How to Run an Accessibility Audit for SEO Benefits
At Logiduck, we believe that building better websites isn’t just about speed and design, it’s also about inclusion. And guess what? Making your site more accessible doesn’t just help your users, it can also supercharge your SEO.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to run an accessibility audit to boost your SEO accessibility and improve your overall website accessibility SEO. Whether you’re a developer, a marketer, or a business owner, this is your roadmap to a more inclusive (and Google-friendly) site.
Why Accessibility and SEO Go Hand-in-Hand
When people think of SEO, they often think of keywords and backlinks. But modern SEO is also about user experience—and that includes everyone, regardless of ability.
Here’s why accessibility and SEO are best friends: Read More About Why Accessibility Matter For SEO
-
Search engines love structure: Accessibility features like alt text, semantic HTML, and clear navigation also make it easier for bots to crawl your site.
-
Faster load times: Accessibility audits often uncover performance issues—something Google cares about deeply.
-
Voice search compatibility: Accessible websites are typically cleaner and easier to interpret, which aligns with how voice search systems process content.
-
Increased engagement: Better accessibility means users stick around longer, lowering bounce rates and improving rankings.
What Is an Accessibility Audit?
An accessibility audit checks your website to ensure it works for users with disabilities, including those using screen readers or keyboard-only navigation. It involves testing your site against standards like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
When Should You Run One?
-
After a redesign
-
Before a major SEO push
-
Periodically as part of ongoing maintenance
Step-by-Step: How to Run an Accessibility Audit (That Also Boosts SEO)
1. Automated Testing Tools First
Start with tools to catch low-hanging issues.
-
Google Lighthouse (in Chrome DevTools)
These tools highlight common errors like:
-
Missing alt text
-
Low contrast text
-
Improper heading structure
Voice search tip: “How do I run an accessibility audit?” Tools like these can answer instantly if your content is optimized.
2. Check for Semantic HTML
Search engines and assistive technologies rely on semantic tags. Make sure your site uses:
-
<header>,<main>,<nav>,<footer> -
Proper
<h1>to<h6>hierarchy -
Descriptive
<button>and<label>tags
Pro Tip: Avoid using <div>s for structure unless styled and labeled properly.
3. Test Keyboard Navigation
Try navigating your entire site without a mouse. Can you:
-
Access all interactive elements?
-
Use tab, shift+tab, and enter to move around?
-
Identify where the focus is at all times?
This directly improves SEO accessibility, as better user experience often means better rankings.
4. Review Alt Text for Images
Every meaningful image should have a relevant alt attribute.
-
Avoid stuffing keywords
-
Describe the image contextually
-
Skip decorative images using
alt=""
SEO boost: Proper alt text helps Google Image Search understand your content, giving you extra visibility.
5. Validate Color Contrast
Use tools like contrastchecker.com to ensure your text is readable against backgrounds.
-
Aim for a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1
-
Helps visually impaired users
-
Keeps your site within WCAG compliance
6. Add ARIA Labels Where Needed
ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes can help fill the gaps when HTML alone doesn’t cut it.
Use ARIA carefully:
-
Only when semantic HTML can’t do the job
-
Ensure proper labeling of complex components (like modals or custom dropdowns)
Voice Search Optimization + Accessibility = A Winning Combo
Optimizing for voice search means writing in a way that mimics how people talk, not just how they type. That aligns naturally with website accessibility SEO.
Here’s how:
-
Use conversational headings and subheadings (just like we’re doing here)
-
Answer common questions clearly and concisely
-
Structure answers in list form when possible
Example voice search query:
“What are the steps to run a website accessibility audit?”
If your blog has those exact phrases (as headings or in your FAQ), you’re more likely to appear in featured snippets and voice search results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does accessibility impact SEO?
Accessibility improves usability, which search engines reward. Clear content, faster loading, and better structure all contribute to stronger rankings.
What’s the easiest way to check website accessibility?
Start with tools like Lighthouse or WAVE for a quick scan. For in-depth results, combine automated tools with manual testing.
Can accessibility help with voice search rankings?
Yes! Accessible websites are cleaner, easier to crawl, and often follow structured data practices—all of which help voice assistants pull accurate answers from your site.
How often should I run an accessibility audit?
We recommend quarterly audits—or after major changes to your site.
Final Thoughts: Build Better, Rank Higher
At Logiduck, we believe that good design is inclusive design. Running an accessibility audit isn’t just a checkbox, it’s a smart move for your users and your search rankings.
Need help with your SEO accessibility strategy? Or want a professional accessibility audit done for your website?
Get in touch with Logiduck — we make web experiences that are fast, beautiful, and built for everyone.
