The Most Common Accessibility Issues Found on Business Websites (and How to Fix Them)

Accessibility isn’t just about compliance — it’s about ensuring every user can access your content, services, and products. However, most websites today still fail to meet even basic accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

At Lukode, we regularly audit websites and applications for accessibility. Below is a summary of the most common issues we find — and practical tips for how to fix them.

1. Missing or Incorrect Alternative Text

Problem: Many websites still use decorative or informative images without alt text. This makes them invisible to screen readers, which visually impaired users rely on.

Fix: Add descriptive alt attributes to all meaningful images. For decorative ones, use empty alt="".

Tip: Don’t use filenames or generic phrases like “image123.jpg” or “photo of product.” Describe what’s shown or what it means in context.

2. Poor Color Contrast

Problem: Text that doesn’t contrast enough with the background (like light gray on white) is unreadable for many users, especially with vision impairments or on mobile screens.

Fix: Ensure text meets the minimum contrast ratio — 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text. Use online contrast checkers like contrast-ratio.com.

3. Inaccessible Forms

Problem: Many forms lack clear labels or use placeholders instead of proper <label> elements. This makes it difficult for assistive technologies to identify what each field is for.

Fix: Always associate <label> with its corresponding input using for and id attributes, and provide descriptive error messages when input is invalid.

4. Keyboard Navigation Issues

Problem: Some interactive elements (like dropdowns or modals) are only accessible with a mouse.

Fix: Test your site using only the Tab, Enter, Space and arrow keys. Make sure focus indicators are visible, and users can navigate and interact without using a mouse.

5. Missing Page Structure and Headings

Problem: Many websites use headings inconsistently — or not at all. Without semantic structure (<h1> – <h6>), screen readers can’t provide proper navigation.

Fix: Use logical heading hierarchy and landmarks (like <main>, <nav>, <footer>) to create a predictable reading flow.

6. Dynamic Content Without ARIA Roles

Problem: Modern websites often use JavaScript components (like modals or sliders) without ARIA attributes, making them invisible to assistive tools.

Fix: Use ARIA roles and attributes like aria-live or aria-expanded to communicate changes in dynamic content.

7. Missing Focus States

Problem: Custom-designed buttons or links often remove the default focus outline, leaving users unsure where they are when navigating with a keyboard.

Fix: Keep or style the focus outline so it’s visible. It’s a key accessibility feature — not a design flaw.

8. Videos Without Captions

Problem: Many businesses publish promotional or educational videos without captions, excluding users with hearing impairments.

Fix: Always include captions or transcripts for video content. Tools like YouTube and Descript make this easy.

Why This Matters

Beyond compliance, accessibility is about better user experience for everyone. It improves usability, SEO, and brand reputation — and prevents costly legal risks.

Bonus: Accessible design also benefits mobile users, older adults, and people with temporary impairments (like a broken arm or bright sunlight on the screen).

How to Get an Accessibility Audit

Most accessibility issues can be identified and fixed within days with the right tools and expertise. At Lukode, we offer:

  • Comprehensive WCAG 2.1 audits with actionable reports
  • Fix implementation and verification
  • Ongoing accessibility monitoring
Request Your Accessibility Audit