The SEO and Web Accessibility power couple: Supercharged by AI

How AI is revolutionising the way we optimise websites

In the ever-evolving landscape of web optimisation, the dynamic duo of SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and Web Accessibility has long been a recipe for success. By ensuring your website is both discoverable by search engines and usable by everyone, you attract a wider audience and create a positive User Experience (UX).

This focus on inclusivity becomes even more important in May, with Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) serving as a timely reminder to prioritise accessibility for all web users.

AI is rapidly transforming various industries, and web optimisation is no exception. By leveraging AI’s capabilities, you can take your SEO and accessibility strategies to the next level, achieving better results with greater efficiency.

This image was produced by Adobe Firefly’s Generative AI technology.

Here’s how AI is revolutionising the way we optimise websites:

1. Enhanced content optimisation for SEO:

• AI-powered content analysis tools can analyse your website content and identify areas for improvement based on search engine algorithms and user behaviour. This allows you to create content that’s not only informative but also relevant to search queries and engaging for users.
• AI writing assistants can help you generate content ideas, optimise headlines and meta descriptions, and even craft high-quality copy that adheres to SEO best practices.

2. Personalised accessibility recommendations:

• AI-powered accessibility testing tools can crawl your website and identify potential accessibility barriers for users with disabilities. This goes beyond basic checks and can uncover complex issues that traditional testing methods might miss.
• AI can personalise accessibility features based on user preferences and needs. Imagine a website that automatically adjusts font size, colour contrast, or text-to-speech options based on individual user settings.

3. Streamlined user experience optimisation:

• AI can analyse user behaviour data to understand how people interact with your website. This data can be used to identify areas of frustration or confusion and optimise the user experience for better engagement and conversion rates.
• AI-powered chatbots can provide real-time assistance to users, answer questions, and resolve issues, leading to a more seamless and personalised user experience.

The future is bright…
While AI is still evolving in the web optimisation space, its potential is undeniable. By integrating AI tools and strategies into your SEO and accessibility efforts, you can gain valuable insights, automate repetitive tasks, and create a website that’s not just optimised for search engines but also truly inclusive and user-friendly. As AI technology continues to develop, we can expect even more innovative ways to leverage its power for a future of high-performing, accessible websites that cater to everyone.

Ready to get started?
The good news is that you don’t need to be an AI expert to benefit from this technology. Many user-friendly AI tools are readily available to help you optimise your website for both SEO and digital accessibility.
Explore these tools, experiment with different strategies, and see how AI can supercharge your SEO and Accessibility power couple!

Here are some digital tools to consider:

SEO-focused AI tools:

Content optimisation:

• Surfer SEO: Analyses content based on search intent, competitor content, and on-page SEO factors
• MarketMuse: Provides suggestions for content improvement based on keyword relevance and topic authority
• Frase: Uses AI to generate content outlines and optimise existing content for search engines

Technical SEO:

• Screaming Frog SEO Spider: Crawls your website to identify technical SEO issues like broken links and missing meta descriptions. While not strictly AI-powered, it integrates with some AI tools

Content creation:

• Rytr: AI writing assistant that helps generate blog posts, product descriptions, and other content formats
• Jasper: Creates SEO-friendly content with different functionalities based on your specific needs
• Writesonic: Offers various AI writing templates to help you craft compelling website copy, landing pages, and social media content

Accessibility-focused AI tools:

Automated testing:

• WAVE by WebAIM: Free online tool that quickly identifies accessibility barriers based on WCAG guidelines
• Deque Axe: Provides in-depth accessibility audits and integrates with development tools for real-time feedback
• Siteimprove Accessibility: Offers automated testing, remediation suggestions, and ongoing monitoring

Personalised features:

• EqualWeb Accessibility Checker: Provides AI-powered accessibility recommendations tailored to specific user needs

Remember:

• These are just a few examples, and the market is constantly evolving.
• Consider factors like budget, user interface, and specific needs when choosing a tool.
• Many SEO tools integrate basic accessibility features, while dedicated accessibility tools often offer advanced functionalities.

Additionally:

• Look for tools that combine SEO and accessibility features for a more holistic approach.
• Don’t rely solely on AI; human expertise in SEO and accessibility best practices remains crucial.
• Use AI tools to streamline your workflow and gain valuable insights, but prioritise creating a website that’s truly user-friendly for everyone.

By strategically using AI tools alongside your SEO and accessibility efforts, you can create a winning combination for your website’s success.

Blog notes:

This entire blog post was brought to life with the help of cutting-edge AI technology! Both the content and the featured image were crafted using AI, showcasing the incredible potential of this innovative field.

Special thanks to Google’s Gemini AI Chat GPT for generating the text for this blog with my prompts and Adobe Firefly’s Generative AI for creating the cool image.

Further thoughts from me regarding point 2 above:

What if AI could personalise website features in real-time based on accessibility needs… making websites dynamic and user-friendly at every interaction from visual, auditory, speech, touch, and reducing cognitive overload for neurodiverse people?

Gemini AI Chat GPT suggestion…

Here’s how AI could personalise websites based on individual needs at every touchpoint:

Visual:

• Eye-tracking: Imagine AI recognizing a user’s eye gaze patterns and dynamically adjusting content focus. Areas the user looks at for longer could be enlarged, highlighted, or read aloud.
• Dynamic layouts: AI could adjust the layout based on visual needs. For users with limited peripheral vision, content could be presented in a single column for easier navigation.

Auditory:

• Adaptive soundscapes: Background noise could be adjusted based on user preference. Websites could offer calming sounds for those with auditory sensitivities or dynamic sound effects for those who prefer a more immersive experience.
• Personalised audio descriptions: AI could generate real-time audio descriptions of visual content for users with visual impairments.

Interaction:

• Touch recognition: AI could adapt touch controls based on motor skills. For users with limited dexterity, larger touch targets or alternative navigation options could appear.
• Predictive text input: AI could anticipate what a user is typing and suggest auto-completion options based on their browsing history and accessibility needs.

The future of personalised accessibility:

• Biometric integration: In the future, AI could potentially use biometric data like brainwave patterns or muscle tension to further personalise the website experience.
• AI assistants: Imagine a virtual assistant popping up to offer assistance based on the user’s needs. They could explain confusing content, translate languages in real-time, or offer alternative ways to complete tasks.

Overall, AI-powered real-time personalisation for accessibility has the potential to revolutionise the web. By addressing the challenges and ensuring ethical development, we can create a more inclusive and user-friendly online experience for everyone.

Read some of my other non-AI blogs:
How SEO and Web Accessibility crossover
Web tools to help optimise your website
Top 10 tips for improving SEO