Accessibility is the practice of designing websites so they can be used by as many people as possible, including individuals with disabilities and varying accessibility needs.

An accessible website is often easier for everyone to use—not just those relying on assistive technologies. Clear navigation, readable content, strong contrast, and logical structure improve usability across all devices and audiences.

Framer provides many tools that support accessible design, but accessibility should be considered throughout the entire website creation process.

This guide explains the fundamentals of accessibility and how to create more inclusive websites.

What Is Accessibility?

Accessibility refers to designing digital experiences that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities and circumstances.

This may include users who:

• Use screen readers

• Navigate with keyboards

• Have limited vision

• Have color vision deficiencies

• Experience mobility limitations

• Require larger text sizes

• Use assistive technologies

Accessibility helps ensure everyone can access and interact with your content.

Why Accessibility Matters

Accessibility benefits both users and website owners.

Benefits include:

• Better usability

• Larger audience reach

• Improved user experience

• Stronger SEO foundations

• Better compliance with accessibility standards

• Increased inclusivity

Many accessibility improvements make websites easier for all visitors to use.

Accessibility and User Experience

Accessibility and user experience are closely connected.

Accessible websites are often:

• Easier to navigate

• Easier to read

• Easier to understand

• Easier to interact with

Improving accessibility frequently improves overall UX.

Use Clear Heading Structure

Headings help organize content for both users and assistive technologies.

A typical structure includes:

H1
↓
H2
↓
H3
↓
Body Content

H1
↓
H2
↓
H3
↓
Body Content

H1
↓
H2
↓
H3
↓
Body Content

Proper heading hierarchy helps users understand page structure and navigate content more efficiently.

Improve Text Readability

Content should be easy to read across all devices.

Review:

• Font sizes

• Line height

• Paragraph spacing

• Contrast

Readable typography benefits every visitor.

Maintain Strong Color Contrast

Text should be clearly distinguishable from its background.

Poor contrast can make content difficult or impossible to read for some users.

Examples of good contrast include:

• Dark text on light backgrounds

• Light text on dark backgrounds

Always prioritize readability over visual trends.

Avoid Relying Only on Color

Color should not be the only way information is communicated.

Examples:

Instead of using only a red border to indicate an error:

Use:

• Error messages

• Icons

• Labels

This helps ensure information remains understandable for all users.

Use Descriptive Link Text

Links should clearly describe their destination.

Good examples:

• View Pricing

• Read the Case Study

• Contact Our Team

Poor examples:

• Click Here

• Learn More

• Read More

Descriptive links improve accessibility and usability.

Make Buttons Clear

Buttons should communicate their purpose clearly.

Examples:

• Submit Form

• Download Guide

• Start Free Trial

Visitors should understand what will happen before clicking.

Support Keyboard Navigation

Many users navigate websites using a keyboard rather than a mouse.

Users should be able to:

• Access navigation menus

• Move between links

• Complete forms

• Interact with buttons

without requiring a mouse.

Keyboard accessibility is a fundamental accessibility requirement.

Create Accessible Forms

Forms should be easy to understand and complete.

Best practices include:

• Clear labels

• Helpful instructions

• Visible error messages

• Logical field order

Forms are one of the most common areas where accessibility issues occur.

Use Meaningful Alt Text

Images should include alternative text when appropriate.

Alt text helps screen readers describe visual content.

Examples:

Good:

Team member presenting a website design to a client

Team member presenting a website design to a client

Team member presenting a website design to a client

Poor:

Image123.jpg

Image123.jpg

Image123.jpg

Alt text should describe meaningful content rather than repeating file names.

Optimize Navigation

Navigation should be predictable and easy to use.

Visitors should always know:

• Where they are

• Where they can go

• How to return

Clear navigation improves both accessibility and usability.

Design for Mobile Accessibility

Accessibility applies to mobile devices as well.

Review:

• Touch target sizes

• Text readability

• Navigation usability

• Form interactions

Mobile accessibility is increasingly important as mobile traffic continues to grow.

Consider Motion Sensitivity

Some users may be sensitive to excessive motion.

Avoid:

• Flashing effects

• Rapid animations

• Unnecessary movement

Animations should support usability rather than distract from it.

Accessibility and SEO

Many accessibility improvements also support SEO.

Examples include:

• Clear headings

• Descriptive links

• Organized content

• Readable text

Accessible websites are often easier for search engines to understand.

Test Accessibility Regularly

Accessibility should be reviewed throughout the design process.

Check:

• Contrast

• Typography

• Navigation

• Forms

• Mobile usability

• Keyboard interactions

Regular reviews help identify issues before launch.

Common Accessibility Mistakes

Low Contrast Text

Poor contrast is one of the most common accessibility issues.

Always verify readability.

Missing Heading Structure

Improper heading hierarchy makes content harder to navigate.

Use headings consistently.

Unclear Link Labels

Generic links can create confusion for users and assistive technologies.

Be descriptive.

Small Touch Targets

Buttons and links should be large enough to interact with comfortably.

This is especially important on mobile devices.

Ignoring Keyboard Users

Websites should not require a mouse to function properly.

Keyboard navigation should always be considered.

Best Practices

• Use clear heading hierarchy

• Maintain strong contrast

• Improve readability

• Create descriptive links

• Support keyboard navigation

• Add meaningful alt text

• Optimize forms

• Review mobile accessibility

• Use animations responsibly

• Test accessibility regularly

Final Thoughts

Accessibility is not a feature that gets added at the end of a project. It is an ongoing design principle that helps create better experiences for all users.

By focusing on readability, navigation, contrast, structure, and usability, you can build websites that are more inclusive, easier to use, and better equipped to serve a wider audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is website accessibility?

Website accessibility is the practice of designing websites that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities and accessibility needs.

Does accessibility improve SEO?

Many accessibility improvements also support SEO by creating clearer content structures and better user experiences.

What is the most common accessibility issue?

Low color contrast is one of the most frequently encountered accessibility problems.

Why is keyboard navigation important?

Some users rely entirely on keyboards to navigate websites, making keyboard accessibility essential.

Should accessibility be considered on mobile devices?

Yes. Accessibility applies to all devices, including smartphones and tablets.