Here's how you can optimize your designs for search engines and web accessibility.

1 Alt Text

When it comes to images, alternative text (alt text) is a cornerstone of both SEO and accessibility. Alt text describes the content and function of an image on a webpage for search engines and users who cannot see the image. It's a brief, accurate description that includes relevant keywords without stuffing. For users with screen readers, alt text provides a textual alternative, ensuring they don't miss out on any information conveyed through images. Remember to keep alt text concise and to avoid phrases like "image of" or "graphic of," as screen readers already announce the image tag.

2 File Names

Choosing the right file names for your images is an often-overlooked SEO strategy that also aids accessibility. Descriptive, keyword-rich file names help search engines understand the content of your images and improve your ranking in image search results. Instead of default names like "IMG_001.jpg," use clear and descriptive titles like "sunset-over-beach.jpg." This practice also helps visually impaired users understand the content of images when browsing file directories or when images fail to load.

3 Color Contrast

Color contrast is a critical aspect of accessible design. It ensures that text and graphical elements are easily distinguishable from their backgrounds, which is essential for users with visual impairments like color blindness. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) recommend a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. Tools like color contrast checkers can help you verify that your designs meet these standards, which can also make your content more readable and appealing to all users.

4 Responsive Design

Responsive design ensures that your graphics look good and function well on any device, from desktop monitors to mobile phones. This approach is essential for SEO as search engines favor websites that provide a good user experience on mobile devices. Use flexible grid layouts, scalable images, and media queries in your CSS to create a seamless experience for users. This not only improves accessibility but also keeps users engaged with your content, regardless of their device.

5 Text Hierarchy

Establishing a clear text hierarchy in your designs makes it easier for both search engines and users to navigate and understand your content. Utilize headings (H1, H2, H3) and other formatting options like bold or italic text to emphasize important information. This structure helps search engines index your content more effectively and allows users with assistive technologies to comprehend the layout and significance of the information presented.

6 ARIA Labels

Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA) labels are a powerful tool for enhancing web accessibility. They provide additional context to assistive technologies when standard HTML elements are not sufficient. Use ARIA labels to describe the action of buttons or the purpose of form fields, which can improve navigation and interaction for users with disabilities. While ARIA doesn't directly impact SEO, it contributes to a better user experience, which is a significant factor in search rankings.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?