Accessible Content: Creating Inclusive Social Media Engagement for All Abilities
Social media has become an essential tool in marketing and communication for businesses of all sizes. However, it is important to understand that not all people can access this content equally. The World Health Organisation (WHO) highlights that over 1 billion people around the world experience some form of disability. It may involve difficulties with vision, hearing, cognition, or movement. Therefore, it is crucial to create inclusive social media engagement that everyone can enjoy regardless of their abilities. In this blog post, we will discuss tips and tricks to help you create accessible content for your social media.
1. Use alt text on images
Alt text provides a written description of the image, which is crucial for people with vision impairments who use screen readers. Ensure the description is concise and accurately represents the content of the image. Avoid phrases like “image of…” or “picture of…” and instead describe the image more specifically, such as “a golden retriever running on the beach.”
2. Caption your videos on social media
In addition to adding a transcript of the video, captions help those with hearing loss to understand the content. Captioning is also beneficial for those watching in a noisy environment. Don’t rely solely on automated captioning software; always review and edit the captions to ensure accuracy.
3. Use plain language on social media
Avoid technical jargon and complicated sentence structures, as it can be confusing for some people with learning and cognitive disabilities. Use short, simple sentences in your posts, and keep your language and tone consistent across all channels.
4. Provide alternative formats
Offering alternative formats like audio recordings, Braille, large print, and sign language videos can help people with disabilities consume your content. A text-only version of your content can benefit people using screen readers and those with slower internet connections.
5. Use inclusive design on social media
Avoid relying solely on color and visual cues within your designs or videos. Incorporate multiple representations of the same information, like using color as well as labels to distinguish between different elements in an infographic. Also, ensure any buttons or links are large enough for people with motor impairments to easily click.
Conclusion:
Making your social media content accessible benefits everyone and you’re also helping to comply with global standards of inclusivity and equal access. Creating content that everyone can access will improve user engagement, increase your online visibility, and ultimately help you stand out from your competitors. By taking these steps, you can achieve a more diverse following, a better audience experience, and a more engaged customer base. Start implementing these tips to create accessible content that reaches and resonates with every member of your audience.
