Accessibility and Inclusivity: Designing Websites for Everyone

A website is often the first point of contact between a solicitor and a potential client. For that reason, it must be open to all. If a client struggles to read text, navigate menus, or complete forms, they may leave before ever contacting the firm. Worse, the firm may be excluding people unintentionally — from older clients with poor eyesight to those using screen readers because of a disability.

Accessibility is not just a legal or technical requirement. It is about ensuring that every client, regardless of ability or device, can engage with your services. A bespoke website makes this possible in ways that templates rarely achieve.

Why accessibility matters

Accessibility matters for three main reasons:

1. Inclusivity – Professional firms serve the public. Everyone should be able to access services online.
2. Legal obligations – Equality legislation and accessibility guidelines (such as WCAG) set clear expectations.
3. Business sense – If a site is easier for everyone to use, more visitors will stay, enquire, and become clients.

Consider the reality: an ageing population means more clients struggle with small fonts or low contrast. Many people rely on screen readers, keyboard navigation, or captions. Making a site accessible improves usability for them — and at the same time makes it better for everyone else.

The risk of inaccessible templates

Template websites are built to appeal to as many people as possible quickly. Accessibility is often an afterthought. Common issues include:

• Poor contrast – Light grey text on white backgrounds may look stylish but is hard to read.
• Small fonts – Fixed sizes that cannot be adjusted easily.
• Unclear navigation – Menus that are difficult for screen readers.
• Form problems – Labels missing, error messages unclear, no support for keyboard input.
• Image issues – Missing alt text, leaving visually impaired users without context.

These weaknesses exclude clients and can damage reputation. They may also expose firms to legal risk.

The bespoke advantage

With a bespoke build, accessibility can be woven into the design from the start. This means:

• Readable typography – Fonts and sizes chosen for clarity, not just appearance.
• High contrast options – Colours that pass accessibility tests and remain legible.
• Responsive layouts – Designs that adapt gracefully to mobiles, tablets, and desktops.
• Screen reader support – Proper labels, headings, and descriptions.
• Keyboard navigation – Ensuring forms and menus can be used without a mouse.
• Alt text for images – Descriptions that help users understand content.

These measures don’t just help those with disabilities. They improve the experience for every visitor.

Client perception

Accessibility is also about how clients feel. A site that is clear, readable, and welcoming sends a message: this firm cares about clients and pays attention to detail. A site that is confusing or hard to use suggests the opposite.

Professionalism is not only what you say in meetings — it is reflected in how easy your website is to use.

Accessibility and SEO

There is another advantage: accessible sites often perform better in search rankings. Google rewards sites that are clear, structured, and easy to navigate. Features like proper heading tags, alt text, and responsive layouts make it easier for search engines to understand and index your content.

So accessibility is not just good ethics. It also supports visibility and marketing returns.

Real-world example

Imagine a conveyancing page with a quote form.

• On a template site: the form may have small text, unclear instructions, and missing labels. Some clients abandon it.
• On a bespoke accessible site: the form is simple, labelled properly, mobile-friendly, and easy for screen readers. More clients complete it.

The difference directly affects the number of new files opened.

Long-term value

Accessibility is not a one-time fix. It is an approach. Bespoke websites make it easier to maintain accessibility over time because the structure is clean and intentional.

Template sites, with their reliance on multiple plugins and rigid layouts, often make accessibility adjustments clumsy or inconsistent.

Over the long term, bespoke sites are easier to keep compliant, user-friendly, and professional.

Final thoughts

Accessibility and inclusivity are not optional extras. They are essential features of a professional website. For solicitors and other service providers, they demonstrate care for clients, compliance with obligations, and commitment to professionalism.

Bespoke websites allow accessibility to be built in from the start — ensuring that no client is left out and every visitor can engage with your services easily.

It is not only the right thing to do. It is the smart thing to do.