<\/p>\n
With examples for headings, links, images, forms, and interactive controls<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
A browser builds a Document Object Model (DOM) from a page\u2019s HTML. It also exposes an accessibility tree: a representation of relevant page elements and their computed accessibility information, such as role, name, and state. Assistive technologies use browser accessibility information to present websites to people in different ways.<\/p>\n
The tree is related to the DOM, but it is not a complete copy of every visual detail or every DOM node. For example, decorative or otherwise irrelevant elements may not appear as useful accessibility nodes. The exact view can depend on the browser, platform, and element state.<\/p>\n
Important distinction:<\/strong> Chrome documents the accessibility tree as a way to understand how web content is exposed to assistive technology. Google Search documentation does not identify Chrome\u2019s accessibility tree as the primary way its AI features understand or rank web pages. Use accessibility practices to make your site more usable; do not treat them as a guaranteed search ranking or AI citation tactic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Chrome DevTools can show the accessibility tree and computed properties for a page. This is useful for checking whether important controls have understandable names and roles. It is one part of an accessibility review, not a substitute for testing the page with a keyboard and assistive technology.<\/p>\n Chrome\u2019s Accessibility features reference<\/a> explains the DevTools panels and how to inspect the tree. A screen reader offers another perspective: it helps you assess how screen reader users experience the page, not how Google sees it.<\/p>\n Choose elements according to their purpose. A real heading, link, button, navigation region, and main content region communicate structure and behavior more reliably than generic containers styled to look similar.<\/p>\n A semantic structure<\/p>\n Landmarks can help assistive technology users move between major page regions. Use them where they fit the page; adding extra landmark roles to native elements is usually unnecessary.<\/p>\n Use actual heading elements for headings and arrange them to reflect the page\u2019s sections. A logical heading structure helps people scan and navigate content. HTML does not require exactly one Write link text that makes the destination or action understandable, including when someone encounters the link out of context. \u201cRead more\u201d can be appropriate when nearby text clearly identifies what follows, but repeated generic links can be hard to distinguish.<\/p>\n For an informative image, describe the information it contributes in that specific context. For a decorative image, use an empty alternative ( A visible label helps users understand what to enter, and an associated programmatic label lets assistive technology identify the field. Placeholder text alone is not a reliable replacement for a label.<\/p>\n Use a link for navigation and a button for an action. Native controls already provide expected keyboard behavior and semantics. ARIA can supply a missing name or describe a custom interface, but it does not add keyboard support or make a nonfunctional element work.<\/p>\n If a custom control is necessary, it needs an appropriate role and accessible name, keyboard focus, keyboard interaction, visible focus styling, and state updates that remain understandable. Test the finished control rather than assuming ARIA alone is enough.<\/p>\n Expandable FAQs, menus, tabs, and other dynamic components should make their state and controls understandable and operable. Native For custom widgets, make sure the control can be reached and operated by keyboard, its expanded or selected state is exposed correctly, and new or changed content is communicated when needed. Some dynamic updates may require an appropriate live region, but Search engines and assistive technologies have different purposes and processing systems. Do not assume that a screen reader\u2019s view proves what Google has indexed. For Google Search rendering or indexing questions, use Google\u2019s JavaScript SEO guidance<\/a> and the URL Inspection tool in Search Console.<\/p>\n2. How to Inspect the Accessibility Tree in Chrome<\/h2>\n
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3. Six Practical Improvements<\/h2>\n
3.1 Use HTML for its meaning<\/h3>\n
<header>\n <nav aria-label=\"Main navigation\">...<\/nav>\n<\/header>\n<main>\n <article>\n <h1>Website accessibility review<\/h1>\n <p>Practical guidance for your team...<\/p>\n <\/article>\n<\/main>\n<footer>...<\/footer><\/code><\/pre>\n3.2 Organize headings around the content<\/h3>\n
<h1><\/code> or prohibit every skipped level, but a clear page title and sensible nesting are easier to follow.<\/p>\n<h1>Website accessibility review<\/h1>\n <h2>Review the page structure<\/h2>\n <h2>Test forms and navigation<\/h2>\n <h3>Check form labels<\/h3><\/code><\/pre>\n3.3 Give links clear purpose<\/h3>\n
<a href=\"\/services\/website-management\/\">\n Learn about website management\n<\/a><\/code><\/pre>\n3.4 Write image alternatives for the context<\/h3>\n
alt=\"\"<\/code>) so assistive technology can skip it. If an image is the only content of a link or button, its alternative should communicate the link\u2019s destination or the button\u2019s action. Avoid keyword stuffing and file names as alt text.<\/p>\n<!-- If the photo adds relevant information: -->\n<img src=\"team-reviewing-a-site.jpg\"\n alt=\"Designer and client reviewing a website on a laptop\">\n\n<!-- If the image is only decoration: -->\n<img src=\"decorative-divider.svg\" alt=\"\"><\/code><\/pre>\n3.5 Associate form controls with labels<\/h3>\n
<label for=\"email\">Email address<\/label>\n<input type=\"email\" id=\"email\" name=\"email\"\n autocomplete=\"email\" required><\/code><\/pre>\n3.6 Make interactive controls usable<\/h3>\n
<button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Close dialog\">\n ×\n<\/button><\/code><\/pre>\n4. Dynamic and Expandable Content<\/h2>\n
<details><\/code> and <summary><\/code> elements can provide a simple disclosure pattern:<\/p>\n<details>\n <summary>What does a website accessibility review cover?<\/summary>\n <p>It can include page structure, keyboard access, labels,\n contrast, and testing with assistive technology.<\/p>\n<\/details><\/code><\/pre>\naria-live<\/code> should be used only when it helps users notice an important update\u2014not as a general SEO instruction.<\/p>\n5. Common Patterns at a Glance<\/h2>\n