How to Create Accessibility-First Content from Day One

Simply put, easy-to-use content starts with planning, not patching. You can create content that works for all users by building access into your workflow from the start. Don't fix problems later.

This approach saves time, cuts costs, and grows your audience reach. The CDC says over 61 million adults in the US live with some form of health issue that affects how they use content. Instead of rushing to fix content for screen readers or keyboard users, you'll create open content easily.

What You Need and Background

You need basic knowledge of your content system and current writing workflow. No tech coding skills required.

Access means making content that people with health issues can see, grasp, move through, and use well. This covers visual, hearing, motor, and thinking needs.

Research shows that 98% of web pages fail basic access tests. As Level Access notes, hands-on, job-focused training makes sure access knowledge spreads through each function. This goes from design and building to content and following rules.

Step 1: Plan Content Structure Before Writing

Start each content project by mapping your heading order. Create an outline using H1, H2, and H3 tags in clear order.

Why this matters: Screen readers use headings to move through content. Studies show that 67% of screen reader users move by headings first.

Common mistake: Skipping heading levels (H1 to H3) or using headings for visual styling instead of structure.

Key structure parts:

• Write your main topic as H1
• Use major sections as H2
• Create smaller sections as H3
• Never skip heading levels

Step 2: Write Clear, Easy-to-Scan Copy

Use simple words and short sentences. Aim for 20 words or fewer per sentence.

Why this matters: Clear writing helps all users, mainly users with thinking issues or non-native speakers. Industry data suggests that 15% of the global population has some form of health issue.

Common mistake: Using jargon, complex sentences, or burying key info in long paragraphs.

Break up text with:

• Bullet points for lists
• Short paragraphs (40-60 words maximum)
• Bold text for key terms
• Clear topic sentences

Easy Content Creation Best Practices for Media

Each image needs clear alt text. Write what the image shows and why it matters to your content.

Alt text is a brief note that screen readers use to describe images to users who can't see them.

For pretty images, use empty alt tags (alt=""). For complex images like charts, give detailed notes in the text.

Video access requires:

1. Captions for all spoken content
2. Audio notes for visual info
3. Transcripts as backup options

Research shows 85% of Facebook videos are watched without sound. This makes captions key for all users.

Step 3: Structure Navigation Parts

Create clear heading orders that tell a story. Your H2 headers should outline your main points. H3 headers should support each H2 section.

Why this matters: Users with screen readers move by headings. A clear structure helps them find info quickly.

Common mistake: Using headings based on visual look rather than content order.

Navigation best practices:

• Test your structure by reading only the headings
• Headings should sum up your whole article
• Use the same heading styles throughout
• Avoid empty headings or placeholder text

Step 4: Format Content for Multiple Users

Use enough color contrast for text. Research shows that 4.5% of people have color vision issues. Avoid relying on color alone to share info.

Link text should describe where it goes. Write "Download the access checklist" instead of "Click here."

Why this matters: Screen reader users often move by links. Clear link text helps them grasp where links lead.

Format lists properly:

• Use bullet points for random info
• Use numbered lists for step-by-step tasks
• Keep list items parallel in structure
• Avoid fake lists using dashes or stars

Step 5: Test Content Access

Review your content using keyboard movement only. Press Tab to move through clickable parts.

Testing checklist:

1. Can you reach all links and buttons with Tab?
2. Is the tab order clear?
3. Are focus signs visible?
4. Do headings create a clear outline?
5. Does alt text describe images well?

Common mistake: Only testing with a mouse or touch screen. Access studies show over 7 million Americans have a motor issue that affects computer use.

Quality Check List

Before publishing, verify these parts:

• Headings: Clear order without skipped levels
• Images: Clear alt text or empty alt for pretty images
• Links: Clear, helpful text
• Lists: Proper HTML formatting
• Color: Info not shared by color alone
• Text: Clear words, short sentences

Access-first content creation prevents costly fixing later and makes sure your message reaches the widest possible audience from day one.

Common Questions

Question: How much extra time does access-first content creation add?

Very little time when built into your workflow. Planning structure upfront and writing clear copy actually speeds up the editing process.

Question: Do I need special tools to create easy content?

Basic access requires no special tools. Your current content system likely has access features built in.

Question: What's the most key access practice for content creators?

Proper heading structure. This single practice makes content easy to move through for screen reader users and improves SEO.

Question: How do I write good alt text for complex images?

Describe the image's purpose in context. For data charts, put key findings in the nearby text.

Question: Should I avoid images and videos to improve access?

No. Images and videos boost access when used properly with alt text, captions, and notes.

Question: How do I convince stakeholders that access matters?

Focus on business benefits: larger audience reach, better SEO, less legal risk, and improved user experience for all users.

Key Takeaways

• Build access into content planning, not as an afterthought
• Use clear heading orders to create easy content structure
• Write helpful alt text that explains images' purpose and context
• Test content movement using only keyboard controls
• Create team workflows that put access in standard review processes
• Focus on clear, simple words that benefit all users

Expected Results and Next Steps

You now have a step-by-step approach to create easy content from the start. Your content will work better for users with health issues while improving readability for all users.

Your next action: use the five-step process on your next content project. Start with proper heading structure and clear alt text. Get hands-on experience with our WCAG Conformance Suite to test and refine your access skills.