In the world of web accessibility, it’s the little things that make a big difference. And when it comes to repeated blocks of content, one of the most important little things is to provide a way for users to bypass them. Repeated blocks of content are things like navigation menus, headers, and footers that appear on every page of your website. While these are useful for sighted users, they can be a major barrier for users who rely on a keyboard to navigate your site. This guide will explore the importance of providing a way for users to bypass repeated blocks of content and how to do it.
Think of your website as a grocery store. You want to make it easy for people to find what they’re looking for. A ‘skip to main content’ link is like an express lane that allows people to bypass the long lines and go directly to the items they need. By providing a way for users to bypass repeated blocks of content, 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 missing ‘skip to main content’ links is a simple but important task. Here’s how to do it:
- Identify Your Pages Without a ‘Skip to Main Content’ Link: Use an accessibility testing tool like Creeper to crawl your site and identify any pages that are missing a ‘skip to main content’ link.
- Add a ‘Skip to Main Content’ Link to Your Code: The ‘skip to main content’ link should be the first focusable element on the page, and it should take the user directly to the main content of the page.
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 repeated blocks of content be a barrier to your users. By taking the time to provide a way for users to bypass them, 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 are repeated blocks of content?
Repeated blocks of content are things like navigation menus, headers, and footers that appear on every page of your website.
Why is it important to provide a way for users to bypass repeated blocks of content?
It’s important to provide a way for users to bypass repeated blocks of content so that they can quickly and easily get to the main content of the page. This is especially important for users who rely on a keyboard to navigate your site.
How do I provide a way for users to bypass repeated blocks of content?
You can provide a way for users to bypass repeated blocks of content by adding a ‘skip to main content’ link at the top of your page. This link should be the first focusable element on the page, and it should take the user directly to the main content of the page.
Ready to give your users an express lane to your content? Start your Creeper audit today and see how you can improve your website’s accessibility.