In the world of web accessibility, it’s the little things that make a big difference. And when it comes to lists, one of the most important little things is to make sure that your lists only contain <li> content elements. A list element is an HTML element that is used to create a list. The most common list elements are <ul> (for unordered lists) and <ol> (for ordered lists). This guide will explore the importance of containing only <li> content elements in your lists and how to fix it.
Think of your website as a grocery list. You want to make sure that all the items on your list are organized and easy to read. The same is true for your website. By containing only <li> content elements in your lists, you can create a more accessible and user-friendly experience for everyone. For a deeper dive into the world of accessibility, see our article on accessibility.
Your Guide to a More Accessible and User-Friendly Website
Fixing lists that do not only contain <li> content elements is a simple but important task. Here’s how to do it:
- Identify Your Lists That Do Not Only Contain <li> Content Elements: Use an accessibility testing tool like Creeper to crawl your site and identify any lists that do not only contain <li> content elements.
- Remove Any Non-<li> Content Elements from Your Lists: The best way to fix this issue is to simply remove any non-<li> content elements from your lists.
The SEO Power of an Accessible Website
An accessible website is a more successful website. By making your website more accessible, you can improve your user experience, reach a wider audience, and even improve your SEO. For more on the importance of a well-structured website, check out this guide to web accessibility from WebAIM.
Don’t let your lists be a confusing and frustrating experience for your users. By taking the time to contain only <li> content elements in your lists, you can build a more accessible and successful online presence. For more on how to create a winning on-page strategy, see our article on on-page SEO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a list element?
A list element is an HTML element that is used to create a list. The most common list elements are <ul> (for unordered lists) and <ol> (for ordered lists).
Why is it important for my lists to only contain <li> content elements?
It’s important for your lists to only contain <li> content elements so that screen readers can announce the correct information to the user. This is crucial for users who are blind or have low vision.
How do I make sure that my lists only contain <li> content elements?
You can make sure that your lists only contain <li> content elements by simply wrapping your list items in a <ul> or <ol> element.
Ready to make your lists more accessible? Start your Creeper audit today and see how you can improve your use of lists.