In 2025, building a website that ranks high on Google is not just about stuffing it with keywords. Today, a site must be both SEO-friendly and accessible to users of all abilities. For Indian website owners, bloggers, marketers, and businesses, this means going beyond traditional strategies and embracing inclusive, optimised design and content. This article explains how to combine SEO and accessibility to make your website more reachable and rewarding.
Why SEO and Accessibility? Go Hand-in-Hand
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and web accessibility serve the same core purpose: enhancing the user experience. An accessible website is easier for everyone to use, including people with disabilities. Google also favours accessible websites in its rankings.
Key Benefits:
- Better user engagement
- Improved rankings on search engines
- Expanded audience reach
- Compliance with legal standards (like India’s Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act)
SEO Trends for 2025
SEO has evolved significantly, especially with the rise of AI and voice search.
Top SEO Trends:
- Voice Search Optimization
- AI-Generated Content Monitoring
- E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness)
- Mobile-First Indexing
- Core Web Vitals
“In India, 71% of users access the internet via smartphones. Optimising for mobile and accessibility is no longer optional.” — TRAI Report 2024
Accessibility Guidelines to Follow
To ensure your website is accessible in 2025, adhere to the WCAG 2.2 guidelines and India’s Accessible India Campaign standards.
Key Accessibility Practices:
- Alt text for all images
- Keyboard navigability
- Readable fonts and contrast ratios
- Closed captions for video content
- Descriptive link texts
“Accessibility is not a feature, it’s a foundation.” — Tim Berners-Lee, Inventor of the Web
Optimising Content for SEO and Accessibility
Your content must be easy to find and easy to understand for everyone.
1. Use Structured Headings
- Use H1 for titles, H2 for sections, and H3 for sub-sections.
- Include keywords naturally in at least 30% of your headings.
2. Short Sentences and Paragraphs
- Keep paragraphs under 80 words.
- Use plain language and an active voice.
3. Descriptive Alt Text
| Image Element | Example Alt Text |
|---|---|
| Product Image | “Blue cotton kurta for men” |
| Infographic | “SEO and accessibility tips infographic” |
4. Internal and External Links
- Use descriptive anchor texts.
- Link to high-authority sources and relevant internal pages.
5. Optimised Meta Tags
- Meta titles under 60 characters.
- Meta descriptions under 155 characters.
Mobile SEO and Accessibility
India has over 1 billion mobile subscribers. A mobile-optimised, accessible website is a must.
Mobile Optimisation Checklist:
- Responsive design
- Accessible mobile menu
- Touch-friendly buttons
- Fast loading speed (under 2.5 seconds)
Tools to Test Mobile SEO:
- Google Mobile-Friendly Test
- Lighthouse Accessibility Tool
Real-World Examples
1. IRCTC Website Redesign
IRCTC revamped its website to be accessible for screen readers and mobile users, improving both usability and SEO rankings.
2. SBI Online Banking
SBI improved form accessibility and added voice-assisted navigation, which also enhanced customer retention.
Tools to Improve SEO and Accessibility
| Tool | Purpose |
| Google Search Console | Tracks search traffic and issues |
| Google Lighthouse | Accessibility and SEO audits |
| SEMrush | Keyword and SEO performance tracking |
| WAVE | Visual accessibility checker |
| Yoast SEO (WordPress) | SEO content optimisation |
Actionable Steps to Take Today
- Conduct an SEO + Accessibility audit
- Add alt text to all images
- Check heading structure
- Optimise meta tags and descriptions
- Ensure keyboard navigation
- Improve mobile responsiveness
Final Thoughts
Building an SEO-optimised and accessible website in 2025 is crucial for long-term success, especially in India’s digitally connected landscape. By combining inclusive design with strategic SEO practices, you not only improve your visibility on Google but also ensure your content reaches a wider, more diverse audience.
Call to Action
Want your website to rank higher and reach everyone? Start today by auditing your content for SEO and accessibility. Your users — and search engines — will thank you.
Ready to boost your reach in 2025? Let us help you build a future-ready website. Contact us today for a free consultation.