How to Ensure Links are Keyboard Accessible?
To make
links keyboard accessible, ensure they can be reached using the Tab key. This is usually achieved by using the <a> tag in HTML. Avoid using non-semantic elements like <div> or <span> for links, as these require additional attributes and JavaScript to be keyboard accessible.
How to Make Buttons Accessible?
Buttons should be created using the <button> or the <input type="button"> tags to ensure they are naturally keyboard accessible. Avoid using <div> or <span> for buttons, as these need extra handling to be focusable and activated via keyboard.
Are Forms Keyboard Accessible?
For forms, use proper
HTML form elements like <input>, <textarea>, and <select>. These elements are inherently keyboard accessible. Ensure that all form fields are reachable using the Tab key and can be interacted with using standard keyboard inputs.
What about Focus Indicators?
Focus indicators are visual cues that show which element is currently focused when navigating using a keyboard. Browsers generally have default focus indicators, but they can be customized using CSS. Ensure that your focus indicators are visible and provide a clear visual distinction.
How to Test Keyboard Accessibility?
Testing keyboard accessibility is straightforward. Use the Tab key to navigate through your email. Each interactive element should be focusable in a logical order. Additionally, use the Enter or Spacebar to activate links and buttons. You can also use tools like
axe,
WAVE, or
Lighthouse to identify accessibility issues.
What are Common Pitfalls?
Common pitfalls include using non-semantic HTML elements for interactive content, missing focus states, and incorrect tab order. Avoid these by sticking to semantic HTML, ensuring all interactive elements are focusable, and maintaining a logical tab order.
Conclusion
Ensuring keyboard accessibility in
email marketing is not just a best practice but a necessity for inclusive design. By making your emails accessible, you cater to a broader audience and enhance user experience. Follow these guidelines to create keyboard-friendly emails that everyone can navigate and enjoy.