How to Make CMS Content Accessible
IntermediateQuick Answer
TL;DR
Making CMS content accessible requires action at three levels: configure your CMS to enforce accessibility (require alt text, validate heading structure), train content editors on accessible writing practices (descriptive links, plain language, proper heading hierarchy), and ensure frontend templates generate semantic HTML with ARIA landmarks. The most impactful steps are adding meaningful alt text to every image, using proper heading hierarchy, writing descriptive link text, and ensuring sufficient color contrast.
Key Takeaways
- Add meaningful alt text to every image—describe the content and function, not just "image of..."
- Use proper heading hierarchy (H1 → H2 → H3)—never skip levels or use headings for visual styling
- Write descriptive link text ("Download the 2026 pricing guide") not generic text ("Click here")
- Ensure color contrast ratios meet WCAG AA: 4.5:1 for normal text, 3:1 for large text
- Add captions to videos and transcripts to audio content