5 Things Screen Reader Users Wish Squarespace Stores Knew (and How to Fix Them in 2026)

Imagine navigating an online store, eager to buy a gift, only to be met with a chaotic wall of unreadable content. No visual clutter, just a sense of utter frustration. This is the reality for many screen reader users. As of 2026, digital accessibility isn’t just a "nice-to-have"; it's a legal imperative under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Equality Act (EAA), especially for businesses operating online. This article, aimed specifically at Squarespace users, will outline five common issues screen reader users face on e-commerce sites, and provide actionable, Squarespace-specific solutions. We'll move beyond basic advice and into the practicalities of making your Squarespace store truly accessible.

1. Meaningless Link Text: The "Click Here" Problem

The Pain Point: "Click here" links. They’re ubiquitous, but utterly useless for screen reader users. A screen reader simply announces "Click here," providing no context about the destination. This forces the user to guess, often leading to navigation errors and immense frustration. It's a basic accessibility blunder, and one that can quickly compound legal risk.

Squarespace Specifics: Squarespace's block editor makes it easy to insert links, but it doesn't enforce meaningful link text. Users often copy and paste text without considering its accessibility. Consider a product description with a link: "Learn more [Click Here]." The screen reader user only hears "Learn more Click here."

Implementation in Squarespace:

• Direct Editing: When inserting a link in any block (Text, Gallery, Product Description), always use descriptive link text. Instead of "Click Here," use something like "View Product Details" or "Read Customer Reviews."
• Custom Code Injection: If you're using custom code for complex links (e.g., affiliate links), ensure the <a> tag has appropriate aria-label attributes. For example: <a href="[affiliate link]" aria-label="Purchase [Product Name] on [Retailer] and support our site">Purchase Now</a>.
• Third-Party Apps: Some Squarespace apps offer link management features. Investigate if any app can automatically scan your site and flag instances of meaningless link text.
• Audit with a Screen Reader: The most crucial step! Use a screen reader (VoiceOver on macOS, Narrator on Windows, or a free alternative like NVDA) to experience your site as a user would.

2. Missing or Inaccurate Alternative Text (Alt Text) for Images

The Pain Point: Images convey a lot of information, and screen reader users are missing out if those images lack descriptive alt text. A missing alt attribute is like a silent omission; an inaccurate one is actively misleading. It’s not just about describing what’s in the image, but its purpose.

Squarespace Specifics: Squarespace’s image blocks have a field for “Alt Text.” However, many users either leave it blank (defaulting to a generic "image") or write vague descriptions like "product photo." Product images, in particular, need meticulous alt text for SEO and accessibility.

Implementation in Squarespace:

• Context is Key: Don’t just describe the visual elements. Consider the image’s function. For a product image, include the product name and key features. For a decorative image, use alt="" (an empty alt attribute) to signal to screen readers that it's purely decorative.
• Descriptive Detail: For example, instead of "red dress," use "red silk evening dress with a sweetheart neckline and flowing skirt."
• Functional Images: If an image acts as a button or link (which is discouraged but sometimes necessary), the alt text should describe the action of the button. For example, alt="Add to Cart".
• Squarespace Product Blocks: Leverage the alt text fields within Squarespace’s product block settings. Be consistent across all product images.
• Automated Alt Text (with Caution): AI-powered image recognition tools (including those integrated within Accessio.ai) can generate alt text. However, always review and edit the generated text for accuracy and context. Automated suggestions are a starting point, not a replacement for human judgment.

3. Complex Forms and Lack of Proper Labels

The Pain Point: Online stores rely heavily on forms – contact forms, checkout forms, newsletter sign-ups. Poorly structured forms are a nightmare for screen reader users. Missing labels, unclear error messages, and illogical ordering can make completing a simple task feel impossible.

Squarespace Specifics: Squarespace’s form blocks offer basic label functionality, but often require manual adjustments to ensure proper association with form fields. Incorrect HTML structure can easily break the accessibility of these forms.

