Inclusivity Matters: Practical Tips for Accessible LinkedIn Profiles and Posts
May 16, 2024How often do you think about the accessibility of your LinkedIn posts or profile?
We would guess that unless you are in the accessibility field, have physical or neurological disabilities yourself, or are close with someone who does, you likely don’t put much thought into this.
While this is understandable, we’d like to take this opportunity to talk about LinkedIn's accessibility features and how you can make your posts and profile more inclusive!
Here are some practical tips to ensure your LinkedIn content and profile are accessible to everyone:
- Use Alt Text for Images
When you upload images, make sure to add alt text. This helps people who use screen readers understand what the image is about. While character limits are longer than previously allowed, it is recommended that you aim for under 250 characters due to screen reader limitations (some cut off even sooner, so aim for concise and clear, with keywords, using as few characters as possible).
BONUS: Using keywords appropriately in your ALT text can also help with SEO: a win-win for you and your readers.
- Structure Your Posts with Headings
Break your posts into sections using headings and bullet points. This makes it easier for screen readers to navigate and for all users to read.
- Keep Your Language Simple and Clear
Use plain language and avoid jargon. Clear and concise language is easier for everyone to understand, including those with cognitive disabilities.
- Add Titles and Captions to Videos
Whenever you share videos, ensure they have captions and titles. This benefits people who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who prefer to read along. LinkedIn now offers auto-captions for English which makes this much easier than it used to be. You’ll see these options in the video editor when you upload your video in a post. LinkedIn even offers the option to review the auto-generated captions before viewers see them, which is immensely helpful when you know there are names or terms that tend to be misspelled.
- Describe Links Properly
Avoid using "click here" for links. Instead, describe what the link is about. For example, "Download our LinkedIn SEO guide" is much more informative.
- Choose Accessible Fonts and Colors 🎨
Ensure your text contrasts well with the background and avoid using overly decorative fonts. This makes your content readable for people with visual impairments.
At New Terra Digital, we believe that LinkedIn should be a platform where everyone can connect, share, and grow professionally. We hope you found these tips helpful and that you’ll implement them on your pages. With just a little extra effort, you can do your part to make LinkedIn a more accessible space and ensure that you are offering your audiences the best possible experience as well.
