Newsletter issue #2 - 3rd May 2004
This issue
This month was a huge month for web accessibility in the UK. The Disability Rights Commission published their report into the accessibility of 1000 websites. Find out what we thought about their report and much more in our second newsletter.
In this issue:
- Feature article: The DRC blew it
- Top tip: Link out
- Useful program: Web page analyser
- Top link: Captology
- Webcredible news in April
Enjoy!
The DRC blew it
On 14th April the DRC (Disability Rights Commission) announced the results of its year-long investigation into the accessibility of 1000 websites. The DRC has been campaigning for accessible websites for years and this was their big opportunity to really force some change. But they blew it.
Top tip: Link out
Don't be afraid to link to other websites. Find sites to link to that add value to your website and benefit your site visitors. Possibilities include:
- A product/service of particular interest to your site visitors
- A good links section
- A service that directly benefits your site visitors
- Articles/free info/advice
So, if you're a networking organisation, you could link to a website with tips on how to effectively network. Or you could link to a good networking book on Amazon.
Why?
- Web credibility Providing useful links for your users is like doing them a favour - give to your users and they're more likely to give back to you. Additionally, try to link to websites that mention your organisation as these websites are effectively providing a reference for you (thereby enhancing your credibility).
- Web usability The Internet is designed for its users to flow through it from one website to the next. Don't make your website the last one in the flow. By providing useful links that benefit your site visitors they're actually more likely to come back to your website at a later date.
- Search engine optimisation The more confidence a search engine has about what your website is about, the higher your web pages will be in the search rankings. One way they might guess the topic of your website is to what see kind of websites you link to. (Note: DO NOT link to your competitors - that'll benefit them far more than it'll benefit you.)
Useful program: Web page analyser
This really useful program tells you how long a web page takes to download on a variety of connection speeds. Just type in the URL and the program will do the rest for you!
You can use this great program for free at www.websiteoptimization.com/services/analyze.
Top link: Captology
Captology, or computers as persuasive technology, is the brainchild of BJ Fogg, the world leader in web credibility research. This informative website includes ten guidelines for web credibility, reports on web credibility and more.
Check it out at captology.stanford.edu.
Webcredible news in April
- Webcredible Handbook available for download
- Website usability and accessibility improvement
- SitePoint publishes accessibility article
Web accessibility & CSS support packages
We now offer a range of accessibility and CSS support packages, offering you access to one of our accessibility consultants anytime you like. Please read more about this innovative service in our web accessibility and CSS help section.
About Webcredible
Based in London, UK, Webcredible is a user experience consultancy. Tailor-made usability, accessibility & design solutions include:
- User-centered design
- Accessible web design
- CMS services
- Usability
- Accessibility
- Training
- Website review lite
Please contact us on 0870 242 6095 or info at webcredible.co.uk, or consult www.webcredible.co.uk for further information.