Web Accessibility: 5 Common Pitfalls and How to Fix Them [Checklist]

Imagine navigating the internet with a screen reader, where every button, image, and form field is described in detail. Now imagine that the website you're trying to use is filled with missing labels, confusing navigation, and poor contrast. This is the reality for millions of people with disabilities who rely on accessibility features to access digital content. Web accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a moral and business imperative. Yet, many businesses overlook it, leading to missed opportunities and potential legal risks.

At Cpluz, we’ve seen firsthand how a lack of accessibility can alienate a significant portion of your audience. In our work with fintech clients, we’ve found that accessibility is often treated as an afterthought rather than a core part of the design and development process. This mindset leads to common pitfalls that can be easily avoided with the right approach. Let’s explore five of the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them.

A Strategic Cpluz Perspective

Web accessibility is not just about compliance—it’s about creating an inclusive experience that benefits everyone. At Cpluz, we believe that an accessible website is a more user-friendly and efficient one. By integrating accessibility into your design and development workflows, you can enhance usability, improve SEO, and build a stronger brand reputation. Our proprietary "A-Access" model—Awareness, Architecture, Automation, and Audit—ensures that accessibility is embedded at every stage of the project.

One of the most common mistakes we see is the assumption that accessibility is only relevant to users with disabilities. In reality, it affects all users, from those with temporary injuries to older adults with declining vision. By prioritizing accessibility, you’re not just meeting legal standards—you’re building a more inclusive and successful digital presence.

1. Missing Alt Text for Images

Alt text is the text that describes an image to users who are using screen readers. It’s also crucial for SEO, as search engines rely on alt text to understand the content of images. Yet, many websites neglect to add alt text or use generic descriptions like "image" or "photo."

What they did: A local e-commerce client at Cpluz had a product page with dozens of images without any alt text. When we reviewed the site, we noticed that the lack of alt text made it difficult for visually impaired users to understand the products, leading to a high bounce rate.

Why it worked: We added descriptive alt text for each image, ensuring that it accurately represented the product. This not only improved accessibility but also increased click-through rates from search engines.

Lesson for your business: Always include descriptive alt text for every image. Use the image’s purpose, context, and key features in your description.

2. Poor Color Contrast

Color contrast is the difference in brightness between text and background. A low contrast ratio can make text difficult to read, especially for users with visual impairments. Many websites fail to meet the minimum contrast standards set by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

What they did: A healthcare client at Cpluz had a website with a dark background and light text, making it nearly impossible to read for some users. We redesigned the color scheme to ensure a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text.

Why it worked: The new color scheme improved readability and made the website more user-friendly for all visitors, not just those with disabilities.

Lesson for your business: Use tools like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker to ensure that your text and background colors meet accessibility standards. Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text.

3. Inaccessible Navigation

Navigation is the backbone of any website. If your navigation is not accessible, users may struggle to find the information they need. Common issues include non-descriptive links, missing keyboard navigation, and poor menu structure.

What they did: A startup client at Cpluz had a website with a complex menu that wasn’t accessible via keyboard. We simplified the navigation, added descriptive labels, and ensured that all menu items were keyboard-friendly.

Why it worked: The redesigned navigation made it easier for all users, including those with motor disabilities, to navigate the site. It also improved the user experience for everyone.

Lesson for your business: Ensure that your navigation is accessible via both mouse and keyboard. Use clear and descriptive labels for all links and menu items.

4. Missing Labels for Form Fields

Form fields are essential for user engagement, but they can be confusing if not properly labeled. Missing or unclear labels can lead to errors and frustration, especially for users with cognitive disabilities or those using screen readers.

What they did: A government client at Cpluz had a form with several fields that lacked labels. We added clear labels and used the "for" attribute to associate each label with its corresponding input field.

Why it worked: The improved form structure made it easier for all users, including those with disabilities, to complete the form accurately and efficiently.

Lesson for your business: Always include clear and descriptive labels for every form field. Use the "for" attribute to link labels to their corresponding inputs.

5. Lack of Keyboard Accessibility

Many users rely on keyboards rather than mice to navigate websites, especially those with motor disabilities. If your website isn’t keyboard-friendly, it can be inaccessible to a large portion of your audience.

What they did: A tech startup client at Cpluz had a website that wasn’t fully navigable via keyboard. We added keyboard focus indicators, ensured that all interactive elements were accessible via keyboard, and tested the site with screen readers.

Why it worked: The improved keyboard accessibility made the website more usable for a wider range of users, including those with motor impairments.

Lesson for your business: Test your website with a keyboard to ensure that all interactive elements are accessible. Use focus indicators to help users navigate the site easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is web accessibility only for users with disabilities?
A: No. Web accessibility benefits all users, including older adults, those with temporary injuries, and even people using mobile devices in bright environments.

Q: How can I ensure my website meets accessibility standards?
A: Use tools like WAVE, axe, or Lighthouse to audit your website. Also, follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and test with screen readers and keyboard navigation.

Q: Does accessibility impact SEO?
A: Yes. Many SEO best practices overlap with accessibility standards, such as using descriptive alt text and proper heading structures.

Q: Can I outsource my website’s accessibility?
A: While you can outsource, it’s best to integrate accessibility into your design and development process from the start. This ensures that accessibility is not an afterthought.

About the Author

Rajendaran is the Lead Digital Strategist at Cpluz, where he blends creative design with data-driven marketing strategies to help Indian businesses build powerful and profitable online presences. He specializes in digital accessibility, SEO, and user experience design, with a focus on creating inclusive and engaging digital experiences.

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