What is tota11y?
Tota11y is an accessibility visualization toolkit developed by Khan Academy. It helps web developers and digital marketers ensure their content is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. The tool provides insights on how to improve web accessibility, making it easier to create content that meets
WCAG standards.
Why is Accessibility Important in Email Marketing?
Accessibility in
email marketing ensures that your messages are inclusive, reaching a broader audience including people with disabilities. This not only enhances user experience but also complies with legal requirements like the
ADA and Section 508. Accessible emails can improve
customer engagement, reduce bounce rates, and build a positive brand reputation.
How Can Tota11y Help in Email Marketing?
Tota11y can be integrated into your email design process to identify and rectify accessibility issues. By using the toolkit, you can ensure your emails are compatible with screen readers, have proper color contrast, and include descriptive
alt text for images. This helps in creating emails that are not only visually appealing but also usable by individuals with visual, auditory, and cognitive impairments.
Steps to Use Tota11y for Email Campaigns
Install Tota11y: First, add the Tota11y script to your email design sandbox or use browser extensions that support Tota11y.
Analyze Your Email Content: Run the Tota11y toolkit to identify accessibility issues such as missing alt text, improper heading structures, or insufficient color contrast.
Implement Recommendations: Follow the suggestions provided by Tota11y to correct identified issues. This might involve adjusting your
HTML and CSS code or adding appropriate ARIA labels.
Re-Test: After making the necessary adjustments, run Tota11y again to ensure all issues have been resolved.
Common Accessibility Issues in Emails and How Tota11y Addresses Them
Color Contrast: Poor color contrast can make text hard to read for users with visual impairments. Tota11y identifies these issues and suggests improvements.
Alt Text for Images: Missing or improper alt text can make images inaccessible to screen readers. Tota11y ensures all images have descriptive alt text.
Semantic HTML: Using improper HTML tags can confuse screen readers. Tota11y helps ensure your email uses semantic HTML, making it easier for assistive technologies to interpret.
Keyboard Navigation: Ensuring that users can navigate your email using just a keyboard is crucial. Tota11y checks for focus order and keyboard accessibility.
Benefits of Using Tota11y in Email Marketing
Enhanced User Experience: Accessible emails are easier to read and navigate, improving the overall user experience.
Increased Reach: By making your emails accessible, you can reach a wider audience, including people with disabilities.
Compliance: Ensuring your emails meet accessibility standards helps you stay compliant with legal requirements.
Brand Reputation: Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility can enhance your brand's reputation and build customer loyalty.
Better Engagement: Accessible emails can lead to higher engagement rates, as they are easier for all recipients to interact with.