Accessibility on your links page: the basics so everyone can use it

An accessible page is one that the greatest possible number of people can use, regardless of how they see, hear, move or think. That includes people with a permanent disability, but also those with a temporary limitation (a broken arm, a cracked screen) or a situational one (sun in the face, bus noise, a terrible connection). Accessibility is not an extra for a minority: it is quality of use for everyone. And it almost always improves conversion.

Why it matters to you

There are three practical reasons:

1. More people can use it. Each barrier removes potential visitors, without you noticing: they do not write to complain, they simply leave.
2. It improves everyone's experience. Good contrast helps someone looking in sunlight; clear text helps someone in a hurry.
3. It is a matter of respect and, in some places, of regulation. Legal requirements vary by country and type of organization; if they affect you, check the applicable rules.

This guide does not replace a professional audit, but it gathers simple checks anyone can do.

Contrast and text size

It is the most important point and the easiest to review. Web accessibility guidelines (WCAG) recommend a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5 to 1 for normal text. Check:

• That button text reads clearly over its background.
• That small text (descriptions, notes) has enough contrast.
• That text over images or gradients is not lost in light areas.
• That the font size allows reading without zooming.

For more on this, see the guide to colors, typography and contrast.

Do not rely on color alone

If you convey something only with a color (for example, "links in red are offers"), people with color blindness, or those viewing the screen in black and white, will not perceive it. Always reinforce with text, a shape or an icon. A highlighted button should also differ by size or position, not only by color.

Clear button text

People who use screen readers often navigate by the list of links, hearing it out of context. A button saying "Here" or "Click" means nothing in that list; "Book a table" does. Writing descriptive texts is one of the most profitable accessibility improvements. There is more in the guide to button text.

Images with descriptions

Images that convey information need an alternative description for those who cannot see them. A profile photo, a logo or a product image should have a text briefly saying what they show: "Marta Ruiz, photographer" or "Handmade blue ceramic mug". Merely decorative images do not need a description. If you do not know how to add it in your tool, that is a good reason to ask support.

Sufficient touch targets

On the phone, buttons must be large enough and spaced enough to be tapped with a thumb without errors. People with tremors, large fingers or who are on the move appreciate it, as do those in a hurry. Avoid placing many links very close together.

Keyboard usability

Some people do not use a touch screen or mouse: they navigate with the keyboard or assistive devices. An accessible page lets you move through all links with the Tab key, with a visible indicator of which one is selected. You can check on a computer: press Tab repeatedly and see whether you can go through all the buttons and see where you are.

Motion and flashing

Animation effects can be annoying or even harmful for some people (for example, with vestibular disorders or photosensitive epilepsy). Avoid rapid flashing, and if you use animations, keep them smooth and brief. Many devices have a "reduce motion" setting; a good page respects it.

Plain language

Clarity of language is accessibility: short sentences, common words, one idea per sentence. It benefits people with reading difficulties, those reading in a second language and those tired or in a hurry. Avoid jargon, and explain acronyms the first time you use them.

Video and audio

If you include videos, captions help those who cannot hear, those in a noisy place and those watching without sound, which are many. If the main content is audio (a podcast, for example), a transcript is a valuable complement. There is more on this in the guide to videos on your page.

A ten-minute review

1. Lower the phone brightness and open the page: can everything be read?
2. Increase the device font size: does the page break?
3. Go through the buttons with the Tab key on a computer.
4. Review the button texts out of context: are they understood?
5. Check that no message depends on color alone.
6. Verify that important images have a description.

With these six checks you will have detected most common problems. When you want to build a page and review it, create your zone for free.

Common mistakes

• Light gray text on a white background.
• Buttons without descriptive text.
• Images without a description.
• Information by color only.
• Intense animations.

Frequently asked questions

Does my page have to meet any standard?

It depends on the country and the type of organization. Check the rules that apply to you. WCAG guidelines are a common international reference.

How do I test with a screen reader?

Operating systems include one (for example, VoiceOver on iOS and macOS, TalkBack on Android). Turn it on and go through your page.

Does accessible mean less beautiful?

No. An accessible design can be as attractive as any other; it only requires conscious decisions about contrast, size and clarity.

Where do I start?

With contrast and button texts: they are the changes with most impact for least effort.