Study first
Review the ideas behind the questions
Review the content checks that make a page usable for more readers. Focus on whether the page meaning still works when someone cannot rely on vision, audio, layout, or vague labels.
Make visual content understandable
Images, charts, icons, and text in graphics need different handling depending on whether they carry meaning or only decorate the page.
- Meaningful non-text content needs a text alternative that serves the same purpose.
- Decorative images should be implemented so assistive technology can ignore them.
- Use real text instead of an image of text when web text can create the same presentation.
In Practice
Match the image purpose
A chart may need a short label and a longer explanation, while a decorative divider should not be announced as useful content.
Keep offer text editable
If a campaign offer can be built as styled web text, avoid locking the offer inside artwork.
Common mistakes
Writing the same filler alt text for every image in a content template.
Decide whether each image is meaningful, complex, interactive, time-based, or decorative, then choose the treatment that fits that purpose.
Q&A
When does a decorative image need descriptive alt text?
It usually should not get descriptive alt text if it is pure decoration and can be ignored by assistive technology.
What should happen to a graphic quote that could be normal page text?
Make the quote real text unless the image-of-text exception truly applies.
Help readers navigate the page
Headings, links, and structure should make sense outside the perfect visual layout because many readers navigate by lists, focus order, or assistive technology.
- Headings and labels should describe the topic or purpose they introduce.
- A link should reveal its purpose from the link text or its programmatically determined context.
- Visual structure such as headings, lists, table headers, and related groups should be available in code or text.
In Practice
Scan links out of order
Review repeated calls to action as if they were listed without surrounding paragraphs; unclear duplicates usually need better wording or nearby context.
Do not rely on bold text alone
If a section title only looks like a heading because of size or bold styling, ask for structure that preserves the relationship outside the visual layout.
Common mistakes
Approving repeated Read more links because each paragraph looks different on screen.
Make the destination clear in the link text or programmatically determined context before the page ships.
Q&A
Can a short heading pass if it is clear?
Yes. Headings and labels can be short when they give a useful cue to the topic or purpose.
Check media, forms, and readability
Content checks also needs practical checks for video captions, visual-only information, form instructions, and readable text contrast.
- Prerecorded videos with audio need captions unless the video is clearly a media alternative for text.
- Input fields need visible labels or instructions so users know what information to enter.
- Normal text needs at least 4.5:1 contrast, and near misses should not be rounded up.
In Practice
Caption audio meaning
Captions should include dialogue and meaningful sounds when those sounds affect understanding.
Check contrast before approving graphics
For normal text, do not approve a failing contrast value just because it is close to the minimum.
Common mistakes
Treating a placeholder as enough instruction for a lead form field.
Provide labels or instructions that users can rely on when the content asks them to enter information.
Q&A
When is a 4.499:1 contrast result acceptable for normal text?
It is not acceptable for normal text because WCAG says contrast values should not be rounded up to meet 4.5:1.