Accessibility can seem like a big topic when you’re new to web development but it’s actually full of approachable and practical steps. Even small improvements can make a site significantly more usable for a wider range of people.

Here are four simple but important accessibility lessons that came from working on a real-life WordPress site for a small nonprofit:

Headings

Using proper heading levels (like <h1>, <h2>, etc.) helps users with screen readers understand the structure of the content. It’s easy to use headings just to make text big and bold, but doing so out of order (like skipping from <h1> to <h4>) creates confusion. A logical heading structure = a better experience for everyone.

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Alt Texts

Images need meaningful alternative text, especially when they’re part of the content. Instead of leaving alt fields empty or writing generic labels, aim to describe what the image is communicating. This helps people using screen readers and seems to be a win in most CMS platforms like WordPress.

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Color Contrast

Text that looks fine to some users may be nearly invisible to others. Running a color contrast check can catch combinations that fail accessibility standards. High contrast isn’t about using bright or harsh colors, which is easy to think, it’s about making sure text stands out clearly against the background so everyone can read it.

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Descriptive Links

“Click here” doesn’t say much when taken out of context. Writing link text that actually describes what it leads to improves navigation and accessibility. Think about it!

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Clear Language

Use everyday words. Break up long sentences and keep your message focused. This makes it easier to understand for people with cognitive disabilities, those reading in a second language or anyone quickly scanning on their phone or in a hurry.

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These aren’t advanced fixes for someone used to accessibility but for someone new or just starting out, they are a great way to get going. Making a site more inclusive doesn’t always mean a full redesign or advanced coding. Sometimes, it’s about paying attention to the basics.