Semantic HTML for Accessibility


Semantic HTML uses meaningful elements to describe the structure of a webpage.

These elements help browsers, screen readers, and search engines understand content better.

What Is Semantic HTML

Semantic elements clearly describe their purpose.

Instead of using only generic containers, semantic HTML explains what each section means.

Examples of Semantic Elements

Some common semantic elements include:

  • header
  • nav
  • main
  • section
  • article
  • footer

In this layout, screen readers cannot easily understand the role of each section.

Now screen readers can clearly identify each part of the page.

How Semantic HTML Helps Accessibility

  • Improves screen reader navigation
  • Makes page structure clear
  • Reduces the need for extra ARIA roles

Semantic HTML and Keyboard Users

Keyboard users rely on logical structure.

Semantic elements help them move through content efficiently.

Semantic HTML and SEO

Search engines understand semantic elements better.

This improves page ranking and discoverability.

Common Semantic HTML Mistakes

  • Using only div for everything
  • Skipping heading levels
  • Placing content outside main sections

Why Semantic HTML Matters for Jobs

Professional developers are expected to use semantic HTML by default.

It shows strong frontend fundamentals.

Practice Task

Convert a page layout that uses only div elements into semantic HTML structure.

What You Will Learn Next

In the next lesson, you will learn how to make images accessible using alternative text.