Design Strategies to Enhance Accessibility for Motorcycle Dealership Websites
Why Accessibility Matters
Imagine walking into a store, but the doors are too small for wheelchairs, the signs are too hard to read, and the lights are too dim to see anything. That would make shopping really hard, right? The same thing happens online when websites are not designed for everyone.
Many people, including those with disabilities, shop for motorcycles and parts online. If a website is hard to use, they might leave and never come back. That means lost customers and lost sales. But when a dealership makes its website easy for everyone to use, more people can shop, and the business grows.
What is Website Accessibility?
Website accessibility means making sure everyone can use a website, including people who:
- Have trouble seeing
- Have trouble hearing
- Have trouble using a mouse or keyboard
- Have trouble reading or understanding words
A good website should be easy to see, hear, and use for all visitors. Let’s look at ways to make motorcycle dealership websites more accessible!
1. Make Text Easy to Read
Use Big, Clear Letters
Small, squished-together letters are hard to read. Instead:
- Use large text (16 pixels or bigger is best)
- Pick simple fonts like Arial or Verdana
- Make sure text has strong contrast (black text on a white background is easier to read than light gray on white)
Avoid Fancy Cursive Writing
Some fonts look pretty but are hard to read, especially for people with dyslexia or vision problems. Stick to clear and simple letters.
Allow Users to Resize Text
Some people need bigger text to read comfortably. Websites should let users zoom in without breaking the design or making things overlap.
2. Add Text for Images
Why It’s Important
Some people can’t see pictures. Others use screen readers that read the words on a page out loud. If an image has no text, they won’t know what’s there!
How to Fix It
Every picture should have alt text, which is a short description of what’s in the image. For example:
<img src="red-motorcycle.jpg" alt="A shiny red motorcycle in a showroom">
Now, someone who can’t see the picture still knows what it’s about!
Some people have trouble using a mouse or tapping small buttons on a phone. To fix this:
- Make buttons big enough to click easily
- Use clear labels like “Buy Now” instead of just “Click Here”
Use Descriptive Links
Instead of writing “Click here for more details”, write “Learn more about our motorcycles”. This helps users understand where the link will take them.
Why It’s Important
Imagine reading a long book with no chapter titles. You wouldn’t know where anything is! The same thing happens on websites when there are no clear headings.
How to Fix It
Break up pages with headings so users can quickly find what they need. In HTML, headings look like this:
<h1>Main Title</h1>
<h2>Subheading</h2>
<h3>Smaller Section</h3>
Headings help users, especially those with screen readers, navigate the website faster.
5. Add Captions for Videos
Why It’s Important
Some people can’t hear, and others like watching videos without sound. Captions help everyone understand the video.
How to Fix It
Whenever a dealership posts a video about motorcycles, they should:
- Add text captions at the bottom of the video
- Provide a written transcript of what is said
Why It’s Important
Many websites have forms to schedule test rides, apply for financing, or ask questions. But if a form is confusing, people won’t complete it.
How to Fix It
- Label each field clearly (e.g., “Your Name” instead of just a blank box)
- Use big, easy-to-click checkboxes and dropdown menus
- Make error messages clear (e.g., “Please enter a valid phone number” instead of just “Error”)
7. Ensure the Website Works with Keyboards
Why It’s Important
Some people can’t use a mouse and rely on keyboards to navigate websites.
How to Fix It
- Make sure users can tab through all links and buttons
- Highlight the selected item so users know where they are
- Avoid keyboard traps, which happen when users get stuck and can’t move forward
8. Avoid Flashy Animations and Auto-Playing Sounds
Why It’s Important
Some people get dizzy or sick from flashing lights. Others find sudden noises annoying or distracting.
How to Fix It
- Don’t use flashing images
- Let users control video and sound (no auto-playing music!)
9. Make Sure Pop-Ups Don’t Block Content
Why It’s Important
Pop-ups can be annoying and hard to close, especially on mobile devices.
How to Fix It
- Use pop-ups only when necessary
- Add a clear “Close” button
- Make sure pop-ups don’t block important information
10. Test the Website for Accessibility
Why It’s Important
Even with the best intentions, mistakes can happen. Testing a website helps find and fix problems.
How to Fix It
- Use an accessibility checker like WAVE or AXE to scan the website
- Test with screen readers (like NVDA or JAWS) to see how it sounds
- Ask real users with disabilities to try the website and give feedback
Conclusion: Accessibility Helps Everyone
Making a motorcycle dealership website accessible isn’t just about following rules—it’s about helping more people find and buy motorcycles. A good website should be easy to read, easy to navigate, and usable by everyone.
When dealerships make their websites more accessible, they:
- Attract more customers
- Follow legal requirements
- Improve their reputation
- Create a better online experience for all visitors
A little effort in accessibility goes a long way. When everyone can use a website easily, the business wins, and so do the customers!
