Good Design is Accessible Design: Discovering Webflow's Accessibility Features

Web accessibility—it’s more than just a feel-good effort to make the internet equitable. It’s also a smart business move. Why? Accessible websites have been shown to increase organic traffic, improve user experiences, and boost engagement and conversions. Studies prove this, as does my years-long experience as a web developer working within the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). 

Today, I’m a devoted user of Webflow, and one reason is its many built-in tools for creating accessible websites. Whether you’re new to accessibility or not, Webflow offers plenty to help designers build user-friendly, inclusive sites. 

We’ll explore web accessibility, the WCAG guidelines, and how Webflow supports your accessibility goals. This isn’t about design for the sake of compliance—it’s about making the web a better experience for everyone while bringing real business benefits to your site. 

What is Web Accessibility? 

Web accessibility means designing and building websites that are accessible to everyone, regardless of abilities or disabilities. When done right, websites remove barriers to interaction, allowing users equal access to content and features.

Think about the last time you tried to read a webpage with poor contrast or struggled to click a button that was too small. Now, imagine you’re navigating the web without your sight or using specialized equipment to input commands. Accessibility goes far beyond aesthetics—it’s about creating a web experience everyone can use. 

The WCAG Guidelines at a Glance 

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) were created to provide a universal standard for designing accessible websites. They focus on four main principles, often known by the acronym POUR:

1. Perceivable—Content must be presented in ways people can recognize. For example, providing text alternatives for images allows screen readers to “describe” them. 
2. Operable—Tools like navigation menus must be usable by everyone, including those who rely on keyboards rather than a mouse. 
3. Understandable—Users should be able to quickly understand the information and how to interact with the site. 
4. Robust—Content should function across different devices and assistive technologies to remain accessible as technology evolves. 

Each principle has success criteria categorized into three levels of progress: A (minimum), AA (standard), and AAA (excellent). The latest active guidelines are WCAG 2.2, but version 3 is in the works. 

By adhering to WCAG, you’ll open your website to a wider audience and ensure compliance with international standards. 

How Webflow Shines When it Comes to Accessibility 

Webflow is not just a design powerhouse—it’s a tool that has your back when building accessible websites. The platform offers features that make it easier to meet WCAG requirements and create inclusive designs. 

1. Semantic HTML Without the Stress 

Semantic elements like header tags and landmarks are essential for accessibility. They help assistive technologies like screen readers to identify and organize page content. Webflow handles much of this for you automatically by generating clean semantic HTML. 

2. Customizable Alt Text for Images 

Alt text is critical for users who rely on screen readers to understand visual content. Every time you add an image in Webflow, it prompts you to include alt text, keeping accessibility top of mind. 

3. Control Over Color Contrast 

Having sufficient contrast between text and background colors is non-negotiable for legibility. Webflow’s built-in color contrast analyzer makes this easier by helping you visually double-check that your designs follow contrast guidelines. Pro tip—use tools like contrast checkers to validate your work! 

4. Accessible Interactions and Animations 

Interactive elements like hover states and animations need to be accessible to everyone. For example, Webflow allows you to define focus states for buttons and links—giving users relying on keyboards a clear path through your site. 

5. ARIA Labels 

ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles and labels are often necessary to make complex elements (e.g., dropdown menus) readable by assistive technologies. Webflow provides options to add and manage these attributes seamlessly. 

6. Accessibility Audit Tools 

Not sure if your site meets accessibility standards? Webflow’s tools help you identify errors and take proactive steps before your site goes live. Vision Preview lets you see your website through the eyes of a person who has a visual impairment, and their Web Accessibility Checklist provides a detailed list of actions you should be taking to create an accessible website. 

Why Web Accessibility Matters—For Everyone 

Beyond inclusivity, web accessibility delivers tangible benefits to businesses—it’s a win-win situation. Here’s how adopting accessibility standards can help drive real results: 

• Expanded Reach—More than 1 billion people globally live with disabilities. An accessible site allows you to connect with this massive audience, tapping into an underserved market. 
• Better User Experience—Features like clear navigation and descriptive alt text improve usability for everyone, not just those with disabilities. 
• Higher Search Engine Rankings—Accessibility practices like semantic HTML and proper headings contribute to SEO efforts, helping search engines understand and rank your site. 

Simply put, designing for accessibility isn’t a compromise—it’s an advantage. 

Take the First Step Toward Accessible Design 

Building accessible websites doesn’t have to be intimidating. Tools like Webflow make it easier to follow best practices and create designs that work for everyone. 

If you’re just starting your accessibility journey—or want a platform that supports these goals right out of the box—I’m here to help. I’ll make your designs inclusive, boost user engagement, and uncover the unseen potential in your audience. 

Start building better, more accessible sites today. Because good design should work for everyone.