Accessible Content Marketing: Ensuring Inclusive Digital Engagement
As a digital marketer, accessible content marketing is key to reaching a broad, diverse audience. Make accessibility a cornerstone of your content strategy. When your content reaches a wider audience, it helps those with disabilities. It also improves the experience for all users.
In this guide, we cover all you need to know to make your social media content accessible to everyone.
What is Accessibility?
Accessible content marketing means designing and building digital content that as many people as possible can use, whatever their abilities or disabilities. Here are a few key questions to consider:
- Can people with visual impairments access the same information as those without?
- Will individuals with neurodiverse needs comprehend the intended message?
Accessibility is not about serving a minority. It means creating content that everyone can use. For example, it includes people with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments. Following set guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) can make your content more inclusive.
Accessible Content Marketing: Why Accessibility Matters
Accessibility matters more and more for digital marketers, for several reasons:
Broadening Your Audience
Accessible content lets a larger audience engage with what you make. Clear, well-structured text, for instance, helps all users, not just those with disabilities.
Improving SEO
Search engines favour content that follows usability best practices, including accessibility standards.
Legal Compliance
Meeting accessibility standards helps businesses follow the law. This lowers the risk of lawsuits and penalties.
Enhancing Brand Reputation
Putting accessibility first builds a positive brand image and customer loyalty. It also supports a fairer digital environment.
Ethical Responsibility
Inclusivity gives everyone equal access to information and services. It shows respect for all users.
Key Considerations for Accessibility
When you plan for accessibility, think of users with visual, auditory, and mobility impairments. Also think of neurodivergent users, who process information in their own ways.
Visual and Auditory Impairments
The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that about 2.2 billion people worldwide have some form of vision impairment. So alt text for images and screen reader compatibility are essential.
Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity covers different thinking styles, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism, and ADHD. Recognising and supporting these differences is vital.
Accessible Content Marketing: Crafting Accessible Social Media Posts
Take this example from the University of East Anglia, known for its accessibility:
- Clear line spacing
- Short, concise paragraphs
- Hashtags at the end of the post
- Descriptive links rather than generic "click here"
In contrast, a post by UK food outlet Greggs showed poor accessibility. Screen readers read its unusual emojis as "blue square" and "yellow square". After feedback from the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), Greggs pledged to improve accessibility in future posts.
Best Practices for Accessible Social Media Posts
Use Clear, Readable Fonts
Stick to platform default fonts. Avoid over-formatting text. It can distract readers, and screen readers may not read it at all. For images and video captions, choose simple, legible fonts over disruptive ones.
Employ Appropriate Colour Patterns
Don't use colour alone to convey information. Keep enough contrast between text and background. Dark text on a light background is usually easier to read.
Provide Image Descriptions and Alt Text
Alt text should describe the image's content briefly. Include any text shown in the image and key personal details. Don't use emojis, links, or hashtags in alt text.
Add Captions and Audio Descriptions to Videos
Captions should cover spoken words, tone, emotions, and background sounds. Audio descriptions add commentary on visual elements, like body language and movement.
Use Emojis Appropriately
Emojis add personality to posts, but use them sparingly. Don't use them as bullet points. Place them at the end of paragraphs to avoid disruption.
Use Hashtags Wisely
Hashtags boost discoverability, but use them with care. Use camel case (capitalise the first letter of each word) for clarity. Place hashtags at the end of posts, unless they fit naturally within the text.
Utilise Inclusive Language and Imagery
Make sure your language is inclusive and reflects your diverse audience's preferences.
Accessible Content Marketing: Testing Your Content
The best way to test accessible content is to read it aloud, as if speaking to someone directly. This helps you check whether your language is inclusive and accessible. Consider the following:
- Is the language free of jargon and ableist terms?
- Is the message clear and relatable?
- Does the content guide users on what actions to take?
- Have you removed unnecessary complexity?
When you share content from others, check it meets accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity standards. Add extra descriptions if needed.
General Accessibility Guidelines
These guidelines apply to more than social media. They also cover email, websites, and other digital platforms:
Use Clear, Simple Language
Avoid jargon and complex terms. Write so most people can understand you easily.
Provide Alternative Text for Images
Describe images briefly. This helps visually impaired users grasp the content and context.
Ensure Colour Contrast
Choose colours with enough contrast for readability. This helps users with visual impairments and those viewing content in bright light.
Provide Captions and Transcripts
Add captions to videos and transcripts to audio content. This helps users with auditory impairments.
Avoid Flashing Content
Limit or avoid content that flashes more than three times per second. This can trigger seizures in users with photosensitive epilepsy.
Test with Real Users
Involve people with disabilities in your testing. They offer priceless insight into making your content truly accessible.
Accessible Content Marketing: Conclusion
In summary, accessible digital content is more than a legal duty or an SEO boost. It is a core practice that promotes inclusivity and respect for all users. Follow the guidelines in this guide. Then your social media content, and all your digital marketing, will be accessible to everyone. This widens your reach and improves the user experience. It also helps build a more inclusive, fairer digital world.
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