Accessibility for Busy Content Teams: The Powerful “Fix-It-Forward” Strategy
One question we frequently hear from clients, especially those managing web content, is “How can we implement accessibility best practices without breaking the bank or overwhelming our editorial team?”
It’s a valid concern. As a content editor, you’re navigating the daily challenge of maintaining quality while meeting deadlines and managing competing priorities.
When your team decides to prioritize website accessibility, the initial scope can feel daunting. You might wonder “Does this really make a difference?” or “Is remediation worth the effort?” The answer is always a resounding yes.
Whether you’re working on a small site or managing thousands of pages, accessible content improves user experience, ensures legal compliance, boosts SEO performance, and reinforces your brand as inclusive and responsible. As a content editor, you have the power to make steady, meaningful progress with the content you touch every day.
Why Accessibility Creates Business Impact
Accessible content delivers measurable outcomes across multiple business objectives:
Expanded Market Reach: When your content is inaccessible to users with disabilities, you’re limiting your potential audience. Consider that disabilities can be temporary, like a broken arm, and 70% of seniors are now online—a demographic that often benefits from accessible design principles.
Risk Mitigation: Inaccessible websites can lead to legal complaints under the ADA and other regulations, creating both financial and reputational risks.
Enhanced User Experience: Clear structure, descriptive alt text, and keyboard-friendly navigation improve usability for all users while boosting SEO performance.
Brand Differentiation: Demonstrating commitment to accessibility positions your organization as inclusive and socially responsible.
Implementing Accessibility in Your Editorial Workflow
The challenge isn’t whether to implement accessibility—it’s how to do it efficiently without overwhelming your team or budget.
The Fix-It-Forward Approach
Rather than attempting to overhaul your entire site overnight, we recommend a “fix-it-forward” strategy. This approach ensures all new and updated content meets accessibility standards while gradually improving legacy content. The result? Steady progress without resource strain.
Leverage Open Source Tools
Many CMS platforms offer free accessibility tools that integrate directly into your editorial workflow:
Drupal: Editoria11y Accessibility Checker, Accessibility Scanner, CKEditor Accessibility Auditor
WordPress: WP Accessibility, Editoria11y Accessibility Checker, WP ADA Compliance Check Basic
These tools scan your content and flag common WCAG 2.2 AA issues before publication, transforming accessibility checks into routine quality assurance.
Prioritize High-Impact Changes
Focus your efforts on fixes that significantly improve usability for screen reader and keyboard users:
- Missing image alt text
- Poor heading structure
- Duplicate or unclear link text
- Links that open new windows without warning
- Insufficient color contrast (may require developer collaboration)
Less critical issues can be addressed during routine content updates, spreading the workload over time.
Manage Legacy Content Strategically
Don’t let your content backlog create paralysis. Prioritize high-traffic pages and those supporting key user journeys. Since refreshing legacy content annually is already an SEO best practice, use these updates as opportunities to implement accessibility improvements.
Build Team Capabilities
Make accessibility part of your content culture through targeted education and resources. Provide internal training, quick reference guides, and trusted resources to keep editors confident and informed.
Recommended Learning Resources:
Track Progress and Celebrate Wins
Measure success by tracking pages published with zero critical accessibility issues. Share achievements in editorial meetings to reinforce your team’s impact and maintain momentum.
Scaling Your Accessibility Program
While regular content checks provide immediate value, sustainable accessibility success requires periodic comprehensive assessments and usability testing. If your team lacks bandwidth for advanced testing, consider adding this to your 1-2 year digital roadmap. Consistent attention over time proves more sustainable and cost-effective than attempting massive one-time remediation.
Start with Free Tools: Google Lighthouse provides immediate insights into accessibility issues and actionable remediation guidance.
Advanced Assessment Options: For teams ready to expand their program, tools like SortSite, SiteImprove, and JAWS screen reader testing offer comprehensive assessments. These advanced tools can uncover complex issues beyond content-level checks, though they may require developer collaboration for implementation.
Quarterly Program Goals:
- Regular Google Lighthouse assessments for incremental improvements
- Full-site scans or top-page audits with developer support
- Remediation prioritization based on traffic and business value
- Ongoing WCAG 2.2 AA compliance tracking
Consider engaging someone who navigates the web differently than your team does. This perspective will expand your understanding of accessibility’s real-world impact and inform more effective solutions.
Accessibility as Continuous Improvement
Accessibility isn’t a one-time project—it’s an ongoing commitment to inclusive digital experiences.
By integrating accessibility best practices into your publishing workflow, you’ll build a stronger, more inclusive website that protects your brand, empowers your users, and demonstrates digital leadership.
The fix-it-forward approach transforms what seems like an overwhelming challenge into manageable, sustainable progress.
Ready to Accelerate Your Accessibility Journey?
Explore additional insights from our team:
- More than Mouse Clicks: A Non-Disabled User’s Guide to Accessible Web Navigation
- How Does the European Accessibility Act Affect Your Business?
Ready to take action? Contact Oomph to see how we can support your accessibility journey. We start with targeted accessibility audits that identify your highest-impact opportunities, then collaborate with your team to develop a strategic roadmap that aligns with your internal goals while respecting your resources and team size.
