Ranking better with accessibility: What Google expects

How accessibility is changing your SEO

Accessibility is increasingly becoming a key factor for SEO. Google has made it clear that websites that are accessible to all users achieve better rankings. Removing digital barriers not only improves the user experience, but also signals to search engines that your website is high quality and user-friendly. This leads to improved visibility in search results.

How Google technically evaluates accessibility

Google uses various criteria to evaluate the accessibility of websites. These include the use of alt tags for images, the accessibility of forms, the readability of content and navigability via the keyboard. These technical aspects are analyzed by the Google crawlers and are included in the website's rating.

Another important criterion is mobile accessibility. As more and more users are surfing the internet on mobile devices, Google also evaluates how accessible your website is on mobile devices. An accessible mobile website can significantly help your SEO efforts.

Best practices for accessible websites

• ✓ Use color contrasts that are clearly distinguishable, even for the visually impaired.
• ✓ Provide meaningful text alternatives for all graphics and videos.
• ✓ Ensure that all interactive elements can be fully operated using the keyboard.
• ✓ Structure your content with clear headings and logically structured paragraphs for clear navigation.
• ✓ Provide both users and search engines with quick and easy access to all relevant information.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

A common mistake when designing accessible websites is the lack of alternative text for images. This text is crucial for screen readers and also helps search engines understand the content of your images. Make sure every image and media element has a meaningful description.

Another mistake is insufficient contrast design. Text that isn't sufficiently contrasted is hard to read for many users and can significantly impair your website's accessibility. Use tools such as the SiteCockpit Contrast Checker to ensure your color choices comply with WCAG guidelines.

How accessibility boosts your conversion rate

Accessibility can also improve your conversion rate. An accessible website provides a better user experience, leading to longer dwell times and a higher interaction rate. Users who feel comfortable on your website are more likely to complete a desired action, whether that's a purchase, a sign-up, or a contact request.

An accessible website also shows that your company is inclusive and user-focused. This strengthens the trust and loyalty of your customers, leading to higher revenue and a better brand image in the long run.