When we think about website performance, our minds often go straight to speed. We want our pages to load instantly, our images to appear in a flash, and our sites to feel snappy and responsive. But there’s another, often-overlooked metric in Google PageSpeed Insights that’s just as crucial for a truly successful website: the Accessibility score.
Accessibility isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about building a web that’s inclusive for everyone. It means ensuring that people with disabilities – whether visual, auditory, cognitive, or motor – can navigate, understand, and interact with your site without barriers.
In New Zealand, just like everywhere else, a commitment to accessibility is a commitment to your entire audience. At Red Jet, we see accessibility as a core part of great website design – not an afterthought.
A low Accessibility score isn’t just a technical issue; it’s a sign you may be excluding a significant portion of potential customers. A perfect 100/100, on the other hand, sends a powerful signal to both users and Google that your website is a welcoming, user-friendly space for all.
The Foundation of an Accessible Website
The Accessibility score in PageSpeed Insights is based on audits that check your site against Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). While full accessibility compliance can be complex, PSI gives you a clear, actionable starting point.
Here’s how to fix the most common issues and work towards that perfect score:
1. Image and Media Alternatives
For users relying on screen readers, an image without a description is like a blank page.
The Fix:
- Give every meaningful image a descriptive alt attribute.
- For decorative images, use alt=”” so assistive tech knows to skip them.
- Add captions and transcripts to videos and audio so users with hearing impairments can access the information.
2. Sufficient Colour Contrast
Low contrast can make text unreadable for those with low vision or colour blindness.
The Fix:
- Use a colour contrast checker to meet WCAG guidelines (minimum ratio: 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text).
- Adjust brand colours if needed to improve legibility – the user experience improvement is worth it.
3. Clear and Logical Heading Structure
Headings aren’t just for styling – they provide the content hierarchy that screen reader users rely on.
The Fix:
- Use one <h1> for your main page title.
- Follow a logical order (H1 → H2 → H3) without skipping levels.
- Avoid using headings just to make text look bigger – use CSS for that.
4. Keyboard Navigation
Some users don’t use a mouse at all – they navigate entirely via keyboard.
The Fix:
- Test your site by tabbing through it with only your keyboard.
- Make sure every link, button, and form field is reachable and clearly highlighted with a visible focus indicator.
- Ensure menus, forms, and interactive features work without a mouse.
5. Accessible Forms and Labels
Forms can be confusing or unusable for screen reader users without proper labelling.
The Fix:
- Use <label> elements for every input, linking them with the for and id attributes.
- Provide clear, visible instructions and error messages.
More Than Just a Score
Getting a perfect 100 on the Accessibility audit isn’t about vanity metrics – it’s about creating an inclusive, legally compliant, and search-friendly website.
By improving accessibility, you’re:
- Reaching a wider audience – welcoming users who might otherwise be excluded.
- Improving SEO – Google rewards inclusive websites with better rankings.
- Reducing legal risk – Accessibility is supported under the NZ Human Rights Act.
At Red Jet, we build wordpress hosting nz solutions with accessibility in mind from high-contrast, mobile-friendly themes to keyboard navigation and alt text best practices.
If your Accessibility score is under 100, don’t see it as failure, see it as an opportunity. Fix one issue at a time, and your site will become more usable, more engaging, and more profitable.
📩 Request a free accessibility audit and see how we can make your website truly welcoming for every Kiwi.
