Have you ever visited a website that had a lot of content and scrolled down to read more, only to find yourself lost at the bottom of the page? How did you get back to the top? Did you have to scroll all the way up manually, or did you look for a button that would take you there instantly? If you are like most users, you would prefer the latter option. A back to top link is a simple but effective feature that can improve the user experience and accessibility of your website. In this blog post, we will explain why you need a back to top link on your website and how to make it accessible for everyone.
What is a back to top link and why is it important?
A back to top link is a button or a link that appears on the bottom or the side of a web page and allows the user to quickly return to the top of the page with one click. It is especially useful for long pages that have a lot of content, such as blog posts, articles, guides, or product listings. A back to top link can help the user to:
• Navigate the page faster and easier, without having to scroll endlessly or use the browser’s back button.
• Find the main menu, the search bar, the logo, or other important elements that are usually located at the top of the page.
• Reduce the frustration and fatigue that can result from scrolling too much, especially on mobile devices.
• Improve the overall user satisfaction and retention, as they are more likely to stay on your website and explore more content.
A back to top link is not only beneficial for the user, but also for the website owner. It can help you to:
• Increase the engagement and conversion rates, as the user can easily access more content.
• Enhance the SEO and ranking of your website.
How to make a back to top link accessible for everyone?
A back to top link is a great feature to have on your website, but it is not enough to just add it and forget about it. You need to make sure that it is accessible for everyone, regardless of their device, browser, or ability. Accessibility is the practice of designing and developing websites that are usable by people with disabilities, such as visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. Accessibility is not only a moral and legal obligation, but also a business opportunity, as it can help you reach a wider and more diverse audience. Here are some tips on how to make a back to top link accessible for everyone:
• Make it visible and easy to find. Choose a color, shape, size, and position that contrasts with the background and stand out from the rest of the content. Avoid using too small or too subtle icons or text that can be overlooked or ignored.
• Make it responsive and adaptable. Ensure that the back to top link works well on different devices, screen sizes, and orientations. Use media queries and relative units to adjust the layout and appearance of the link according to the viewport.
• Make it keyboard and screen reader friendly. Provide a clear and descriptive label for the back to top link, such as “Back to top” or “Return to top of page”. Use the appropriate HTML elements and attributes, such as <a> and href=”#top”, to make the link accessible by keyboard and screen reader users. Avoid using JavaScript or CSS to create the link, as they can be disabled or unsupported by some browsers or devices.
How to add a back to top link to your WordPress website?
If you have a WordPress website and you want to add a back to top link to it, you have two main options: you can either code it yourself or use a plugin. Coding a back to top link yourself can be challenging and time-consuming, especially if you are not familiar with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. You also need to test it on different browsers, devices, and screen readers, and make sure that it is compatible with your theme and other plugins. Using a plugin can be easier and faster, as it can save you the hassle of coding and testing. However, not all plugins are created equal, and some of them may not be accessible, responsive, or customizable enough for your needs.
That’s why we recommend you use Accessible Back to Top, a WordPress plugin that is fully accessible and provides a back to top link that works on any device, browser, or screen reader. Accessible Back to Top is a lightweight and simple plugin that lets you add a back to top link to your WordPress website with just a few clicks. Accessible Back to Top is compatible with any WordPress theme and plugin, and it follows the best practices and standards for web accessibility and performance. It works by bringing the user to the skip link at the top of the page. If there is no skip link, then it brings to the first element of the page.
If you want to see how Accessible Back to Top works, you can check out the demo on our website:
If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions, feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you and help you improve your website’s user experience and accessibility.
If you are looking for a WordPress plugin that is fully accessible and provides a back to top link, look no further than Accessible Back to Top. Download it today for only $5 and see the difference for yourself!