WCAG Audit: A 12-Step Guide to Testing Your Website

Why is an audit necessary?

According to the WebAIM Million 2024 study, 95.9% of the world's most popular websites fail to meet WCAG requirements. On average, there are 56.8 errors per page. The probability that your site also has issues is very high.

12-Step Audit

1. Automated Scan Use [WAVE](https://wave.webaim.org/), [axe DevTools](https://www.deque.com/axe/devtools/), and [Lighthouse](https://developer.chrome.com/docs/lighthouse/accessibility/). These catch ~30% of errors.

2. Colour Contrast Every text/background pair must meet the following ratios: - Normal text: **4.5:1** - Large text (≥18pt): **3:1** - UI elements and graphics: **3:1**

Tool: Contrast Checker.

3. Keyboard Navigation Put your mouse aside and try to navigate the entire site using the Tab key. Check: - Is the focus always visible? - Can you access menus, modals, and forms? - Can you exit them using the ESC key?

4. Alt Text Every meaningful image needs an `alt=""` attribute. Decorative images: `alt=""` (empty). Read our [image optimisation guide](/blogi/piltide-optimeerimine-veebis).

5. Heading Hierarchy Use only one `<h1>` per page. Do not skip from h2 to h4. Use the [HeadingsMap](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/headingsmap/flbjommegcjonpdmenkdiocclhjacmbi) extension.

6. Form Labels Every `<input>` requires an associated `<label>` or `aria-label`. Error messages must be clear and linked to the field (`aria-describedby`).

7. ARIA Attributes Do not over-use them. Rule: "no ARIA is better than bad ARIA" ([W3C](https://www.w3.org/WAI/ARIA/apg/practices/read-me-first/)).

8. Motion and Animations All animations longer than 5s must be pausable. Respect `prefers-reduced-motion` settings.

9. Video and Audio Subtitles for video, transcripts for podcasts. Autoplay with sound is prohibited.

10. Focus Order The Tab order must follow the visual logical sequence. Avoid using positive `tabindex` values.

11. Mobile Accessibility - Clickable areas ≥ 24×24 px (WCAG 2.2) - Zooming must not be disabled - Screen reader test (VoiceOver for iOS, TalkBack for Android)

12. Testing with Real Users Tools catch a maximum of 50% of problems. According to a [Deque study](https://www.deque.com/blog/), real users find the remaining 50%+.

Most Common Errors on Local Websites

Based on our experience (200+ audits):

1. Low contrast – 89% of sites
2. Missing alt text – 76%
3. Missing form labels – 61%
4. Menu inaccessible via keyboard – 54%
5. Empty link text ("read more") – 48%
6. Cookie banner focus trap – 42%

What Next?

An audit without remediation is a waste of money. Create an action plan: critical → important → recommended. Read also our WCAG 2.2 guide and website security article.

We assist with comprehensive WCAG AA audits and compliance – get in touch.