WCAG 2.1 Help Blog
WCAG 2.1 audit checklist for marketing sites
Marketing sites move fast. This checklist keeps audits focused on user-impactful issues without slowing launches.
1) Confirm the templates in scope
Start by listing the page types that matter most to revenue and user flow: home page, product/solution pages, pricing, contact, and any campaign landing pages.
Include at least one example of each template. This gives you coverage without testing every single URL.
- Home, product/solution, pricing, and contact templates
- Landing page variations and lead-gen forms
- Blog or resource templates if they drive conversion
2) Run a quick automated scan
Automated tools catch common issues (missing labels, contrast failures, empty buttons), but they are not enough alone.
Use scans to prioritize which pages need deeper manual checks.
3) Manual checks that actually matter
Manual testing confirms real user impact. Focus on keyboard access, headings, labels, focus states, and error handling.
- Keyboard navigation order and visible focus
- Headings and landmarks that match page structure
- Form labels, instructions, and error messages
- Color contrast on text, buttons, and links
- Images with meaningful alt text
4) Document issues in engineer-ready language
Capture reproduction steps, expected behavior, and the WCAG success criteria impacted. This turns findings into clear tickets.
Attach screenshots or short recordings if the issue is visual or interaction-based.