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Accessibility Should Be Part of Your Basic SEO Strategy

Accessibility

SEO

Website Content

What’s the tea between SEO and accessibility?

I caught myself talking about SEO and accessibility as if they were completely separate things. But really, they share a common goal: clarity.

SEO is about making sure people can find your site. Accessibility is about making sure more people can use it. Both require thoughtful design, clear structure, and an intentional approach. And here’s the cool part—improving accessibility often strengthens your SEO at the same time.

But accessibility isn’t always top of mind when people think about SEO. The focus tends to be on keywords, backlinks, and page speed, while things like headings, alt text, and link descriptions get overlooked. The truth is, a more user-friendly site can simultaneously improve search rankings. Let me explain.

SEO and Accessibility are Besties

At first glance, SEO and accessibility might seem like two separate things—one helps people find your site, the other makes sure they can use it. But when you dig a little deeper, they actually go hand in hand.

Both focus on creating a better experience for users. Search engines and assistive technologies—like screen readers—depend on clear headings, descriptive links, and properly labeled images to understand your content. A well-organized, easy-to-navigate site isn’t just more accessible; it’s also more likely to rank higher in search results.

Think about page structure. It’s easier for everyone to read when content is broken up with clear headings in a logical order. Screen reader users can jump between sections more efficiently, and search engines can better understand what’s on the page. The same applies to alt text for images and descriptive link text—both improve accessibility while helping search engines categorize your content.

The best part? Small improvements can make a big impact on both accessibility and SEO. Let’s take a closer look at how they support each other.

Three Simple Fixes That Improve Accessibility and SEO

You don’t have to be a tech expert to start making your site more accessible—and the best part is, many of these changes will naturally help with your SEO, too. It’s easier than you think; a few easy changes can make a real difference.

1. Structure Your Content with Clear Headings

One of the easiest places to start is with your headings. A well-organized page makes a huge difference for both accessibility and SEO. Using H1 for the main title, followed by H2s and H3s for subheadings, creates a logical structure that gives your content a roadmap. Screen readers use headings to jump between sections, and search engines use them to determine which parts of a page are most important.

Think of headings like signposts—they guide users through your page, making it easier to scan and understand. When writing, use a single H1 for the page title, then break up sections with H2s and H3s as needed. A clear structure improves readability, which helps everyone, including search engines, understand your content better.

If your headings are clear and well-organized, both people and search engines will have a better experience.

2. Use Alt-Text to Describe Images

Alt-text (alternative text) for images is another quick win. This text is a written description for a screen reader so users can understand the visual content. It’s also something search engines rely on to index images properly. Instead of a generic filename or vague description, write alt-text that clearly describes what’s in the image.

When adding alt-text, be specific and descriptive. Instead of “dog,” write “Golden Retriever sitting on a blue couch.” This description provides useful context for users who can’t see the image while also helping your site rank in image search results.

Avoid stuffing keywords into alt-text just for SEO—it should always describe the image naturally. What about a purely decorative image? If it doesn’t add meaning to the content, you can leave the alt text blank to prevent unnecessary distractions for screen reader users.

3. Use Descriptive Link Text

Then, there’s link text, which means what are the hyperlinked words. When adding links, avoid vague phrases like “click here” or “read more.” These don’t provide enough information for users or search engines. Instead, use wording that tells people exactly what to expect when they follow a link.

For example, if you’re linking to a blog post about accessible web design, your link text should say something like “Learn more about accessible web design” or “Read our guide to accessible web design.” This method gives search engines helpful context about the linked page. And screen reader users will understand where the link will take them.

A simple test: If you read the link text on its own, does it still make sense? If not, tweak it to be more descriptive.

These three small updates make your site easier to navigate and boost its visibility in search results. It’s a no-brainer.

What More Can You Do for SEO and Accessibility?

If you’ve covered the basics and want to keep improving, there are plenty of other ways to enhance accessibility and SEO. For example, making sure your site loads quickly, reviewing the color contrast for readability, and seeing if forms are easy to use – any of these options can all make a big difference. These improvements create a better experience for all users while also helping your site rank higher in search results.

It Definitely Is Worth the Effort

At the end of the day, SEO and accessibility are both essential if you want to build a site that’s easy to find and easy to use—it’s being intentional about making your site better for more people. When you take an inclusive approach, you’re creating a site that’s easier to find, easier to use, and open to a broader audience. That’s the kind of site that everyone is looking for these days. Doesn’t hurt that it’s simply good for rankings, and that’s good for business.

SEO and Accessibility can be your bestie too! So, what’s the first thing you’re going to try. I’d love to hear about your experience!

Take away

SEO and accessibility have more in common than you might think. Both rely on clear structure, useful content, and a better experience for the people using your site.
Start with the basics. Clear headings, meaningful alt text, and descriptive link text are easy places to improve.
Accessibility isn’t an SEO trick. These changes should first make your content easier to understand and use. The SEO benefits are a bonus.
Small changes add up. You don’t need to overhaul your entire site at once. Pick one area, make it better, and keep going.

Read something that resonates with you? Let’s talk →

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