Introduction

Accessibility is essential for all websites, as it allows more people to access your content and to use your products. By making your Shopify store fully accessible, you will provide a more inclusive experience for all, and increase your reach. Here is a guide to optimizing your Shopify store for accessibility:

Key Strategies for Shopify Accessibility

Semantic HTML

  • Key Points:

    • Use correct HTML tags to structure content, and indicate the correct meaning of your content.

    • Using correct HTML tags will improve the experience for users of assistive technology such as screen readers.

    • Use tags such as <header>, <nav>, <main>, <article>, and <footer> to structure your content correctly.

Alternative Text (Alt Text)

  • Key Points:
    * Provide descriptive alt text for all images, to help users of assistive technology to understand what an image is showing.

    • Ensure that your alt text accurately describes the image, and is not generic or bland.

    • Always make sure that the alt text is relevant, and valuable.

Keyboard Navigation

  • Key Points:
    * Ensure that users can access all site functions and features by using just a keyboard.

    • This will benefit those that are not able to use a mouse, or similar pointing device.

    • Test all parts of your website using just a keyboard, to ensure no functionality is unavailable.

Sufficient Color Contrast

  • Key Points:

    • Make sure there is sufficient contrast between all text and the background colors to ensure readability.

    • Use accessibility tools to check your color choices, and ensure they are compliant with WCAG recommendations.
      * The text should be as easy to see as possible.

Clear and Consistent Typography

  • Key Points:

    • Use fonts that are easy to read, and ensure that all of your text is an adequate size for those with visual impairments.

    • Provide a consistent visual experience by using the same fonts and text styling throughout your site.

    • Ensure that your fonts are as easy to read as possible for all users.

Proper Form Labels

  • Key Points:
    * Make sure that all of your forms utilize clear, descriptive labels, that are easily visible to the user.

    • Ensure your forms are easy to understand, and easy to fill out using a keyboard.

    • Always make sure that your form labels match the relevant input boxes.

Focus Indicators

  • Key Points:

    • Use strong visual indicators to show users which element is currently selected, or has keyboard focus.

    • This can help improve usability for all users, especially those with mobility or visual impairments.

    • Make sure that the selected element is easily visible.

Multimedia Captions

  • Key Points:

    • Ensure that all of your videos use clear captions.

      • All audio content should include transcripts that are easily accessible.

    • This will make your content accessible to those with hearing impairments, as well as others who may prefer captions or transcripts.

Screen Reader Compatibility

  • Key Points:

    • Structure your content in a way that is compatible with screen readers, using semantic HTML, and alternative text options.

    • Ensure your site works correctly with a variety of different screen readers.

    • Make sure your content is accessible and easy to understand for those using assistive technology.

Test Regularly

  • Key Points:

    • Test your website regularly for accessibility issues, using a range of different tools and methods.
      * Test with a range of different browsers, devices, and assistive technologies.

    • Ensure your site remains fully accessible.

Conclusion

By implementing these changes, you will greatly improve the accessibility of your Shopify store, and make it more user friendly for all, while also expanding your customer base.