Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting an Accessibility Audit for Motorcycle Dealership Websites
What is an Accessibility Audit?
An accessibility audit checks if a website is easy for everyone to use, including people with disabilities. Motorcycle dealerships need to make sure their websites follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so all customers can access their services.
Why is an Accessibility Audit Important?
- Helps more people use the website.
- Avoids legal trouble and lawsuits.
- Improves the dealership’s reputation.
- Increases sales by making the website user-friendly.
Start by using tools that check for accessibility problems.
- WAVE – Scans the website and highlights issues.
- axe Accessibility Checker – Works inside web browsers to find errors.
- Lighthouse (Google’s Tool) – Tests accessibility, speed, and performance.
- Color Contrast Analyzer – Checks if text is easy to read.
Run the website through these tools and note any issues they find.
Step 2: Test Keyboard Navigation
Some users cannot use a mouse and rely on a keyboard. Check if users can:
- Move between links using the "Tab" key.
- Press "Enter" to select options.
- Use arrow keys to scroll through menus.
If these do not work, the website needs improvements.
Step 3: Check for Alternative Text on Images
People who are blind use screen readers to understand images. Every image should have a text description called “alt text.”
- Right-click an image and check if there is an “alt” description.
- The text should explain what the image shows.
Step 4: Ensure Proper Color Contrast
Some people have trouble seeing colors. Text must stand out from the background.
- Use a color contrast checker to see if text is easy to read.
- Dark text on a light background works best.
Forms must be easy to use for everyone.
- Labels should clearly explain what information is needed.
- Error messages should be easy to understand.
- Forms should work with screen readers.
Step 6: Check Video and Audio Content
Some users may be deaf or hard of hearing. Make sure videos and audio files include:
- Captions for videos.
- Transcripts for audio content.
Links and buttons should have clear text.
- Instead of “Click Here,” use “View Our Motorcycles.”
- Buttons should be large enough to click easily.
Step 8: Test with a Screen Reader
A screen reader reads web content aloud. Try using:
- NVDA (Free for Windows)
- VoiceOver (Built into Mac computers)
Listen to how the website sounds. If something does not make sense, it needs fixing.
Step 9: Get Feedback from Real Users
People with disabilities can provide valuable feedback. Ask for their input and make changes based on their experience.
Step 10: Fix Issues and Retest
After making improvements, run another test to make sure everything works.
Conclusion
Conducting an accessibility audit helps motorcycle dealerships create a website that everyone can use. By following these steps, dealerships can avoid legal problems, improve their reputation, and gain more customers. An accessible website is a better website for everyone.
