Your law firm’s website makes the first impression on potential clients. A user-friendly, visually appealing website builds trust and guides clients to act. However, one often overlooked aspect of web design is contrast.

Contrast is more than just a design principle. It’s a key factor in accessibility, readability, and user experience. Poor contrast can deter visitors, especially those with visual impairments, from navigating your website effectively.

But how can you tell if your website lacks contrast? We’ve prepared a checklist of elements that could be lacking in contrast.

Text Boxes

One of the most common areas where contrast issues arise is text boxes. When the background and text lack contrast, the text can be difficult to read, even for visually impaired visitors.

Checklist for Text Boxes

• Use a strong color contrast ratio between the text and the background (at least 4.5:1 for standard text and 3:1 for large text as per WCAG guidelines). Large text is 18 pt regular or 14 pt bold per WCAG.
• Avoid light gray text on white backgrounds or dark gray text on black backgrounds.
• Use high-contrast color combinations such as black text on white or white text on navy blue.
• Test readability in different lighting conditions, including low light or bright sunlight.

Font Color

Font color is critical in branding and contrast. You risk losing potential clients’ attention if your font color doesn’t stand out against your background.

Checklist for Font Color

• Select a font color that complements your brand and maintains high contrast.
• Test your font color on all devices. Text that looks good on a desktop may appear poorly on a mobile device.
• Avoid using low-contrast color pairings like yellow text on white or light blue on gray.
• Incorporate accessible text features like bold or larger fonts for emphasis instead of solely relying on color.

Images and Backgrounds

Images and backgrounds are a great way to build visual interest on your website. However, if not appropriately designed, they can create readability issues. WCAG discourages images of text, except logos, so use real HTML text for consistent contrast and scaling.

Checklist for Images and Backgrounds

• Avoid placing text directly on top of busy or textured images unless there is a text overlay with a solid background color.
• Use relevant but subtle images to keep the focus on the text and CTAs (Call-to-Actions).
• Ensure that background gradients or patterns do not interfere with text legibility.
• Test contrast levels between your images and any text or buttons layered over them.

Call-to-Actions (CTAs)

Your CTAs are the driving force behind client engagement. Whether you want a potential client to schedule a consultation or download a lead magnet, CTAs must stand out.

Checklist for CTAs

• Use contrasting colors for CTA buttons and surrounding areas (e.g., a bright red button on a white background).
• Ensure that CTA text is legible and high-contrast (e.g., bold white text on a dark blue button).
• Test your CTA buttons across different devices to ensure consistency in visibility.
• Use hover effects that enhance contrast, such as a color change or underline, to signal interactivity.

Navigation Menus

Navigation menus are a crucial part of the user experience. Poor contrast here can confuse users and lead to a higher bounce rate.

Checklist for Navigation Menus

• Ensure menu items contrast sharply with the background (e.g., white text on a black header).
• Use contrasting hover states to indicate clickable links.
• Test drop-down menus for legibility and ensure text doesn’t blend into background elements.
• Avoid overly subtle colors for active menu items. Clients should know which page they are on immediately.

Links and Hyperlinked Text

Links and hyperlinked text should stand out from surrounding content while remaining accessible to users with color blindness.

Checklist for Links

• Use colors that contrast nicely with surrounding text, such as blue hyperlinks on a white background.
• Underline links or use bold text to make them distinguishable beyond just color.
• Avoid using light pastel colors for links, as they can blend into lighter backgrounds.
• Ensure visited and active links are differentiated to guide repeat users effectively.

Buttons and Icons

Buttons and icons guide users through your website. They must stand out while aligning with your overall design aesthetic.

Checklist for Buttons and Icons

• Use contrasting colors for button backgrounds and text (e.g., white text on a dark green button).
• Ensure icons are clear and simple enough to maintain visibility at small sizes.
• Test buttons and icons on hover states to ensure they remain identifiable.
• Avoid overly muted colors that can blend into the background.

Testing and Tools for Contrast

You can verify contrast with reliable testing tools. These checks help you catch issues across themes and devices.

Checklist for Testing and Tools

• Use the WebAIM Contrast Checker to test color pairs against AA and AAA thresholds.
• Run audits with Lighthouse and axe DevTools to flag contrast failures across pages and components.
• Check colors in Chrome or Firefox DevTools, which show contrast ratios and pass or fail badges; Chrome also offers vision deficiency emulation.
• Test system modes, like Windows Contrast Themes and iOS or Android dark mode, to confirm ratios stay sufficient.

Forms and Input Fields

Forms need clear boundaries and readable feedback to pass contrast requirements. These checks improve completion rates and accessibility.

Checklist for Forms and Input Fields

• Ensure UI component boundaries and icons meet 3:1 non-text contrast (WCAG 1.4.11).
• Make labels, help text, and error messages meet text contrast, 4.5:1 standard or 3:1 large text, and avoid low-contrast placeholder text.
• Do not rely on color alone for validation, add icons or text cues (WCAG 1.4.1).
• Ensure a visible keyboard focus on inputs per WCAG 2.4.7, and meet WCAG 2.2 Focus Appearance when possible.

Accessibility Tools

Incorporating accessibility tools into your website ensures an inclusive experience for all users. It goes beyond compliance. It is committed to inclusivity and ensures all visitors can access and engage with your content.

Checklist for Accessibility Tools

• Include a contrast adjustment tool to let users customize the website’s appearance.
• Use tools to check your website’s compliance with WCAG guidelines. Verify against WCAG 2.1 AA or WCAG 2.2 AA, including non-text contrast (1.4.11), link and focus states, and form components.
• Add an accessibility statement to let users know you’re committed to inclusivity.

Let Conroy Creative Counsel Help With Your Website Contrast

A professional and accessible website can make or break a potential client’s decision to contact you. High contrast enhances readability, improves accessibility for those with visual impairments, and increases engagement across all devices. Using this checklist will allow your law firm to create a website that serves all visitors effectively while maintaining a polished and professional image.

Conroy Creative Counsel can help if you’re unsure about your website’s contrast or need help optimizing it for better usability. Our expert team of web designers can create accessible, user-friendly websites tailored to your firm.

Contact us today for a consultation.