Something we recently added on LowEndBox as part of our web 2.0 SEO improvement project (and accessibility enhancements) is the addition of the aria-label attribute in hypertext links.
So, what is WAI-ARIA, also known as ARIA-LABEL?
Web Accessibility Initiative – Accessible Rich Internet Applications (WAI-ARIA) is “a technical specification published by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) that specifies how to increase the accessibility of web pages”
Mozilla Developer Network warns that some of ARIA has been incorporated into HTML5. MDN points to the the first rule of ARIA:
If you can use a native HTML element [HTML51] or attribute with the semantics and behavior you require already built in, instead of re-purposing an element and adding an ARIA role, state or property to make it accessible, then do so.
Why should use ARIA-LABEL on your website?
Using aria-label on your website is essential for improving accessibility, as it provides descriptive labels for interactive elements that may lack visible text. This is particularly important for users who rely on screen readers, as the aria-label attribute allows them to understand the purpose of buttons, links, and other controls even when the visual design does not include text. By incorporating aria-label, you ensure that your website is more inclusive, providing a better user experience for people with disabilities, and complying with web accessibility standards such as the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). This not only enhances usability but also broadens your audience reach, making your site accessible to everyone.
SEO benefits to using ARIA-LABEL:
Using aria-label on your website can indirectly benefit SEO by enhancing the accessibility and overall user experience, which are factors that search engines consider when ranking pages. Although aria-label itself is not a direct ranking factor, it helps ensure that your site is accessible to a wider audience, including users with disabilities, which can lead to increased engagement and lower bounce rates—signals that search engines interpret as indicators of quality content. Additionally, as search engines increasingly prioritize websites that adhere to best practices in web accessibility, incorporating aria-label can contribute to better visibility in search results over time, supporting your overall SEO strategy.
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My Low End Adventures started here at LowEndBox, when just a few years back, I found the perfect deal on a dedicated server from OVH!
These days I own my own gorgeous antique server named Darkstar. She is colocated in Dallas, Texas USA at LevelOneServers.com.
Besides writing for LowEndBox, helping as a moderator at LowEndTalk and running Darkstar, I'm trying to learn a little about programming and networking.
All these years, and, still, so much more to learn! So many people here who can teach me!
It's very, very fun here on the Low End, isn't it? :)
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