What You Need to Know About Inclusive Web Design
On top of the content that you publish regularly, inclusive web design is also an essential component of your website. This is why web designers and developers are using this aspect as a competitive edge for higher conversions. Also, it plays a big role in SEO and advanced online marketing.
Take note that it’s not just about designing. You should also use this tool to target a wider audience and to spot what’s missing on your website.
Why an inclusive website design matters
Inclusive website design helps you cater to a wider audience by making your pages as accessible as possible. This isn’t a new trend, but something that is gaining more traction over the years.
One good example here is the Alt Text of images. As much as it’s useful for keyword optimization, the main objective of this tool is to textualize an image. This way, even if it doesn’t load properly on a user, they will know what the image is about. It’s also useful among visually impaired internet users.
Also, inclusive web design allows the users to view the pages in simplified form. This way, they can access the website even if they have an unstable internet connection.
The more accessible your website is, the more useful it becomes for web users. Not just that, it also becomes appealing for search engine crawlers. That means you’re also earning more ranking points along the way.
How to make your website design more inclusive?
*Allow customizable text
For most, a font size 12 is enough to be easy on the eyes. Still, some may find it hard to read, especially if your target audience are typically seniors. It’s best to enable the customizable text function so your site visitor can tweak it as necessary. This will also make their browsing more enjoyable and they are more likely to stay longer on your pages.
*Don’t put everything in one spot
When it comes to web design, less is more. As much as you want to maximize the space, you should know that an overcrowded page is an eyesore. Try to make it as ‘breathable’ as possible. This way, your users will find it easier to navigate. Also, put yourself on your users’ shoes. Do you really want a crowded website? What else is missing which you can improve?
*Place video captions
Not everyone can understand a specific language, so if you’re expecting traffic from non-English speakers, you might as well place video captions. This way, your content will be valuable across the internet. Also, never autoplay a video. It’s an annoying habit that many web owners use.
*Consider audio transcripts
If you’re posting an audio clip, always pair it with a transcript. This way, even deaf users can appreciate and digest your content. Also, always align the text to your audio. By doing this, you’re making your content accessible to more people. Aside from the auditory impaired, those who can’t listen to an audio file can read the content on the fly.