Guide · 2026-09-23
Could a screen reader actually use your website?
Most business owners have never checked. Here's a no-tools test you can run right now, and why an inaccessible site often ranks worse too.
Could someone using a screen reader actually use your website? Most business owners have never asked that question, let alone checked.
It's not just a legal box to tick
If someone can't read your menu, can't tell what an image is showing, or can't get through your contact form using just a keyboard, you've silently locked out a real chunk of potential customers — older customers, visually impaired customers, anyone using assistive tech. And it's not just them: search engines read a site roughly the same clumsy way, so an inaccessible site often ranks worse too.
The test you can run right now
No tools needed. Unplug your mouse. Try to get from your homepage to your contact form using only the Tab key. If you get stuck, can't tell where you are on the page, or hit a button that does nothing without a click, that's a real customer hitting the exact same wall.
The fix is usually small
It's rarely a full rebuild — usually missing labels on images, form fields with no proper names, and colour contrast that's too low to read. Small, specific fixes, not a redesign.
If you've never run that test on your own site, that's the actual gap — not something you'd have noticed just by looking at it.
Want your site properly checked? Get in touch on the website design & build page.
Frequently asked questions
Why does website accessibility matter for a small business?
If someone can't read your menu, can't tell what an image is showing, or can't get through your contact form using just a keyboard, you've silently locked out a real chunk of potential customers — older customers, visually impaired customers, and anyone using assistive tech.
Does accessibility affect SEO?
Yes. Search engines read a site roughly the same clumsy way assistive tech does, so an inaccessible site often ranks worse too — missing labels and unclear structure hurt both.
What's the quick test I can run myself?
Unplug your mouse. Try to get from your homepage to your contact form using only the Tab key. If you get stuck, can't tell where you are on the page, or hit a button that does nothing without a click, that's a real customer hitting the exact same wall.
Topics: Website Tips, SEO, Small Business
By Lee Day · leeday.uk · UK-wide support