Many Shopify store owners assume that improving Web Accessibility means starting from scratch or hiring a full development team. The good news is that accessibility can be improved step by step without changing the look and feel of your brand. By focusing on practical upgrades and adhering to WCAG standards, you can make your Shopify website easier to use for everyone, including customers who rely on assistive technology such as screen readers or keyboard navigation. The following accessibility improvements are simple to implement and have an immediate impact on both usability and ADA compliance.
Add Alt Text to All Images
Every image on your Shopify store should include alt text, which is a short written description explaining what the image is showing. Screen readers read this description aloud for users who are blind or have low vision. Without alt text, assistive devices may simply announce “image” with no context, making the experience confusing. When writing alt text, be clear and direct. For example, instead of writing “shirt,” write “red cotton T-shirt with long sleeves.” This also helps search engines better understand your content, which can improve organic traffic.
Ensure Keyboard Navigation Works
Not everyone navigates websites using a mouse or touchscreen. Many people use the Tab key to move through links, buttons, and form fields. To test your Shopify store, place your hands away from your mouse and try navigating the entire site using only the Tab and Enter keys. If you cannot reach certain elements, or if focus indicators are not visible, adjust your theme settings or consult your developer to increase keyboard accessibility. This is especially important for menus, sliders, modals, and checkout forms.
Fix Heading Structures (H1, H2, H3)
Headings are more than just visual styling. They act as a roadmap for both assistive technologies and search engines. Every page should have one main heading (H1), followed by properly nested subheadings (H2 for sections and H3 for subsections). Avoid using headings purely for styling. Instead, use them to create logical structure. For example:
H1: Summer Collection
H2: New Arrivals
H3: Linen Shirts
When headings follow a predictable order, users can jump directly to sections instead of scrolling through large amounts of content.
Use High Color Contrast
Color contrast refers to the difference between the background and the text or graphics placed on top of it. Low contrast combinations such as light grey text on a white background are difficult for many people to read, especially those with low vision or color blindness. To meet accessibility standards, body text should have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5 to 1. Several free online tools allow you to check your colors before applying them to your Shopify theme. Maintaining strong contrast does not limit creativity—it simply ensures clarity.
Provide Video Captions and Transcripts
If you include product videos, tutorials, or brand storytelling content, make sure they include captions. Captions display spoken dialogue as text, which allows deaf users to follow along and also helps mobile users who watch with the sound off. For longer videos or podcasts, provide a written transcript below or on a separate page. This also has SEO benefits because search engines can index the transcript content.
Improving accessibility on Shopify is not just about legal compliance with ADA requirements. It is about giving every visitor a fair chance to engage with your products and complete a purchase. Accessible stores load better, convert better and build customer trust. Each step you take makes your Shopify store more inclusive and more competitive.