How to check website accessibility before launch
An accessibility review before launch helps more people use the website and reveals issues that are still easy to fix.
Website accessibility means that people can find information and use its features regardless of device, navigation method or possible limitations. It should be reviewed before launch, not postponed until later.
An early check can reveal blockers in menus, forms, buttons, images and colour contrast before they affect real visitors.
Review headings and structure
The page title, headings and main regions should describe the content accurately. A clear structure helps people understand the page and jump to the relevant section.
Use one main heading and keep heading levels in order. Do not choose an element only because of its visual appearance.
Check contrast and text size
Text should remain readable against its background, including areas with images or accent colours. Check hover, focus, error and success states as well.
Increase the browser text size and confirm that content stays visible without horizontal scrolling or overlapping elements.
Review images, icons and forms
Images that convey information need useful alternative text. Decorative images can be ignored by assistive technology. Icons used as buttons need a clear accessible label.
Forms should have labels connected to their fields, understandable instructions and error messages that explain what needs to be corrected.
Use tools and manual testing
Automated tools can find common issues, but they cannot fully judge whether copy is clear or whether an action has a sensible flow. Combine automated results with a manual review.
Repeat the test on phone and desktop, in more than one browser, and review important pages such as home, services, contact, forms and checkout flows.
Fix issues before launch
Record each issue with its page, affected element and reproduction steps. Start with blockers that prevent navigation or form submission.
Repeat the checks after changes. Accessibility is an ongoing review, especially when new content, components or features are added.
This article was prepared with the assistance of AI tools and editorially reviewed before publication.
