A website accessibility checklist for small businesses

WCAG: WCAG 2.2 Level A and AA (selected) · Updated October 14, 2026

This checklist covers the most common barriers on small-business websites. The first group can be checked with an automated scan; the second needs a few minutes of hands-on testing. It is a starting point, not a full audit.

Checks a scan can help with

1. Every meaningful image has alt text; decorative images have alt="". Guide
2. Text meets 4.5:1 contrast (3:1 for large text). Guide
3. Every form field has a label. Guide
4. Every link and button has a name. Guide
5. The page has a language set. Guide
6. Each page has a unique title.
7. Zoom is not disabled in the viewport tag.
8. Embedded frames have titles.

Checks you do by hand

9. You can reach and use everything with the Tab key, and you can see focus. Guide
10. Headings form a logical outline. Guide
11. Link text makes sense on its own. Guide
12. Videos have accurate captions. Guide
13. The page works at 200% zoom and on a phone without sideways scrolling.
14. Error messages explain what to fix.
15. Pop-ups can be closed with the keyboard and do not trap focus.

Step by step

1. Scan key pages. Scan your home, contact and main service pages.
2. Fix automated findings. Work through critical and serious issues first.
3. Test by hand. Run the keyboard, zoom and caption checks.
4. Repeat after changes. Re-scan whenever you change themes, plugins or content.

Automated accessibility scan. Results are informational and may not identify every accessibility issue. This service is not legal advice, a compliance certification, or a substitute for comprehensive manual accessibility testing.