Picture this: a potential customer visits your Shopify store, eager to make a purchase. But when they try to navigate your product catalog, they can’t see the images clearly, or the buttons aren’t labeled for their screen reader. Within seconds, they leave not because they didn’t like your products, but because they couldn’t access them.
That’s the reality for millions of online shoppers with disabilities. In an era where convenience defines eCommerce, accessibility is no longer optional, it’s essential. A truly successful Shopify store is one that everyone can use, regardless of ability.
That’s where WCAG compliance (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and professional Web Accessibility services come in. These standards and tools help Shopify store owners create digital storefronts that are inclusive, legally compliant, and optimized for a better user experience.
Let’s dive into a complete Shopify Accessibility Checklist to help your online store meet WCAG standards and open your doors to every potential customer.
Why Accessibility Matters in Shopify
Accessibility ensures that users with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments can navigate and interact with your online store seamlessly. A Shopify site that meets accessibility standards not only prevents potential lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) but also broadens your audience reach.
According to the World Health Organization, over one billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. When your Shopify store excludes them through poor color contrast, inaccessible navigation, or missing alt text you lose potential customers. Accessibility, therefore, isn’t just compliance, it’s good business.
The Shopify Accessibility Checklist for WCAG Compliance
Below is a comprehensive checklist aligned with WCAG 2.2 principles Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR) to help you audit and enhance your Shopify store.
1. Perceivable: Make Content Easy to See and Hear
a. Alt Text for Images
Every product image should have descriptive alt text that conveys its purpose. Shopify’s built-in image editor allows you to add alt text easily. Avoid using filenames or generic terms like “image1.jpg.” Instead, use specific descriptions such as “Blue cotton t-shirt with round neck.”
b. Color Contrast
Ensure that text and background colors have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1. This helps users with low vision read content comfortably. Use tools like Contrast Checker or Shopify’s Accessibility Inspector to test color combinations.
c. Text Alternatives for Media
If you use videos on product pages, provide captions or transcripts. This ensures that users who are deaf or hard of hearing can access your content. Shopify supports embedded YouTube or Vimeo videos that include captioning options.
2. Operable: Make Navigation Easy for All Users
a. Keyboard Accessibility
All interactive elements menus, forms, and buttons must be operable via keyboard only. Test your Shopify store by tabbing through links to ensure users can navigate without a mouse. Avoid keyboard traps where users cannot move away from certain sections.
b. Skip to Content Links
Implement a “Skip to main content” link at the top of your pages. This allows screen reader users and keyboard-only navigators to bypass repetitive navigation links.
c. Clear and Focused Elements
Make sure focus states (like when a button is highlighted using the Tab key) are visible and distinct. This gives users feedback on their navigation progress.
3. Understandable: Make Content and Navigation Predictable
a. Consistent Navigation
Keep your menus, headers, and footers consistent across all pages. This helps users understand where they are and how to move between sections.
b. Clear Form Labels and Error Messages
Forms like checkout or contact forms must have descriptive labels and helpful error messages. For example, instead of a vague “Error,” use “Please enter a valid email address.” Shopify themes can be customized to display ARIA alerts for errors.
c. Readable Text Content
Use plain, concise language for product descriptions and instructions. Avoid jargon and ensure readability by targeting an 8th-grade reading level.
4. Robust: Ensure Compatibility with Assistive Technologies
a. Use Semantic HTML
Shopify’s Liquid templates should be structured with semantic HTML elements (<header>, <nav>, <main>, <footer>) to improve screen reader compatibility.
b. ARIA Attributes
Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes only when necessary to define custom elements. For example, aria-label can help describe buttons without visible text.
c. Test with Screen Readers
Test your site using tools like NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver. This ensures that assistive technologies can interpret and announce content correctly.
Tools for Testing Shopify Accessibility
- Shopify Accessibility Checker Apps – Apps like Accessibility Enabler or UserWay automatically scan and identify accessibility issues.
- Lighthouse (Chrome DevTools) – Provides a quick accessibility audit score and improvement suggestions.
- axe DevTools – A browser extension that performs WCAG audits directly within your development environment.
- WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool – Highlights visual indicators of accessibility issues across your Shopify pages.
Common Accessibility Mistakes in Shopify Stores
- Using decorative images with missing or irrelevant alt text.
- Low contrast between text and background colors.
- Inaccessible custom popups or modals that trap focus.
- Missing form labels or unclear input instructions.
- Overuse of animations or auto-playing videos without controls.
These errors can frustrate users relying on assistive technologies and reduce conversion rates. Regular accessibility testing and professional Web Accessibility services can help identify and fix these problems efficiently.
Benefits of Accessibility for Your Shopify Store
- Better SEO: Accessible sites often perform better in search rankings since many WCAG principles align with SEO best practices.
- Wider Market Reach: Accessibility opens your store to millions of users with disabilities.
- Improved User Experience: A more navigable, readable, and responsive design benefits all customers, not just those with disabilities.
- Legal Protection: Compliance with WCAG and ADA helps avoid costly lawsuits and ensures your business operates ethically.
Final Thoughts
Accessibility isn’t just a technical checklist, it’s a commitment to inclusivity. By integrating WCAG principles into your Shopify store, you enhance both compliance and customer satisfaction. Whether you’re building a new theme or optimizing an existing one, partnering with professional Web Accessibility services ensures that your store meets all accessibility standards, functions seamlessly across devices, and delivers a superior shopping experience for every user.