Many BigCommerce store owners are realizing that accessibility isn’t just a “nice-to-have” – it’s a legal imperative and a business necessity. Ignoring accessibility can expose your store to lawsuits, damage your brand reputation, and exclude a significant portion of potential customers. This article tackles the ten most frequent accessibility problems we encounter in BigCommerce checkouts, offering practical solutions tailored specifically for BigCommerce users.
Understanding the Landscape: WCAG & BigCommerce
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 are the internationally recognized standard for web accessibility. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the US, and similar legislation worldwide (like the European Accessibility Act, or EAA 2026), increasingly hold online businesses accountable for providing accessible experiences. BigCommerce itself provides some built-in accessibility features, but relying solely on them isn't enough. Many themes and custom integrations introduce accessibility barriers that need addressing. We'll focus on practical fixes within the BigCommerce admin panel and utilizing available apps.
Why is Checkout Accessibility Particularly Critical?
The checkout process is a critical conversion point. If users with disabilities encounter barriers here, they are likely to abandon their carts, resulting in lost revenue and frustration. Ensuring a smooth and accessible checkout experience is paramount to inclusive business practices.
The 10 Most Common BigCommerce Checkout Accessibility Issues & Solutions
1. Missing or Incorrect ARIA Labels
ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels are crucial for providing context to assistive technologies like screen readers. Missing or inaccurate labels leave users confused and unable to complete their purchase.
Problem: Form fields (address fields, credit card number, etc.) often lack descriptive labels or the labels are not properly associated with the input fields.
Solution: Within the BigCommerce product or page editor, carefully review each form field. Use the “Label” field to provide clear and concise descriptions. For complex fields or custom elements, use ARIA attributes like aria-label or aria-labelledby in the HTML. Many themes use custom JavaScript; ensure these scripts correctly manage ARIA attributes.
2. Poor Keyboard Navigation
Users who rely on keyboard navigation (often due to motor impairments) should be able to access and interact with all checkout elements using the Tab key.
Problem: Tab order is illogical, certain elements are not focusable, or focus indicators are unclear.
Solution: Use the Tab key to manually test the keyboard navigation flow through your entire checkout process. Ensure elements receive focus in a logical order. Use CSS to style the :focus state clearly, making it visually apparent which element has focus. BigCommerce's theme customization options allow you to adjust CSS styles.
3. Insufficient Color Contrast
Low color contrast between text and background makes it difficult for users with low vision to read.
Problem: Text on buttons, form fields, or labels lacks sufficient contrast against the background color. Solution: Use a color contrast checker (like the WebAIM Contrast Checker) to verify that your color combinations meet WCAG 2.2 AA or AAA standards. BigCommerce's theme editor lets you adjust color palettes. Consider using pre-built themes designed with accessibility in mind.
4. Missing Form Field Error Handling & Instructions
Errors during checkout are frustrating for everyone, but particularly for users with disabilities.
Problem: Error messages are unclear, unhelpful, or not associated with the relevant form fields. Lack of clear instructions on how to correct errors.
Solution: Implement clear and descriptive error messages that are programmatically associated with the erroneous form fields (using aria-describedby). Provide concise instructions on how to fix the error. BigCommerce's custom code injection allows for more sophisticated error handling.
5. Dynamically Updated Content Without ARIA Live Regions
Dynamic content updates (like shipping cost calculations or inventory changes) should be announced to screen reader users.
Problem: Content updates occur without any notification to assistive technologies, leaving users unaware of changes.
Solution: Use aria-live regions to announce dynamic content updates. This attribute tells screen readers to announce content changes without requiring the user to navigate to the updated area. This often requires custom JavaScript development, which can be implemented via BigCommerce's custom code injection.
6. Inconsistent Labeling and Terminology
Using inconsistent language throughout the checkout process can confuse users.
Problem: Different terms are used to describe the same concept (e.g., "Billing Address" vs. "Address for Invoice"). Solution: Establish a consistent terminology guide and ensure it’s applied uniformly throughout the checkout process. This requires a thorough review of all labels, instructions, and error messages.
7. Complex or Unclear Form Layout
A cluttered or poorly organized form layout can be overwhelming for users.
Problem: Form fields are crammed together, lack visual separation, and are difficult to scan. Solution: Simplify the form layout by using clear headings, visual cues, and sufficient spacing between form fields. BigCommerce’s theme customization options allow for adjustments to form layout and structure.
8. Missing or Inadequate Alternative Text for Images
Images used in the checkout process (e.g., logos, icons) should have descriptive alternative text.
Problem: Images lack meaningful alt text, making them inaccessible to screen reader users.
Solution: Provide concise and descriptive alt text for all images. If an image is purely decorative, use alt="" to indicate that it should be ignored by screen readers. This can be done directly in the BigCommerce image editor.
9. Unnecessary JavaScript Dependencies
Excessive or poorly written JavaScript can interfere with accessibility.
Problem: JavaScript libraries introduce conflicts or create accessibility barriers. Solution: Carefully evaluate all JavaScript dependencies. Ensure they are well-maintained and accessible. Minimize the use of custom JavaScript where possible. If custom code is unavoidable, thoroughly test it with screen readers. Consider using Accessio.ai to automatically scan for and fix these kinds of JavaScript accessibility issues at the source code level.
10. Insufficient Testing with Assistive Technologies
Relying solely on visual inspection isn't sufficient to ensure accessibility.
Problem: Accessibility issues are missed due to a lack of testing with assistive technologies. Solution: Conduct regular accessibility testing using screen readers (like NVDA or VoiceOver), keyboard navigation, and other assistive technologies. Involve users with disabilities in your testing process.
Key Takeaways
- Accessibility is a legal and ethical imperative: Ignoring accessibility can lead to legal action and damage your brand reputation.
- BigCommerce provides some accessibility features, but they are not enough: Custom themes and integrations often introduce accessibility barriers.
- ARIA labels are essential: Provide clear and descriptive labels for all form fields and interactive elements.
- Keyboard navigation is critical: Ensure users can access and interact with all checkout elements using the Tab key.
- Automated accessibility tools can help: Tools like Accessio.ai can significantly reduce the time and effort required to identify and fix accessibility issues, especially those rooted in code. They fix issues at the source code level, unlike simple overlay widgets.
Next Steps
- Conduct an accessibility audit: Use automated tools and manual testing to identify accessibility issues in your BigCommerce checkout.
- Prioritize fixes: Address the most critical issues first, focusing on those that impact the largest number of users.
- Implement the solutions outlined in this article: Make the necessary changes to your theme, custom code, and content.
- Test, test, test: Thoroughly test your checkout process with assistive technologies.
- Consider using an AI-powered accessibility solution: Accessio.ai can automate many of the accessibility testing and remediation tasks, freeing up your team to focus on other priorities.
- Stay up-to-date with accessibility standards: WCAG evolves; ensure your checkout remains compliant.
We’ve seen firsthand how a commitment to accessibility can not only reduce legal risk but also expand market reach and improve customer satisfaction. Don’t let accessibility be an afterthought – make it a core part of your BigCommerce store’s design and development process.