Google explains how accessible sites are better for SEO

At TechShare Pro 2022 we asked accessibility and search experts at Google about how accessible websites can deliver better SEO. 

Watch the full session below to see how they connect SEO with accessibility.

1. Improved Crawlability

Accessible websites typically have cleaner, methodical HTML code structures, which makes it easier for search engine crawlers to index the content.

  • To improve crawlability, ensure that your website uses semantic HTML tags like <header>, <nav>, <main>, and <footer>.
  • Avoid using excessive <div> and <span> tags, as they can confuse crawlers.
  • Create a clear and logical site structure with a well-organised sitemap.
  • Use descriptive and relevant meta tags, including title tags and meta descriptions, to help search engines understand the content of your pages.

2. Better Readability

Accessible websites will have better readability, which positively affects SEO rankings.

  • To enhance readability, use a simple and clean design with a high contrast between text and background colors.
  • Choose legible fonts and ensure that the text size is large enough for easy reading.
  • Break up long paragraphs into shorter ones and use bullet points or numbered lists to organise information.
  • Incorporate headings and subheadings to structure the content logically.
  • Additionally, provide alternative text for images to make the content accessible to screen readers.

3. Enhanced User Experience

Accessibility will deliver better user experience, which can result in increased engagement and lower bounce rates, both of which are favorable for SEO.

  • To enhance user experience, ensure that your website is easy to navigate with a clear and consistent layout.
  • Use accessible navigation menus and provide keyboard shortcuts for users who rely on keyboard navigation.
  • Implement responsive design to ensure that your website looks and functions well on all devices, including mobile phones and tablets.
  • Additionally, provide clear and concise instructions for interactive elements, such as forms and buttons.

4. Improved Mobile Adaptability

Accessible websites will adapt better to mobile devices, which is a critical factor for SEO.

  • To improve mobile adaptability, use a responsive design framework that automatically adjusts the layout based on the screen size.
  • Optimise images and other media files to reduce loading times on mobile devices.
  • Ensure that touch targets, such as buttons and links, are large enough to be easily tapped with a finger.
  • Avoid using pop-ups and interstitials that can obstruct the view on smaller screens.
  • Additionally, test your website on various mobile devices to ensure a seamless user experience.

5. Quicker Loading Speed

Accessibility features deliver cleaner code, which will ensure faster loading times, which is another important factor for SEO.

  • To improve loading speed, optimize your website's code by minifying CSS, JavaScript, and HTML files.
  • Use a content delivery network (CDN) to distribute your website's content across multiple servers, reducing the distance between the server and the user.
  • Compress images and other media files to reduce their size without compromising quality.
  • Enable browser caching to store frequently accessed files locally on the user's device.
  • Additionally, monitor your website's performance using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and make necessary adjustments to improve loading times.

Watch the discussion with Google expertse from TechShare Pro.

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Date published: 
Monday, 3 February, 2025