Implementation in Squarespace:

• Label Association: Ensure each form field has a clearly associated label. Use the "For" field in Squarespace's form block settings to link the label to the input field.
• Error Handling: When form validation fails, screen readers need to be notified clearly. Squarespace’s default error messages can be insufficient. Consider using custom CSS and JavaScript (within a Code block) to improve error message accessibility, ensuring they are announced by the screen reader.
• Logical Order: Ensure the form fields are presented in a logical order. The visual order should match the reading order for screen readers.
• ARIA Attributes: For complex form scenarios, consider using ARIA attributes like aria-describedby to provide additional context to screen reader users.
• Testing: Use a screen reader to test the form's usability. Pay close attention to how error messages are announced and whether the user can easily understand the required fields.

4. Keyboard Navigation Issues: Trapped in the Layout

The Pain Point: Many screen reader users rely solemly on the keyboard for navigation. If your Squarespace site's keyboard navigation is broken or illogical, they'll be unable to access key functionality. This isn't just about tab order; it's about focus management.

Squarespace Specifics: While Squarespace provides a baseline level of keyboard accessibility, custom layouts and complex blocks can disrupt the default tab order. Overuse of fixed positioning or CSS tricks can create "focus traps," where the keyboard focus gets stuck in a particular element.

Implementation in Squarespace:

• Tab Order Verification: Use the "Tab" key to navigate through your Squarespace site. Ensure the tab order makes logical sense and follows a clear path through the content.
• Focus Indicators: Ensure visible focus indicators are present for all interactive elements (links, buttons, form fields). Squarespace's default focus indicators can be subtle; consider customizing them with CSS.
• Skip Navigation Links: Provide a "Skip to Content" link at the top of your page. This allows keyboard users to bypass the navigation menu and jump directly to the main content. This is a critical accessibility enhancement.
• Avoid Focus Traps: Be extremely cautious with fixed positioning and CSS that might trap keyboard focus. Test thoroughly with a screen reader.
• Custom Code Injection: For advanced keyboard navigation customization, you may need to use custom code (JavaScript) to manage focus.

5. Inconsistent Heading Structure: A Disorganized Hierarchy

The Pain Point: Headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) provide a crucial navigational framework for screen reader users. A jumbled or inconsistent heading structure makes it difficult to understand the page's organization and find specific information.

Squarespace Specifics: Squarespace's block editor can encourage inconsistent heading usage. Users might inadvertently create multiple H1 tags on a single page, or skip levels in the heading hierarchy.

Implementation in Squarespace:

• Logical Hierarchy: Use headings in a logical order (H1 for the main title, H2 for major sections, H3 for subsections, etc.).
• One H1 Per Page: Each page should have only one H1 tag. This is a fundamental accessibility principle.
• Avoid "Styling" with Headings: Don't use headings simply to make text larger or bolder. Use CSS for styling.
• Squarespace Page Settings: Utilize the "Page Title" field in the Squarespace page settings as your primary H1.
• Content Audits: Regularly audit your Squarespace site's heading structure to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Key Takeaways

• Meaningful Link Text: Always use descriptive link text.
• Detailed Alt Text: Provide accurate and contextual alt text for all images.
• Accessible Forms: Ensure forms have properly associated labels and clear error messages.
• Keyboard Navigation: Verify logical tab order and avoid focus traps.
• Consistent Headings: Maintain a logical and consistent heading structure.

Next Steps

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Use a screen reader and an automated accessibility checker (like WAVE or Lighthouse) to identify issues on your Squarespace store.
2. Prioritize Fixes: Address the most critical accessibility issues first (those that prevent users from completing key tasks).
3. Train Your Team: Educate your team on accessibility best practices.
4. Consider Professional Help: Engage an accessibility consultant for a thorough review and remediation plan.
5. Explore Accessio.ai: For a faster and more efficient approach to addressing these issues at the code level, consider exploring Accessio.ai. It can automate many of the fixes and provide ongoing monitoring to ensure your Squarespace store remains accessible.

The shift towards a truly accessible web is ongoing. By understanding the challenges faced by screen reader users and implementing these Squarespace-specific solutions, you can create a more inclusive and legally compliant online store in 2026 and beyond.