educational

Enhancing Accessibility on Websites

With the broadening demographics of Internet users now encompassing nearly all of humanity (and beyond), it is vital to realize that different users have different capabilities; and many face unique challenges that prevent them from effectively using some websites.

While “designing for search engines” and other non-human entities has long been a hot topic of conversation among adult website developers, taking “the handicapped” into account could provide an equal or better amount of benefit and bottom line boost.

If your visitors are required to be able to read English (or read, period), then you have eliminated many prospects.

For example, the overall aging of the population means that your visitor’s eyesight may not be nearly as sharp as your own; and will likely have grown worse by next year. If your web design sensitivities demand small fonts, at least use a CSS switch to allow the viewer to increase the font size on large blocks of text and consider large tooltips that appear when a user hovers over small navigational icons and other tiny elements. Audio cues can even be used; however, be sure to make it an option so that inappropriate sounds do not suddenly unexpectedly and unwontedly blare from the user’s speakers.

Likewise, motor skills tend to deteriorate at an escalating rate, making it harder for a user to click on just the right spot — even if it is big enough to see — so try not to put navigational buttons or links too close together.

Language skills and reading ability also come into play. If your visitors are required to be able to read English (or read, period), then you have eliminated many prospects. Take a lesson from the airlines and those emergency evacuation instruction cards that are located in the seatback pockets: big, bold, colorful graphics that clearly illustrate vital, lifesaving procedures to a global audience with potentially limited comprehension skills.

Keep in mind the nature of adult entertainment as well. Your visitor may have great eyesight, hand-eye coordination and superb reading skills — but he may also be heavily intoxicated and visiting in the middle of the night, when his skills are highly diminished. Of course, that “relaxed” visitor may be most likely to become a paying customer, so the thought of “catering to drunks” should not be dismissed too quickly.

Some surfers need help to enjoy your site, whether it involves “plus size” fonts, better alt tags and more comprehensive element information to assist automated screen readers, or other tools. Make it easier for them to navigate and enjoy your website and you’ll reap the rewards of reaching the broadest audience possible.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

profile

WIA Profile: Leah Koons

If you’ve been to an industry event lately, odds are you’ve heard Leah Koons even before you’ve seen her. As Fansly’s director of marketing, Koons helps steer one of the fastest-growing creator platforms on the web.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

What France's New Law Means for Age Verification Worldwide

When France implemented its Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law on April 11, it marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing global debate surrounding online safety and access to adult content.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

From Tariffs to Trends: Staying Resilient in a Shaky Online Adult Market

Whenever I check in with clients these days, I encounter the same concerns. For many, business has not quite bounced back after the typical post-holiday-season slowdown. Instead, consumers have been holding back due to the economic uncertainty around the Trump administration’s new tariffs and their impact on prices.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Optimizing Payment Strategies for High Ticket Sales

Payment processing for more expensive items, such as those exceeding $1,000 per order, can create unique challenges. For adult businesses, those challenges are magnified. Increased fraud risk, elevated chargeback ratios and heavier scrutiny from banks and processors are only the beginning.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Lexi Morin

Lexi Morin’s journey into the adult industry began with a Craigslist ad and a leap of faith. In 2011, fresh-faced and ambitious, she was scrolling through job ads on Craigslist when she stumbled upon a listing for an assistant makeup artist.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Still Rocking: The Hun Celebrates 30 Years in the Game

In the ever-changing landscape of adult entertainment, The Hun’s Yellow Pages stands out for its endurance. As one of the internet’s original fixtures, literally nearly as old as the web itself, The Hun has functioned as a living archive for online adult content, quietly maintaining its relevance with an interface that feels more nostalgic than flashy.

Jackie Backman ·
opinion

Digital Desires: AI's Emerging Role in Adult Entertainment

The adult industry has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing new technology. From the early days of dial-up internet and grainy video clips to today’s polished social media platforms and streaming services, our industry has never been afraid to innovate. But now, artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking things up in ways that are exciting but also daunting.

Steve Lightspeed ·
opinion

More Than Money: Why Donating Time Matters for Nonprofits

The adult industry faces constant legal battles, societal stigma and workplace challenges. Fortunately, a number of nonprofit organizations work tirelessly to protect the rights and well-being of adult performers, producers and industry workers. When folks in the industry think about supporting these groups, donating money is naturally the first solution that comes to mind.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

Consent Guardrails: How to Protect Your Content Platform

The adult industry takes a strong and definite stance against the creation or publication of nonconsensual materials. Adult industry creators, producers, processors, banks and hosts all share a vested interest in ensuring that the recording and publication of sexually explicit content is supported by informed consent.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

Payment Systems: Facilitator vs. Gateway Explained

Understanding and selecting the right payment platform can be confusing for anyone. Recently, Segpay launched its payment gateway. Since then, we’ve received numerous questions about the difference between a payment facilitator and a payment gateway. Most merchants want to know which type of platform best meets their business needs.

Cathy Beardsley ·
Show More