Content of your newsletter in the context of accessibility
When writing texts for newsletters, the same advice applies as when writing for the web. Reading online is very different from reading printed text. The content is often only viewed briefly. It is therefore important that texts are written as clearly as possible, and certainly not too long.
Furthermore, it is important that the layout of the text is logical. This layout should also be visible through the use of headings and sub-headings.
If this advice is followed a newsletter will become more accessible. Furthermore, attention should be given to the following:
- Make sure to use words that readers of your newsletter also use, which will make the text easier to understand;
- Divide the content into unambiguous and easy-to-understand sections;
- Start with the most important, then fill in the details;
- Avoid passive sentences;
- Keep sentences short and use bullet points;
- Never write 'Click here' next to a link or a button, but describe what happens (i.e.: 'Subscribe now' as a link, instead of: Would you like to register? Click here).
Subject line
For newsletters, the subject line is especially important. This is the first thing people see, and even a screen reader often reads the subject first. Try to make the subject compact and direct, without unnecessary elements such as the sender's name or 'Newsletter'.
Alt texts
If a newsletter must be accessible, the use of the alt attribute is especially important. The alt text can be used to describe what can be seen in an image. Subscribers with visual impairment often use assistance programs to better understand the text on a page. By using an alt text, images can be read aloud, so that everyone can understand the image.
Describe what you can see on the image as closely as possible. You can add an alt text to every picture and video in your campaign.
