Web Accessibility, Usability and Basic SEO Tips

Web accessibility put simply means that people with disabilities can use the Web. Therefore people with disabilities can understand, navigate their way around, and interact with the Web. For example, individuals with a visual impairment can interpret websites through the use of items such as screen readers and text only browsers. Sites that are web accessible can also function well on mobile phones and PDAs as well as PCs. With the use of CSS web developers can set the type size enabling users to change the font size when looking at a web page by selecting whether the text is small, medium or large so that it fits better onto differently sized screens and it is easier to read for people with visual disabilities.

What is Usability?

Usability refers to building websites based upon the feedback of users and how well individuals can achieve their goals in using the website quickly and easily. Usability also takes into consideration factors such as cost-effectiveness and usefulness. If the website is easily usable there should be lower support costs involved. The effectiveness of page layout with the employment of images, hyperlinks and headings, navigation through menus, legibility by contrasting colours and using easily readable fonts and bullet points all aid to the usability of a site.

Important things to consider when designing a Website

It seems an obvious starting point but it is important to get syntax and grammar correct so that users will get a positive experience from using your website. Always run a spell check before publishing anything. The use of clear headings, hyperlinks and images is also imperative. Remember to make the visited (and hover over) links different colours to unvisited links therefore the user will be aware of the clear distinction between these pages. Do not blanket bomb the text. Break long passages of text up with bullet points or headings to keep the attention of the user. Set up external links to other websites in order that they open up in a blank window so that the user can easily return to your site without having to re-open it.

Basic Search Engine Optimisation Tips

The utilisation of alt and title text on images and title text on hyperlinks is not only good for accessibility but also for Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). Remember to use your keywords in the title, description and keyword tags within the head of each web page as this will greatly help search engine robots find your keyword phrases. Consistently use the same keyword text to link pages throughout your site. Use the phrase that titles the page as your H1 tag and use it a further couple of times within the body of the page. Robots will pick up on this. Do not use the same title on every page as this is considered as spamming. Don't overuse keywords unnecessarily. If search engines consider you are spamming your website may not perform well. Submit your website to search engine yourself as using submission software could result in a penalty or even a ban.

Finally, do not lose sight of who your target audience is.

Amy Shepherd works in marketing for Venus Sales Ltd, a UK based retailer operating a number of online retail sites including Temptations Direct and Purple Pleasures.