Getting your website compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) standards isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about creating an inclusive, functional digital experience. Yet, even well-meaning brands and development teams make avoidable mistakes that can cause accessibility barriers and legal risk.k.

Here are five common WCAG errors and how you can fix them.

Mistake #1: Missing alt text on images

Alt text is essential for users of screen readers who can't see visual content. Yet it's often forgotten, incorrect, or too vague.

→ Fix it: Use clear, descriptive alt text for all meaningful images. Decorative images? Use an empty alt attribute (alt="").

Mistake #2: Poor color contrast

Low contrast between text and background makes content unreadable for many users, especially those with visual impairments like color blindness or low vision.

→ Fix it: Use contrast ratios of at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. You can also test your contrast with tools like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker.

Mistake #3: Inaccessible forms

Forms are a major pain point if fields aren't labeled properly, or the tab order is confusing.

→ Fix it: Ensure every form input has a corresponding label. Group related fields and follow a logical tab sequence. Always provide clear error messages.

Mistake #4: Keyboard navigation isn't supported

Some users rely solely on keyboards or assistive tech to navigate. If your site requires a mouse, you're excluding them.

→ Fix it: Make sure all interactive elements (menus, buttons, pop-ups) are accessible via keyboard alone. Avoid traps where users can't tab out.

Mistake #5: Ignoring ARIA and landmark roles

Skipping semantic markup like headings, ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels that provide additional information about an element's purpose and functionality, or landmarks makes screen reader navigation frustrating.

→ Fix it: Use HTML elements properly (e.g., <nav>, <main>, <h1>) and add ARIA roles when needed. This gives structure and context to assistive tech.

Manually resolving WCAG errors is time-consuming. An accessibility app fixes the most common issues instantly, with no overlays, no dev time, and full WCAG 2.1 support. With an accessibility app, you can ensure compliance, grow your audience, and reduce legal risk in one simple install.