Making Your Squarespace Site More Accessible
TL;DR:
- Squarespace templates include basic accessibility features but need manual review
- Use built-in tools like alt text, proper headings, and keyboard navigation settings
- Third-party accessibility widgets can add extra functionality but check they work properly
- Run regular manual tests to catch issues that automated tools might miss
- Focus on colour contrast, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility
Squarespace gives you a decent head start with accessibility, but you'll need to put in some work to make your site truly inclusive. The platform includes several built-in features that help, but understanding how to use them properly makes all the difference.
Built-In Accessibility Tools
Every Squarespace 7.1 site comes with features designed to improve accessibility. You can set proper heading structures (H1, H2, H3) through the text editor, add alt text to images, and the templates are built to work with keyboard navigation.
The responsive design also helps since your site will work across different devices and screen sizes. This matters more than you might think for people who need to zoom in or use alternative browsing setups.
Template Considerations
While Squarespace designs templates with accessibility guidelines in mind, they're not automatically compliant with every standard. Each template handles colour contrast, text sizing, and navigation differently.
Before settling on a template, test it with your actual content. What looks accessible in the demo might not work as well once you add your own images, colours, and text.
Adding Extra Functionality
Third-party accessibility widgets can fill gaps that Squarespace doesn't cover natively. These might include better contrast controls, text sizing options, or enhanced keyboard navigation.
Be careful though. Some accessibility overlays can actually create new barriers while claiming to fix others. Test any plugin thoroughly before going live, and remember that these tools complement good design practices rather than replacing them.
Manual Testing
Automated accessibility checkers are useful but they only catch about 30% of potential issues. You'll need to test things manually to spot the problems that really matter.
Try navigating your entire site using only your keyboard. Can you reach every link and button? Test with your monitor turned off using a screen reader. Does your content make sense when read aloud?
Check your colour contrast ratios too. Tools like WebAIM's contrast checker will tell you if your text is readable against your background colours.
Common Issues to Watch For
Image alt text often gets forgotten or done poorly. Don't just describe what's in the image – explain why it's there and what it adds to your content.
Heading structures frequently get messed up when people choose headings based on how they look rather than their logical order. Your page should have one H1, followed by H2s for main sections, then H3s for subsections.
Contact forms can be tricky too. Make sure error messages are clear and that required fields are properly marked.
FAQs
Do I need to hire an accessibility expert?
Not necessarily for basic improvements, but if you're in a sector with strict compliance requirements, professional help can prevent costly mistakes.
Which accessibility standards should I follow?
WCAG 2.1 AA guidelines cover most situations and are referenced in many legal requirements. Start there.
Can accessibility improvements hurt my site's design?
Good accessibility often improves design for everyone. It forces you to think about clear navigation, readable text, and logical layouts.
How often should I test my site?
Check accessibility whenever you add new content or make design changes. A quarterly review catches issues before they become problems.
Jargon Buster
Alt text – Descriptions of images that screen readers can announce to users who can't see them
WCAG – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, the international standard for web accessibility
Screen reader – Software that reads webpage content aloud for people who can't see the screen
Keyboard navigation – Moving around a website using only keyboard keys, no mouse required
Wrap-up
Making your Squarespace site accessible isn't about ticking boxes – it's about making sure everyone can use your website properly. Start with Squarespace's built-in tools, test everything manually, and don't rely solely on automated fixes.
The effort pays off beyond just compliance. Accessible sites often perform better in search engines, work faster, and provide a better experience for all your visitors.
Ready to dive deeper into Squarespace best practices? Join Pixelhaze Academy for detailed guides and expert support.