Crafting WCAG Compliant Articles: A Guide by Go Media, Cleveland’s Premier Website Design and Development Agency

At Go Media, we believe in the power of inclusive digital experiences. In today’s article, we’ll delve into the world of WCAG compliance and explore what companies need to consider when authoring articles that meet these accessibility standards. By adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), you can ensure that your content is accessible to a broader audience, including individuals with disabilities. Let’s dive in!

1. Structuring Content for Accessibility:

When creating articles, pay attention to the structure of your content. Properly utilize heading tags (H1, H2, etc.) to organize your text hierarchically. This not only improves the readability and organization of your content but also assists users who rely on screen readers to navigate through your article seamlessly.

2. Descriptive Alt Text for Images:

Images play a vital role in blog posts, but it’s crucial to make them accessible to everyone. Provide descriptive alternative text (alt text) for all images, ensuring it conveys the purpose and meaning of the visual content. Alt text allows individuals with visual impairments to comprehend the context and relevance of the images within your articles.

3. Meaningful Link Text:

Avoid using generic phrases like “click here” or “read more” when creating links within your articles. Instead, use descriptive and meaningful link text that provides context and accurately describes the destination. By doing so, you empower users who navigate via assistive technologies to comprehend the purpose of the link without confusion.

4. Readability and Plain Language:

Keep your writing clear, concise, and easy to understand. Use plain language that is free of jargon, complex sentence structures, and ambiguous wording. This practice not only benefits individuals with cognitive disabilities but also aids those who rely on screen readers to consume your content.

5. Ensuring Color Contrast:

Maintain sufficient color contrast between text and background elements to enhance legibility. Individuals with low vision or color blindness rely on adequate contrast ratios to read your articles comfortably. Familiarize yourself with WCAG guidelines on color contrast and strive to meet the recommended ratios.

6. Keyboard Accessibility:

Ensure that your articles can be easily accessed and navigated using only the keyboard. Some users rely on keyboard navigation due to mobility impairments or other disabilities. By guaranteeing that interactive elements such as buttons and links are easily reachable and operable via keyboard, you provide an inclusive experience for all users.

7. Video and Audio Accessibility:

If your articles contain video or audio content, make them accessible by providing captions or link to transcripts. Captions enable individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to understand the audio content, while transcripts provide an alternative way for all users to access the information. Additionally, include controls for pausing, playing, and adjusting the volume of multimedia elements.

8. Consistent Navigation and Structure:

Maintaining a consistent navigation structure throughout your articles and website is essential. Use clear headings, subheadings, and other formatting elements consistently. This ensures that users, including those with disabilities, can easily understand the organization of your content and navigate through it effortlessly.

9. Responsive Design:

In today’s multi-device landscape, it’s crucial to ensure that your articles are responsive and adapt to different screen sizes and devices. Responsive design allows users with disabilities, who may rely on different devices or assistive technologies, to access your content seamlessly. Test your articles on various devices to ensure a consistent and accessible experience.

10. Regular Testing and Validation:

Don’t forget to regularly test your articles for accessibility using automated tools and manual checks. Tools like WAVE or Lighthouse can help identify potential accessibility issues, allowing you to make the necessary adjustments. Stay proactive in ensuring your content remains accessible and up to

Crafting WCAG compliant articles is an important step towards building a more inclusive online environment.

By following these guidelines, writers and marketers can make their content accessible to a wider audience, including individuals with disabilities. At Go Media, we’re passionate about creating digital experiences that prioritize accessibility. Join us in championing inclusivity on the web and making a positive impact for all users.

Remember, accessibility is an ongoing commitment. Stay informed about the latest updates and changes to WCAG guidelines, and continue to evolve your practices to provide the best possible user experience for everyone. Together, we can make the web a more accessible and inclusive place.