Ten Website Accessibility Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them in 2025)

Creating a website that people can actually use is no longer optional. Recent analysis by WebAIM found that 94.8% of the top one million websites still fail automated WCAG 2 checks. That means most sites continue to present barriers that block users with disabilities.

These barriers don’t just harm visitors with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive differences—they also expose businesses to lost revenue, reputational risk, and lawsuits.

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) set the global standard, but in practice many websites still contain hidden traps. From poor color contrast to missing alternative text, these mistakes frustrate users with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive differences.

This article explores ten of the most common accessibility pitfalls businesses encounter, why they matter, and how to fix them.

1. Keyboard traps

A keyboard trap occurs when users navigating with only a keyboard can’t move freely through a page. Without an exit, they get stuck.

How to avoid:

• Test your site for keyboard accessibility by trying to use it with just the keyboard.
• Make sure menus, popups, and modals can be closed with the “Esc” key
• Check that focus moves logically across the page

2. Disabled zoom functionality

Blocking zoom removes a vital tool for people who need larger text or images.

How to avoid:

• Never disable pinch-to-zoom
• Use responsive design so your site adapts to different screen sizes

3. Poor color contrast

Low contrast makes text hard to read, especially for people with color blindness.

How to avoid:

• Maintain at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text and 3:1 for large text
• Use a color contrast checker to verify readability

4. Incorrect link configuration

Links labeled “Click here” or “Read more” confuse users who rely on screen readers.

How to avoid:

• Use descriptive text like “Download our Accessibility Checklist”
• Make links visually distinct from surrounding text

5. Missing alternative text for images

Without alt text, images are invisible to screen reader users.

How to avoid:

• Add descriptive alt text that explains the purpose of the image
• Use empty alt attributes for decorative visuals

6. Unlabeled form elements

Forms without labels leave users guessing which field requires what input.

How to avoid:

• Use <label> tags or aria-labels for every field
• Check forms with a screen reader

7. Non-accessible multimedia content

Videos without captions or transcripts exclude users who are deaf or hard of hearing.

How to avoid:

• Add captions to all videos
• Provide text transcripts for audio content
• Ensure media controls are keyboard-accessible

8. Inaccessible PDF documents

PDFs without proper tagging can’t be read by assistive technologies.

How to avoid:

• Use accessible PDF creation tools
• Verify that text can be selected and read aloud

9. Overuse of dynamic content

Auto-playing videos, flashing banners, and frequent popups overwhelm users.

How to avoid:

• Allow users to pause or stop dynamic content
• Use ARIA live regions so changes are announced properly by screen readers

10. Lack of focus indicators

When the keyboard focus isn’t visible, users can’t tell where they are on the page.

How to avoid:

• Retain or customize the focus outline
• Make indicators clear and easy to see

Here is a visual infographic of these ten website accessibility pitfalls, why each one matter, and how to avoid each one:

How Clym can help

Clym’s Accessibility Widget provides tools aligned with WCAG 2.1, including adjustable text size, contrast modes, and navigation assistance. Businesses can also publish an Accessibility Statement, enable Accessibility Issue Reporting, and manage updates across digital properties. These features support organizations in reducing legal exposure and improving usability for visitors worldwide.

Want to see for yourself? Speak to one of our experts today!

See Clym in action by booking a demo or contacting us to discuss your specific needs.