Accessibility features are now available in SWOOP Analytics for SharePoint intranet

We are thrilled to announce accessibility checks are now live across SWOOP Analytics for SharePoint intranet!

These checks aim to improve the accessibility and usability of SharePoint intranet content by flagging issues such as missing alt text and unclear link labels.

Our new accessibility checks will help organisations build more inclusive and compliant digital experiences.

“We want to help organisations ensure that every employee, regardless of ability, can fully engage with their intranet content,” said Matt Dodd, SWOOP Analytics’ Product Director.

“With SWOOP Analytics, accessibility is not just a checkbox.

“It's a commitment to empowering every voice and fostering a digital environment where everyone can participate and thrive.”

By aligning with WCAG 2.1 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), SWOOP Analytics is introducing innovative features to help identify and resolve common accessibility barriers.

Key accessibility issues addressed

SWOOP Analytics’ Accessibility Checking identifies and helps resolve:

·        No alt text: Flags images missing alternative text, so content owners can add meaningful descriptions for users who rely on screen readers.

·        Unclear link text: Detects vague or generic link labels like “click here” and prompts editors to use descriptive, purposeful text for every hyperlink.

·        Repeated link text: Identifies identical link text used for different destinations, encouraging differentiation to avoid confusion for all users.

·        Empty link text: Highlights links with no visible or accessible label, often image links without alt text, so every link has a clear purpose.

·        Repeated URLs: Reports cases where different link texts point to the same destination, promoting consistency and clarity across your intranet.

We’re also working hard to add more checks in the future.

A screenshot of SWOOP Analytics for SharePoint intranet's Accessibility Overview.

How does it work with SharePoint’s Accessibility Checker?

One question that might arise is: How does SWOOP’s checker relate to the built-in Accessibility Checker in SharePoint? SharePoint’s editor already flags some issues (like missing alt text or low colour contrast) when you’re creating a page. Why do we need both? The answer lies in scope and proactivity.

Scope

SharePoint’s checker works on one page at a time, in the editing canvas. It’s great for giving instant feedback to the person building that page. However, a large intranet might have hundreds or thousands of pages, and not all editors diligently run the checker for every update. SWOOP Analytics for SharePoint intranet operates at a higher level. It can scan all pages (or all pages in a hub or site) and compile a central report of issues. It’s like an eagle-eye view of your intranet’s accessibility health.

This helps managers or intranet owners track overall compliance and spot patterns (e.g., “We have dozens of pages with missing alt text – maybe our training needs to emphasise that more.”).

Proactivity

SWOOP Analytics for SharePoint intranet surfaces issues even if a page hasn’t been recently edited. Perhaps an old page from 2019 still has an image with no alt text; no one would open it in the editor to trigger the built-in checker, but SWOOP Analytics for SharePoint intranet will include it in its next scan. Also SWOOP Analytics for SharePoint intranet flags issues (like link text) that the SharePoint checker currently does not, thereby filling some gaps and make sure those pesky “click here” links are identified.

That said, we consider the two tools complementary, not competing. In fact, our advice to users is to use them together. SWOOP Analytics for SharePoint intranet will point out what pages and what general issues need attention; then, when you go to fix a specific page, use SharePoint’s Accessibility Checker within the page editor for additional guidance. The SharePoint checker might catch colour contrast problems or offer precise instructions (e.g., “Add a description for this image”) which SWOOP Analytics leaves to Microsoft’s domain.

SWOOP Analytics essentially serves as an early warning system at scale. It tells you where to look. When you then open that page, the SharePoint assistant (or your own expert knowledge) helps resolve it.

In short: SWOOP Analytics for SharePoint intranet’s Accessibility Checker amplifies the reach of accessibility scanning and catches some nuanced issues, while SharePoint’s built-in checker gives you inline fixing tools. Together, they significantly lower the chances of an accessibility bug slipping through into your live intranet.

Benefits for all

Improving accessibility isn’t just about ticking a compliance box – it’s about making your intranet usable and welcoming for all employees. Here are a few reasons why SWOOP Analytics considers accessibility checking a must have:

• Proactive compliance: SWOOP Analytics continuously monitors your SharePoint intranet for accessibility issues, helping you stay ahead of accessibility requirements without manual effort.

• Inclusive culture: By making content accessible to everyone, you foster a workplace where all employees can participate fully, regardless of ability.

• Enhanced user experience: Clearer links, descriptive images, and consistent navigation improve usability for all users, not just those with disabilities.

• Operational efficiency: Automated detection and reporting saves time for content managers, allowing teams to focus on improvements rather than searching for problems.

• Quality and consistency: SWOOP Analytics’ checks encourage best practices in content creation, resulting in a more professional, trusted, and user-friendly intranet.

Best practices and tips for maintaining accessibility

Maintaining accessibility on your SharePoint intranet is an ongoing journey, and SWOOP Analytics for SharePoint intranet makes it easier with actionable insights and practical guidance. Here are our top tips to help your team create and sustain accessible content:

• Always provide meaningful alternative text for images, or mark them as decorative if they serve no informational purpose.

• Use descriptive link text that clearly indicates the destination or action. Avoid generic phrases like “click here.”

• Keep link usage consistent: use the same link text for identical destinations, and ensure identical link text only points to the same place.

• Leverage SWOOP Analytics’ Accessibility dashboard to regularly scan for issues across all pages, and use SharePoint’s built-in Accessibility Checker when editing content.

• Educate and train content authors on accessibility guidelines, emphasising the importance of alt text, proper headings, and clear navigation.

• Structure content with logical headings (H1, H2, H3…) to support navigation for all users, including those using screen readers.

• Ensure sufficient colour contrast and avoid relying solely on colour to convey information.

By following these tips and integrating accessibility checks into your workflow, you’ll create a SharePoint intranet that is welcoming, usable, and compliant for everyone.