10 Oct 2025 | Accessibility | General
For many organisations, accessibility has long been viewed as a compliance requirement, something to meet regulations or tick a box. But new research from Semrush, supported by AccessibilityChecker.org and BuiltWith, shows that accessibility delivers much more. It’s now a proven way to improve visibility, boost organic traffic, and strengthen SEO performance.
The Numbers Behind the Impact
In a study of 10,000 websites, the findings were consistent and compelling:
• 70% of sites failed to meet accessibility standards.
• Accessible websites saw a 23% increase in organic traffic.
• They appeared in 27% more keyword searches
• And achieved a 19% higher Authority Score.
(Summary of findings from Semrush and AccessibilityChecker.org: accessible websites saw higher traffic, more keyword visibility, and improved Authority Scores.)
The connection is clear. Websites that are easier for everyone to use are also easier for search engines to understand and rank.
Accessibility and the Future of Search
As AI-driven discovery tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity continue to shape how people find information, accessibility takes on even greater importance. These systems “read” and interpret content much like screen readers, depending on well-structured, clearly labelled, and logically organised pages.
That means websites built with accessibility in mind already have an advantage, performing better in both traditional search and AI-powered discovery.
Why It’s a Business Advantage
Accessibility improvements such as alt text, clear headings, navigation and page speed aren’t just good practice; they’re proven to enhance SEO performance. Accessible websites attract more visitors, perform better in search, and deliver a smoother experience that keeps people engaged.
At Sitemorse, we help organisations focus on these fundamentals. By improving accessibility, you’re not just creating a more inclusive experience, you’re improving your site’s visibility and reach.
Start by Understanding Your Risk
Before you can improve SEO performance, you need to know where you stand.
Use our FREE Accessibility Checker to see how your site measures up. It’s instant, no signup or email required.
Knowing your starting point helps you focus your efforts where they’ll have the biggest impact, improving accessibility, strengthening SEO, and unlocking more organic traffic.
Read the full article from Semrush: [Study] Why Accessibility Matters More Than Ever for SEO Performance