Let’s talk about accessibility on social media
In my role as a social media manager, I've come to appreciate the impact digital platforms can have on people's lives. And after speaking to consumers and developing my knowledge, I have been able to understand further the importance of accessibility. It is so important that everything we share is accessible to as many people as possible.
But why does accessibility matter, you might wonder?
It's not merely about checking off boxes; it's about cultivating inclusivity and ensuring that everyone can fully engage, learn and connect on social media platforms (and why would we want to exclude a proportion of our audience when marketing?).
Not sure where to begin? I've got some straightforward tips to help you keep you get started:
Camel Case Your Hashtags: Let's start with something easy yet impactful. Camel casing your hashtags involves capitalising the first letter of each new word in a hashtag e.g. #CamelCaseHashtags. This simple adjustment significantly enhances readability.
Mind Your Emojis: As a millennial, don't think I'm advocating for an emoji-free existence. But let's be mindful of their impact. Limit yourself to just one emoji per post, and make sure it appears at the end of a sentence. This is crucial because screen readers express emojis as alt text, which can disrupt the experience for visually impaired users. A seamless user experience is our goal.
Caption Your Content: Adding accurate captions to your videos might require a bit of extra effort, but it's worth it. Captioning ensures that everyone, including those with hearing impairments, can engage fully. Many social media platforms offer in-house captioning options, but always double-check for errors before hitting that publish button.
Plain Language is Powerful: Remember, the KISS approach—Keep It Simple, Silly! Keeping your language straightforward and free of jargon, while minimising acronyms, broadens your message's accessibility. It ensures that your content is welcoming to a diverse audience, including those who might not be familiar with specialised terminology.
Alt Text for Images: Think of descriptive alt text as a window for users relying on screen readers. By providing context for images, you're enabling visually impaired individuals to understand and connect with your visuals. Keep alt text concise, accurate, and descriptive; it's a simple step that expands your content's reach. Remember alt text is not the place for crediting photographers or providing in-jokes with your audience.
Readable Fonts and Colors: Strive for a clear contrast between text and background. This benefits not only those with visual impairments but also anyone viewing your content on different devices and under various lighting conditions.
Avoid Automatic Media Playback: Disable automatic media playback in your posts. Autoplaying videos or audio can be disorienting and irritating for users. It may seem like a small thing to some, but you could be sending your audience elsewhere if you don’t.
By incorporating these accessibility practices into your social media strategy, you're not just ticking boxes; you're making a significant difference. You're creating a digital space where everyone can participate, learn, and connect.
Richeldis Cain
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richeldis-cain-4074b2172/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Richeldis_Cain