> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.laposta.org/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.laposta.org/_mcp/server.

# Writing accessible content for your newsletter

> Make your newsletter easier to read for every recipient and suitable for screen readers.

Roughly the same advice applies to the texts in a newsletter as to writing for the web. People read very differently online than on paper and often scan the content briefly. Your texts are therefore easiest to follow when they are clear and not too long, with a visible structure of headings and subheadings.

## Writing clear and concise texts

These tips will make a newsletter easier for everyone to understand:

* Use words that the readers of your newsletter use themselves.
* Divide the content into unambiguous and easy-to-understand sections.
* Start with the most important point and only give the details afterwards.
* Avoid passive sentences (such as 'is being' and similar phrasing).
* Keep sentences short and use bullet points.

> **Tip**
>
> On the Laposta website, you can find a [checklist to make the content of your newsletter more accessible](https://www.laposta.nl/over-ons/nieuws/zo-maak-je-de-inhoud-van-je-nieuwsbrief-toegankelijker-voor-iedereen).

## Writing a good subject line

For newsletters, the subject line is extra important. This is the first thing people see, and a screen reader often reads out the subject first too. Keep the subject compact and direct, without unnecessary elements such as the sender's name or the word 'Newsletter'. Read more about this in [writing a good subject line](/hoe-schrijf-ik-een-goede-onderwerpregel). The [previewtext](/hoe-gebruik-ik-de-previewtekst) appears in the inbox directly after the subject and deserves the same attention.

## Choosing texts for links and buttons

When you place a link, make sure your reader knows where it leads and what can be found on that page. Never write 'Click here' or 'Read more' for a link or on a button, but describe what happens.

With buttons across multiple columns, screen reader software may read out the button texts one after another. Your subscriber will then only hear 'read more, read more, read more', for example. Therefore, use the button to describe what information it leads to or what your subscriber can do there, such as 'Read: short title of this article' or 'Sign up here'.

The same applies to links in running text: it is better to write 'Subscribe now' than 'Want to subscribe? Click here'.

## Adding alt texts to images

Subscribers with a visual impairment often use assistive tools to better understand text on a page. Screen reader software cannot see an image, but it does read out the accompanying alt text. This allows everyone to understand what is shown in the image. Describe what the image shows as clearly as possible. You can add an alt text to every image and video in your campaign. How to do this is explained in [adding an alt text to an image](/kan-ik-een-alt-tekst-plaatsen-bij-de-afbeelding-in-mijn-nieuwsbrief).

An alt text is not always necessary or useful. For someone using a screen reader, an unnecessary alt text is actually distracting. Therefore, leave out the alt text for images that are purely decorative. This also applies to images containing text that is already included in your newsletter, if the picture adds nothing else. Conversely, a newsletter that [consists only of images](/is-het-verstandig-alleen-afbeeldingen-in-mijn-nieuwsbrief-te-zetten) is difficult to follow anyway.

Read more about design and layout in [design in the context of accessibility](/vormgeving-in-het-kader-van-toegankelijkheid).

## Related articles

#### [What to look out for in an accessible design?](/vormgeving-in-het-kader-van-toegankelijkheid)

Make the design of your newsletter accessible to every reader with a readable font…

#### [What requirements does accessible HTML code meet?](/opbouw-html-code-in-het-kader-van-toegankelijkheid)

Guidelines for headings, tables, alt texts, screen readers and more for an imported…

#### [Entering alt text for an image](/kan-ik-een-alt-tekst-plaatsen-bij-de-afbeelding-in-mijn-nieuwsbrief)

Add a description to your images for screen readers and blocked pictures.

#### [How do you come up with topics for your newsletter?](/wat-zijn-goede-onderwerpen-voor-mijn-nieuwsbrief)

Five set angles to come up with relevant topics for your newsletter.