How to write for accessibility (readers, color contrast)?

Here's something most email marketers don't think about: what happens to your email when someone can't see the colors you chose? Or when they're reading on their phone in bright sunlight? Or they're using a screen reader to have the email read to them?

That's email accessibility. It's not just nice for your subscribers. It's the difference between them getting your message and missing it entirely.

So Start with images. Every image needs alt text that describes what the image does, not just what it looks like. "Blue button with white text" isn't helpful. "Click here to confirm your purchase" tells someone using a screen reader exactly what matters.

Next, stop relying on color alone to communicate. That red text telling people about a limited-time offer? Someone with color blindness won't see the urgency. Add bold text, icons, or plain language instead. Your message should work in black and white.

Link text matters too. Don't write "click here." Write the actual action or destination: "view your order status" or "reset your password." Screen reader users often scan by links alone, so your links need to make sense out of context.

So check Check your color contrast. Body text should hit a 4.5:1 contrast ratio against your background. Buttons can go lower at 3:1, but higher is always better. Light gray text on a white background fails. Dark text on light backgrounds wins.

Finally, keep your language plain. Short sentences. Short paragraphs. Real words instead of jargon. This helps screen reader users, non-native speakers, and people who are scanning quickly. Everyone benefits.

Want to audit your email's accessibility right now? The Review My Emails Accessibility Checker shows you exactly where you're missing alt text, contrast ratios, and link descriptions.

Related reading: WCAG accessibility standards for email | reading order and semantic HTML.