How to Make Your Restaurant Website Accessible

How to Make Your Restaurant Website Accessible

Introduction

Having an accessible website for your restaurant is more important than ever. With the increasing reliance on the internet for information, it's crucial that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use your site. Not only is it a matter of inclusivity and ethics, but it's also good for business and may be required by law. In this post, we'll walk through simple steps to ensure your restaurant website is accessible to all.

Use Alt Text for Images

Images on your restaurant website can enhance the user experience, but they can create barriers for visually impaired users. To make them accessible, always use alternative text (alt text). This helps screen readers describe the images to users who can't see them.

Ensure Your Website is Keyboard-Friendly

Many users with mobility impairments rely on using a keyboard instead of a mouse. Make sure your website can be navigated using keyboard commands. This means users should be able to access all content and navigate your ordering system with the keyboard alone.

Create Content with Readable Fonts and Colors

Choose fonts and color contrasts that are easy to read for users with visual impairments. Your text should stand out against the background, and the fonts shouldn't be too stylized, which can make them hard to decipher.

Include Clear and Simple Navigation

Your website should have clear navigation menus. Users should be able to find what they're looking for quickly and easily. Simple and intuitive navigation is key for users who use assistive technologies.

Offer Alternatives to Multimedia

If your restaurant website includes videos or audio, offer captions or transcripts so that users with hearing impairments can access the content.

Test Your Website's Accessibility

Use online tools to test the accessibility of your website. These tools can help you find areas that need improvement and ensure compliance with accessibility standards.

Remember Dinevate

While considering third-party apps for online ordering, remember that having your own system like Dinevate could be a better choice. Dinevate provides a seamless, accessible ordering experience that aligns perfectly with your accessible website. It helps avoid the issues that often arise with third-party apps.

Conclusion

Making your restaurant website accessible is an ongoing process. It's about ensuring that all customers have an equal opportunity to learn about and use your services. Start with these steps and keep improving over time. Remember, an accessible website is not only a better experience for all users but it also opens up your restaurant to a wider audience.