Make Your Website Inclusive: Essential HTML Best Practices for Accessibility

Building a website isn’t just about making it look good—it’s about making sure everyone can use it. Web accessibility means designing and coding your site so people with disabilities, including those using screen readers or keyboard navigation, can interact with it easily. The good news? HTML provides simple tools to help you achieve this. Let’s explore some HTML best practices for web accessibility that every developer should know.

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1. Use Semantic HTML

Semantic tags like <header>, <main>, <article>, and <footer> give meaning to your content. They help assistive technologies understand the structure of your page, making it easier for users to navigate.

✅ Example:

<header>
  <h1>Welcome to My Website</h1>
</header>
<main>
  <article>
    <h2>Latest News</h2>
    <p>Here’s what’s happening today...</p>
  </article>
</main>

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2. Add Descriptive Alt Text for Images

Images should always include the alt attribute. Alt text describes what the image shows, which is read aloud by screen readers. This is especially important for users who are blind or visually impaired.

✅ Example:

<img src="team-photo.jpg" alt="Our company team standing together smiling" />

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3. Use Proper Headings in Order

Headings (<h1> to <h6>) should follow a logical order. Don’t skip levels or use headings only for styling. This helps assistive technologies create an outline of your page.

❌ Wrong: <h1> → <h3>
✅ Right: <h1> → <h2> → <h3>

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4. Ensure Links Make Sense

Instead of vague text like “Click here,” use descriptive link text that explains where the link goes.

✅ Example:

<a href="/pricing">View our pricing plans</a>

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5. Label Forms Clearly

Forms can be tricky for screen reader users. Always use <label> elements connected to form inputs so users know what information is required.

✅ Example:

<label for="email">Email Address:</label>
<input type="email" id="email" name="email" required />

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6. Provide Keyboard Accessibility

Some users can’t use a mouse and rely only on a keyboard. Make sure all interactive elements—links, buttons, and forms—can be accessed using the Tab key. Avoid removing outlines, since they show where focus is.

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7. Add ARIA Landmarks (When Needed)

ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes help improve accessibility, but use them only when semantic HTML isn’t enough. For example, adding role="navigation" can help define a menu.

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Conclusion

Making your website accessible isn’t just the right thing to do—it also improves SEO, usability, and user satisfaction for everyone. By following these HTML best practices for web accessibility, you ensure that your website is inclusive, welcoming, and usable by a wider audience.