Creating content that is both accessible and inclusive is an essential component of the writing process. Here are five tips that can help you make your content more welcoming:
1. Write for everyone
Focus on using language that is clear and upfront that can be understood by all readers. Write in terms that are easy to understand and avoid being overly technical or jargon-heavy. It’s important to remember that some readers may have conditions, such as dyslexia, that can make it harder to understand certain words or topics.
2. Use descriptive language
Rather than using figurative language to describe something, be explicit. For example, rather than saying “John took a big step”, instead say “John took a giant stride”. This allows readers with vision impairments to better understand visuals.
3. Add headings and labels
Using headings and labels throughout your content allows readers to quickly scan and understand the topic and points of discussion. This is especially important for readers with visual impairments who may use screen readers to access content.
4. Include alternative text
Alternative text (alt-text) is added to visuals in order to describe what is seen, allowing readers to have a better understanding of the image. This is especially important for people with vision impairments who rely on alternative text to receive the full description of an image or graph.
5. Double-check grammar and spelling
Grammar and spelling are essential elements of creating content that is accessible and welcoming for all readers. Double-checking your work helps to ensure that all readers have a streamlined experience when they read your content.
Creating content that is accessible and inclusive is an important part of the writing process. Following these five tips can help make your content more welcoming and engaging for all readers.
