Website stuff you may want to check

Starting on Oct 1, Google will start marking websites as 'unsafe' that are not https. This is on Chrome browsers. (Something else to try to get done this week.)
Also, apparently, even without any real, recent guidelines or regulations in place, random 'enterprising' entities are suing lodging businesses because their websites are not ADA compliant. So, big deal, right? There's no legislation in place for 'public sector' businesses. Why worry? Mostly because these people are going to waste your time and spend your money by sending you legal documents you have to respond to.
Here is some info from the ADA.gov website on the basic things you can do to get started.
A more recent article with more steps to take and an explanation.
A legal look at the issue.
WordPress has a plugin called WP Accessibility Helper that you might want to take a look at if you use WP.
It appears, from a quick scan of the article blurbs, legislation will be looked at again next year. But, we can still get started now.
And, a list from El:

• alt text on all images that is more than a mere word or two but a full description of the image;
• convert pdf documents into webpages or word docs;
• avoid dictating "only" colors and font settings so that the viewers browser can make adjustments;
• videos need to incorporate features that provide audio descriptions and captions;
• minimize blinking, flashing or other distracting features; ability to pause sliders or other moving objects;
• transcripts for audio (podcasts);
• use titles, context and other heading structures.;
• forms and tables must have labels for each control;.
• use punctuation where appropriate (ending sentences, as an example, so text readers know where to stop.)

This is an extension you can use on Chrome to test your site.
I don't even play a lawyer on TV, so read up on these things yourselves and make your own choices.

Although converting to https is the way to go, beginning in October your site will only be flagged as unsecured if you have forms on your pages to enter data or in incognito mode. No need to panic (yet) (which was what I was doing until I consulted Mr. Google).

Momma Smurf said:

Although converting to https is the way to go, beginning in October your site will only be flagged as unsecured if you have forms on your pages to enter data or in incognito mode. No need to panic (yet) (which was what I was doing until I consulted Mr. Google)..

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I've set up the https for my website but I haven't done a full conversion including re-directs, that's one of my projects for this winter.
I'm sure someone will correct me on this if I'm wrong, but I think it affects your seo ranking if you're not https.

convert pdf documents into webpages or word docs;
I don't understand this one, Microsoft Word over PDF, really? I can understand web page over PDF.

OnTheShore said:

convert pdf documents into webpages or word docs;
I don't understand this one, Microsoft Word over PDF, really? I can understand web page over PDF..

Click to expand...

OnTheShore said:

convert pdf documents into webpages or word docs;
I don't understand this one, Microsoft Word over PDF, really? I can understand web page over PDF.

Click to expand...

I thought the same. Don't get it, but maybe there's some legitimate reason.
For some Innspiring innkeepers, the requirement for punctuation will be the hardest part. ;-)

WP people, has anyone used this plug-in? R*^*eally Simp-le SSL for one step conversion to https?

Highlands John said:

Momma Smurf said:

Although converting to https is the way to go, beginning in October your site will only be flagged as unsecured if you have forms on your pages to enter data or in incognito mode. No need to panic (yet) (which was what I was doing until I consulted Mr. Google)..

Click to expand...

I've set up the https for my website but I haven't done a full conversion including re-directs, that's one of my projects for this winter.
I'm sure someone will correct me on this if I'm wrong, but I think it affects your seo ranking if you're not https.
.

Click to expand...

I remember hearing all sorts of hype that if a website wasn't mobile-friendly, it would drop in the rankings of google searches. Well, many of the B&Bs in my city have horrible websites, but it didn't drop them in the search results (and I checked on various devices).
It sounds like I might be ok because my reservation page thru ResKey is https. That's the only form where guests need to input anything. My main website is a google blog, which supposedly helps with my SEO. I guess it would help even more if I actually blogged more...

Swirt said I do not need to do it. Works for me.

I went through every page of my website and made sure all images have alternate text. Took about 40 minutes. That's all I'm planning to do for now. I'm hoping this doesn't apply to blog posts! I'd hate to have to go through all of those.

Momma Smurf said:

WP people, has anyone used this plug-in? R*^*eally Simp-le SSL for one step conversion to https?.

Click to expand...

I've used it for 2 websites, but it's not universal. There are still things in the theme itself that need to be adapted for HTTPS.
The plugin mostly handles rewrite rules and external resources (that are loaded the right way).
Not all themes are HTTPS-friendly.