Accessible Website Navigation & Page Structure – Checklist: Optimize Your Website According to the BFSG

Starting June 28, 2025, the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) comes into force. Companies will then be required to design their websites and digital applications accessibly – this particularly includes a structured page architecture, accessible navigation elements, and the implementation of WCAG 2.1 standards as well as DIN EN 301 549.

A well-planned website structure with clear, accessible user guidance not only improves digital accessibility but also usability and search engine optimization (SEO).

Why is Accessible Navigation Crucial for Your Website?

• Meet legal requirements: BFSG, WCAG 2.1 & DIN EN 301 549 require a clear, accessible structure.
• Enable digital inclusion: People with visual impairments, motor limitations, or cognitive disabilities can better grasp content.
• More revenue, reach & better User Experience (UX): Reach a broader audience and reduce bounce rates through intuitive navigation.
• Better SEO rankings: Google positively evaluates accessible websites and good structure for ranking.

Checklist: Accessible Website Navigation & Page Structure

• ✅ Clear Main Navigation: Easy to find and understand (often top or left).

• ✅ Consistent Navigation: Keep menu structure the same on all subpages.

• ✅ Heading Hierarchy: Correct use of H1-H6 for content structure.

• ✅ Sitemap & Search: Provide a sitemap and a search function.

• ✅ Breadcrumbs: Help users orient themselves on complex pages.

• ✅ Keyboard Accessibility: All menu items must be reachable via keyboard.

• ✅ Focus Indicator: Clearly highlight the currently selected element.

• ✅ "Skip Links": Allow skipping navigation blocks.

• ✅ Responsive Navigation: Works on all devices (desktop, mobile).

• ✅ Understandable Link Texts: Clearly state where a link leads.

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