Accessible Writing Techniques for Web Content

When people talk about what makes good website content, they often think of search engine optimization (SEO). But at its centre lies good writing, which is about clear and effective communication, engaging with your audience in a way that’s easy to understand. When you write clearly and make your content easy to understand, good search rankings come naturally.A great example of this approach comes from organizations that have changed their focus toward plain language and user-friendly design, making their websites more welcoming and accessible to everyone. Therefore, we have outlined some practical writing techniques inspired by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to help you create content that’s easy to read, understand, and navigate for every visitor. Keep reading!

1. Write in Plain, Concise Language

Accessible writing begins with simplicity. The NHS website, the UK’s biggest health website, for instance, uses language targeting an 8-year-old reading level for public audiences, and even experts prefer that clarity.

Here’s how to make your writing more accessible:

• Keep sentences short and direct. Avoid complex phrasing or jargon.
• Poor: “The interface utilizes responsive design principles.”
• Better: “The website adjusts to fit your screen.”
• Use an active voice. “Change your password every three months” is clearer than “It is recommended that passwords be changed.”
• Aim for one idea per paragraph to make the content easy to scan.
• Choose person-first language. Say “people who are blind” rather than “blind people.”
• Put key information first to help users find what they need promptly.

Clear writing doesn’t just help people with cognitive or learning disabilities; it helps everyone.

2. Structure Content with Headings

Think of your headings like a book: the title (H1), chapters (H2), and sections within chapters (H3). Proper heading structure helps screen reader users follow quickly and gives your page a clear order.

Tips for heading accessibility:

• Use only one H1 per page.
• Don’t skip levels; instead, go from H2 to H3, not H4.
• Keep headings short but explanatory.

As per the reports, when the NHS revised its heading structure, the percentage of pages without accessibility issues increased from 36% to 100% in just over a year.

3. Add Alt Text for Images

Images without alternative text (alt text) are hidden from people who are blind or have low vision. Alt text describes an image’s purpose, not just its appearance.

Good alt text:

• Is concise (under 125 characters).
• Report function or meaning, not decorative detail.
• Uses empty alt attributes (alt=””) for purely decorative images.
• Add text within the image when applicable.

✅ “Woman using a screen reader to browse a website.”

❌ “Image of woman.”

Run a quick test, read your alt text aloud. Does it carry the same meaning as the image? If yes, it’s effective.

4. Use Clear Titles and URLs

Page titles and URLs aren’t just for SEO; they’re crucial for navigation, specifically for people using screen readers. Titles are declared when new pages load, so they must be meaningful.

Best practices:

• Create unique, descriptive titles for each page.
• Use keyword-based URLs with hyphens, not symbols or numbers.
• Poor: example.com/page?id=47289
• Better: example.com/web-design-services
• Keep titles steady with your H1 heading.

These small changes improve usability and orientation for all visitors.

5. Make Link Text Meaningful

Users dependent on screen readers usually browse through links alone, so phrases like “click here” or “read more” offer no context. Instead, describe the destination:

❌ Click here

✅ Download our accessibility guide

Ask yourself: Would this link make sense out of context? If the answer is yes, your link is accessible.

6. Provide Captions and Transcripts

Audio and video need text is similar for users who are deaf, hard of hearing, or prefer reading.

Checklist for accessible media:

• Add precise, synchronized captions to all videos.
• Include transcripts for podcasts and long videos.
• Provide audio descriptions for visual details not explained in dialogue.

Always review auto-generated captions; small edits make a big difference.

7. Format Content for Readability

Even well-written text can be hard to read if it’s poorly formatted.

Keep these principles in mind:

• Maintain high colour contrast (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text).
• Keep text left-aligned, as justified text is harder to read for people with dyslexia.
• Use bullet points and short paragraphs for scannability.
• Choose readable sans-serif fonts (minimum 12pt) and ensure text remains legible when zoomed 200%.
• Add white space to avoid visual clutter.

Don’t forget to include the HTML language tag (<html lang=”en”>), it helps screen readers articulate content correctly.

8. Test Your Content

Finally, accessibility doesn’t end at writing. Use both automated tools and manual testing to make sure your content works for everyone. Recommended tools include:

• WAVE by WebAIM for spotting accessibility errors.
• Hemingway Editor for readability.
• WebAIM Contrast Checker for colour contrast validation.
• W3C Validator for a clean HTML structure.

Also, test with screen readers and keyboard-only navigation to experience your site the way different users do.

Final Thoughts

Accessible writing is not about simplifying your message; it’s about making your message reach more people easily, specifically those with disabilities. By writing clearly, structuring efficiently, and testing meticulously, you make your content usable, inclusive, and impactful.After all, accessibility isn’t an add-on; it’s the essence of good communication.

Transform Your Accessibility Skills with WAC

Enhance your accessible writing skills with WAC’s smart accessibility tools. Designed in line with ADA and WCAG standards, WAC empowers writers, designers, and developers to build digital experiences that are inclusive, compliant, and easy for everyone to use. With tools like the Accessibility Widget and Accessibility Monitor, you can quickly identify barriers, make real-time fixes, and ensure your content meets accessibility best practices. From writing web content to designing pages or improving navigation, WAC helps you create content that’s clear, engaging, and accessible to all.

Author: Amna

Amna Shahid is a skilled content writer at WAC who crafts clear and engaging content that bridges the gap between complex software solutions and user requirements. With splendid storytelling skills and great knowledge around technology, Amna is professional in transforming complex software ideas into understanding and compelling prose.

Reviewed By: admin