 🕊

🔑 Visit my website to discover more: https://www.creative-insights.co.uk