A website accessibility checklist helps you identify barriers that can stop people from reading information, navigating pages or completing an enquiry. Accessibility is relevant to business websites because customers use different devices, input methods and assistive technologies. It can also expose usability problems that affect many visitors, such as unclear labels, low contrast or error messages that do not explain what to do next.
For UK businesses, it is important not to confuse every legal requirement. Public-sector website accessibility regulations have specific requirements, including an accessibility statement. Private service providers may have duties to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 in Great Britain, with different legislation in Northern Ireland. The exact duties depend on the organisation and context; this article is a practical checklist, not legal advice.
TL;DR
- Primary topic: website accessibility checklist UK small business.
- Start with the customer problem and check real data before making changes.
- Use accurate, useful information; avoid guaranteed rankings or conversion claims.
- Track qualified enquiries and completed actions, not only views and clicks.
1. Check whether the site can be used without a mouse
Try moving through the website using only the keyboard. You should be able to reach links, menus, form fields and buttons in a logical order. A visible focus indicator should show which element is active, and visitors should not get trapped in a menu, modal or widget. Check that pressing Enter or Space activates controls as expected.
This test is inexpensive and quickly reveals issues. If the main navigation only works with a mouse hover, or a key control cannot be reached by keyboard, users with motor disabilities and some assistive technologies may not be able to complete the task.
2. Make text and controls readable
Check text contrast against its background, especially for secondary text, buttons, placeholders and text placed over images. Do not use colour as the only way to communicate an error or distinguish options. Ensure text can be zoomed without content disappearing or forcing unnecessary horizontal scrolling at common screen widths.
Buttons and links should be visually distinct and have clear labels. Avoid tiny clickable targets and controls placed too close together on mobile. Automated checkers can find some colour issues, but manual review is still needed for images, states and real interactions.
3. Use headings and landmarks logically
Use headings to describe the structure of the page. A visitor should be able to scan the headings and understand what each section covers. Use actual heading elements rather than styling ordinary text to look like a heading. Keep the hierarchy sensible, and use descriptive link text that communicates the destination out of context.
Images that convey information need appropriate text alternatives. Decorative images can often use an empty alt attribute so assistive technology can skip them. Do not stuff keywords into alt text; describe the useful information the image adds.
A practical next step
Need a website that more people can navigate and use? The Super Shoppe’s website service can help with responsive layouts, clear information structure and accessible contact journeys. For a wider technical and content review, see the SEO & GEO service. A website review is not a legal certification, and complex compliance questions should be assessed by a qualified specialist.
4. Make forms understandable and recoverable
Give each form field a visible, properly associated label. Explain which fields are required and give instructions before they are needed. If a submission fails, provide an error message that identifies what needs to change and how to fix it. Do not rely only on colour or a generic “invalid” message.
Keep forms as short as the task allows, and preserve entered information if validation fails. Test forms with keyboard navigation, screen readers where possible and common mobile devices. The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative provides detailed guidance on form labels, instructions and error handling.
5. Check links, media and page movement
Ensure links have meaningful text, videos have appropriate captions where spoken information is necessary, and moving content does not create unnecessary barriers. Avoid flashing content that could trigger health risks. If a banner, cookie prompt or chat widget appears, test that it can be dismissed and does not cover essential controls on a small screen.
Check that focus moves appropriately when dialogs open and close. When content is injected dynamically, make sure users can understand that it changed and can reach the relevant controls. Third-party widgets can create accessibility issues even when the rest of the site is well structured.
6. Understand the UK legal context
GOV.UK guidance explains that public-sector bodies must meet applicable accessibility standards and publish an accessibility statement. It also notes that UK service providers have duties to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 in Great Britain, while Northern Ireland has separate legislation. Do not assume that every private business must publish the same formal accessibility statement required of public-sector sites, or that one automated score proves legal compliance.
If the website provides an essential service, handles complex transactions or your organisation has specific regulatory obligations, get appropriate specialist advice. An accessibility review is useful, but a general checklist cannot replace a scope-specific legal assessment.
7. A practical first-review process
Choose representative pages: homepage, a main service page, contact form and any booking or purchase journey. Test keyboard access, visible focus, headings, contrast, image alternatives, forms and mobile layout. Use automated tools to flag possible issues, then manually confirm the failures and their impact. Keep a log of the issue, URL, affected task, severity and fix owner.
Prioritise barriers that prevent people from finding information, understanding it or completing a key action. Repeat the checks after making changes and include accessibility in future content and design reviews rather than treating it as a one-time launch task.
How The Super Shoppe can help
Need a website that more people can navigate and use? The Super Shoppe’s website service can help with responsive layouts, clear information structure and accessible contact journeys. For a wider technical and content review, see the SEO & GEO service. A website review is not a legal certification, and complex compliance questions should be assessed by a qualified specialist.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Make your website or app accessible
- GOV.UK: Accessibility requirements for public-sector websites and apps
- W3C WAI: Forms tutorial
- W3C WAI: Easy checks for web accessibility
Keyword note: the primary and related terms are research-informed targets based on current UK search-result patterns and buyer intent. They are not verified search-volume or difficulty scores. Validate against your own Search Console data and current SERPs before publishing.