The following article includes things to incorporate in your coaching website to make it more accessible for your audiences.
As a coach, your aim is to connect with and support as many people as possible. However, many potential clients might face obstacles when accessing your website due to disabilities or situational impairments. Crafting an accessible website, meaning one that caters to all individuals’ standards irrespective of their abilities, becomes essential. It not only aligns with ethical and legal principles but also offers numerous advantages for your coaching business.
In this guide, we’ll delve into crucial steps of a website accessibility checklist, enabling you to craft an inclusive and user-friendly online space that accommodates every visitor. Join us on this journey towards creating a diverse and seamless web experience for all users.
1. Descriptive alt tags for images
Adding descriptive alternative text (alt tags) to images enables users with visual impairments to understand the context and content of the images. This ensures that everyone can benefit from the information conveyed through visuals.
For example, instead of using “logo.png” as an alt tag, use something like “Logo of Coaching with Kristy, a financial coach for GenX”.
2. Captions or transcripts for multimedia content
Captioning videos and providing transcripts for audio content allows users with hearing impairments to comprehend the information presented. It makes your website more inclusive and engaging for all visitors.
You can use a service like Rev.com to create captions or transcripts for your videos or podcasts.
We recommend reading 6 Fundamentals to Create Websites That Bring Business.
3. Inclusive language throughout your website
Avoid using jargon or colloquialisms that may confuse or exclude certain users. Using clear and inclusive language helps create a positive and welcoming environment for all visitors.
For example, avoid using gendered terms such as “guys” or “ladies” when addressing your visitors, and use gender-neutral terms such as “people” or “folks” instead.
4. Multiple navigation options for easy access
Some users may have difficulty using a mouse or a touch screen to navigate your website. To make sure that everyone can access your content and services easily, offer multiple navigation options such as keyboard shortcuts, skip links, breadcrumbs, or sitemaps.
For instance, by leveraging tools like WP Accessibility Helper, you can effortlessly enhance accessible website navigation on your WordPress platform.
5. Text resizing options for better readability
Allow users to adjust the font size and contrast according to their preferences, ensuring that the content remains legible for individuals with visual impairments or other reading difficulties.
For example, you can use a plugin like WP Accessibility to add text resizing options to your WordPress website.
6. Avoid flashing or blinking elements
Flashing or blinking elements such as animations, pop-ups, or banners can be distracting and annoying for most users, but they can also be harmful for people who have epilepsy or other photosensitive conditions. To make sure that everyone can use your website safely, avoid using flashing or blinking elements on your website. If you do use them, provide a way for users to turn them off or skip them.
7. Display contact information for accessibility inquiries
Even if you follow the best practices for accessibility, there may still be some issues or questions that arise from your users. To make sure that everyone can get the support they need, display contact information for accessibility inquiries on your website.
For example, you can add an email address, a phone number, or a feedback form where users can report any accessibility problems or request any accommodations.
We recommend reading 25 Examples of Impressive Contact Pages of Coaching Sites.
8. Alternative formats for downloadable resources
If you offer downloadable resources such as ebooks, worksheets, or checklists on your website, make sure that they are also accessible for everyone.
For example, you can provide alternative formats such as PDFs with tags and bookmarks, Word documents with headings and styles, or HTML pages with semantic markup. You can also use a tool like Adobe Acrobat Pro to check and improve the accessibility of your PDFs.
9. Language translation features
If your target audience includes speakers of different languages, consider incorporating language translation features to ensure that your content is accessible to a broader audience.
For example, you can use a plugin like WPML or Polylang to add multilingual options to your WordPress website.
10. Conduct user testing with diverse individuals
Engage individuals with different abilities, including those with visual, hearing, or cognitive impairments, to conduct user testing. Their valuable feedback will help identify and address any accessibility issues.
You can use a service like UserTesting.com or UserZoom to recruit and conduct user testing with diverse individuals.
We hope you now understand why web accessibility is important. Creating an accessible website for coaches is not only about complying with legal requirements; it is about embracing inclusivity and making sure that everyone can access and benefit from your content. By following these essential tips, coaches can build websites that are user-friendly, welcoming, and genuinely inclusive to all visitors. Keep in mind, incorporating website accessibility features not only elevates user experience but also fortifies your brand’s standing, fostering trust and credibility within your audience.
Color psychology is another aspect to keep in mind while designing your website. We recommend reading Color Psychology for Coaching Websites.
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Unusual Digital comprises a team of talented and devoted designers who excel in transforming imaginative ideas into visually captivating and highly functional designs. Their specialization lies in creating WordPress websites, ecommerce portals, and blogs that not only boast stunning aesthetics but also generate significant revenue. With a strong emphasis on delivering exceptional user experiences, Unusual Digital is the trusted partner for businesses seeking to optimize their online success.
