FAQs
Does ADA compliance affect SEO?
Like accessibility, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance is not a direct Google ranking factor, but many of the steps required to meet ADA guidelines overlap with SEO best practices. This includes features like alt text for images, clear navigation, correct contrast, and keyboard-friendly design.
Does accessibility affect SEO?
Yes, accessibility has a significant impact on SEO by improving the signals search engines measure. An accessible website is easier for all users to read, navigate and interact with, which results in lower bounce rates, increased dwell time and stronger engagement.
These signals indicate to search engines that the page is useful and valuable to users and therefore deserves better visibility.
Simply put, accessibility strengthens SEO by improving the user experience metrics that the algorithm pays attention to.
How does accessibility help search engine crawlers?
An accessible website helps search engine crawlers by making your website’s structure easier to understand and index. Key features like semantic HTML, logical heading structure, ARIA labels, and descriptive alt text give crawlers clear signals about what your content means.
To ensure your site can easily be crawled, important content should not be hidden behind complex code or inaccessible elements. Otherwise crawlers will struggle to read, categorise, and rank your pages.
What are accessibility issues that can harm SEO?
Common accessibility issues that can undermine your SEO performance include:
Missing alt text – Search engines can’t understand images, and users relying on screen readers miss context.
Inaccessible navigation – If your menus and links can’t be accessed via keyboard or screen readers, you significantly limit how both users and search engines can navigate your site.
Poor heading structure – Lack of a logical hierarchy can confuse users and search engines.
Non-descriptive links – Vague link text e.g. ‘click here’, reduces usability and fails to tell users and search engines what the linked content is about.
Slow-loading or cluttered pages – Can frustrate users and can be penalised in rankings.
Each of these issues creates barriers for people and search engines alike. By addressing them, you not only make your site more inclusive but also protect your site’s visibility in the search results.