Introduction to Semantic HTML for Improving Web Accessibility

*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.

Semantic HTML is a crucial element for enhancing web accessibility. It is essential for helping people with visual impairments or those who use assistive technologies like screen readers to understand web content. This article will explain the basic concepts of semantic HTML, its benefits, practical usage examples, and key points for improving accessibility.

What is Semantic HTML?

Semantic HTML refers to markup that clearly defines the meaning of elements. For example, using elements like <header>, <nav>, <main>, and <footer> helps logically organize the structure of a web page, making it easier for browsers and assistive technologies to understand the page’s meaning. This enables screen readers and other assistive tools to better analyze web pages, allowing users to access the information more effectively.

Unlike the traditional use of <div> or <span> tags, which focus on visual styles and layout, semantic HTML prioritizes clarity and meaning in the document’s structure.

Benefits of Semantic HTML

Using semantic HTML provides the following benefits:

1. Improved Accessibility: Assistive technologies can accurately interpret and convey the page structure, allowing users to access information without relying on visual cues.

2. Better SEO: Search engines can better understand the content of the page and index it properly, leading to improved search result rankings.

3. Improved Readability and Maintainability of Code: Developers can easily understand the purpose of the code, making it easier to maintain.

4. Consistent User Experience: Semantic HTML provides a consistent navigation and information structure for all users.

Practical Examples of Semantic HTML

Here are some examples of common semantic HTML elements and how they are used:

• <header>: Represents the header of a page or section. It often contains navigation links or logos.

  <header>
      <h1>Web Accessibility Guide</h1>
      <nav>
          <ul>
              <li><a href="#home">Home</a></li>
              <li><a href="#about">About</a></li>
              <li><a href="#contact">Contact</a></li>
          </ul>
      </nav>
  </header>
  

• <nav>: Used to wrap primary navigation links, making it easier for screen readers to identify the navigation area.

  <nav aria-label="Main Navigation">
      <ul>
          <li><a href="#services">Services</a></li>
          <li><a href="#portfolio">Portfolio</a></li>
          <li><a href="#contact">Contact</a></li>
      </ul>
  </nav>
  

• <main>: Represents the primary content of the page. There should only be one <main> element per page to help assistive technologies locate the main content.

  <main>
      <article>
          <h2>Accessibility Basics</h2>
          <p>Web accessibility ensures that all users can access information without barriers.</p>
      </article>
  </main>
  

• <footer>: Defines the footer of a page or section, often containing copyright information or links to contact pages or site maps.

  <footer>
      <p>© 2024 Web Accessibility Guide. All rights reserved.</p>
      <nav aria-label="Footer Navigation">
          <ul>
              <li><a href="#privacy">Privacy Policy</a></li>
              <li><a href="#terms">Terms of Use</a></li>
          </ul>
      </nav>
  </footer>
  

Key Points for Maximizing the Benefits of Semantic HTML

To get the most out of semantic HTML, keep the following points in mind:

• Use the Right Elements: Select the appropriate HTML tags based on the content’s meaning. For example, use <ul> or <ol> for lists, and <strong> or <em> for emphasis.

• Leverage ARIA: Use ARIA attributes like aria-label and aria-labelledby to provide additional meaning, especially when native HTML elements cannot meet the needs.

• Design Without Relying on Visual Cues: Ensure that the HTML alone conveys meaning without relying on styles or JavaScript behaviors. For example, use semantic tags to emphasize important information, not just visual styling.

• Maintain a Logical Text Hierarchy: Use heading tags (<h1> to <h6>) to create a clear, logical structure for your document. Ensure the hierarchy is based on content, not appearance.

Conclusion

Semantic HTML is a fundamental technique for improving web accessibility. By using the correct HTML elements, web developers can ensure that people with visual impairments or those using screen readers can access information accurately. Additionally, it improves SEO and enhances the maintainability of the code. By understanding and applying semantic HTML, web creators can build websites that are accessible to all.

Improving accessibility benefits all users. By utilizing semantic HTML, we can work together to create a more accessible web for everyone.

We have released the UUU Web Accessibility Widget Tool, designed to make web accessibility easy to implement. This tool helps improve the accessibility of websites quickly and efficiently, even without specialized knowledge.

If you’re interested in enhancing your website’s accessibility, please check out the details. We are here to support you in making your website more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.