Clap, Click, Scroll — Everyone’s Invited: Creating Inclusive Content for All

"If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands —”

*Wait… not everyone finds joy in the same way. Not everyone expresses it the same. Let’s rethink that plan.

In content, if you’re happy and you know it… you might drop a gif in the group chat. Or, hit the fwd button. Maybe you just feel seen by a message, and that’s “it.” All of those options are valid, and worth representation. 

Inclusive content isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about reshaping the environment of online content to be more welcoming, representative, and truly useful. From language and visuals to accessibility issues and structural design, every choice we make in content creation either opens doors—or builds barriers.

Whether you're here on a DEI assignment or are eager for empowerment, creating inclusive content is both a complex challenge and a worthwhile opportunity. Done well, it builds trust, expands your audience, and positions your brand as a leader in inclusion.

Let’s walk through how to make those doors wide open—no monsters hiding behind them (only our friendly dslx ones, we promise).

What is inclusive content?

Inclusive content reflects and respects the differences that make us human. It makes space for all users—across identities, genders, abilities, ages, and experiences. It includes language, visuals, and design that welcomes everyone, not just the assumed majority.

Put into practice, that means:

• Making content accessible to all abilities
• Addressing barriers to access
• Reflecting diverse viewpoints
• Using inclusive language
• Avoiding stereotypes

Inclusive content acknowledges that the way we speak, design, and share information carries weight—and that weight should not exclude, harm, or erase, but welcome and empower. 

Why inclusive content matters

Inclusion is more than a buzzword—it's a business imperative.

In a complex world, inclusive content:

• Leads to stronger brand loyalty and higher conversions 
• Makes your platform usable by more people
• Builds trust across diverse audiences 
• Reflects your organization's values 
• Improves engagement and access 

Above and beyond moral brownie points, search engines reward accessibility (trust us, we speak SEO). Clean code, intuitive design, and inclusive language improve crawlability and user experience alike. 

‍Need to read it from others? We like research too. The Guardian wrote a whole article on the positive impact of inclusive campaigns, citing a global advertising study that found diversity and inclusion actively persuade 62% of buyers' initial choice and 15% of shoppers' brand loyalty.

On top of that, a review in College & Research Libraries shared that inclusive content, such as diverse representation in university course materials, enhances students' sense of belonging and engagement. Because let's be honest—exclusion isn't just bad ethics, it's bad UX.

People want to feel seen, heard, and considered. When your content accomplishes that, it doesn’t just serve—it connects. 

How to create inclusive content: 3 Key considerations

Creating inclusive content starts with intentional choices. It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. By focusing on a few core practices, you can begin to build content that reaches more people, respects their experiences, and reflects the world we live in—eyes wide open.

1. Make your content accessible 

Every person processes information differently. Accessible and inclusive content meets people where they are—across differences in ability, learning style, and technology use.

Put to practice, that means:

• Structuring clearly 
• Designing for a range of users
• Offering multiple content formats 

‍Example that goes beyond the standard: dslx proves on a daily basis that differences are not limitations—they’re superpowers when you design with intention. We write tech with heart, empower minority writers through the dslx academy, and are a fully-functional dyslexic content agency.

In the example above, dslx's World Dyslexia Awareness Week LinkedIn post didn’t just celebrate a cause—it lived the message. By sharing information creatively, accessibly, and with heart, it reflected the very values of inclusive content. It went beyond informing and onto inviting, creating space for connection, understanding, and meaningful engagement across differences.

To make your content more accessible, try:

Optimizing for usability

From incorporating a logical structure to help both users and screen readers navigate your content easily to providing translations and captions for videos, better your chances for your message to land by adding: 

• Text alternatives for non-text elements 
• Alt text for images and graphics 
• Transcripts for audio content
• Clear headings in articles
• User-friendly navigation 
• Descriptive link text 
• Captions for videos
• Translations

‍Creating content considering diverse learning styles 

Ever met that business exec that can rock a boardroom but can’t tell their right from their left? Or how about the number wizard that’s still learning their first language? The world is built of many learners, sensitivities, and skillsets, let’s find out how to reach them all. 

For example: 

• Incorporate a mix of text, visuals, audio, and interactive elements to engage different types of learners effectively 
• Avoid flashing graphics or sensory-overload elements
• Provide a user-friendly layout that’s easy to follow

This video from Heyflow's YouTube channel provides:

✅ An organized template

✅ Captions for wider retention

✅ An overview at the beginning to aid various learners 

✅ A range of visual languages from text to demonstrations to appeal to multiple senses

…key box checks for inclusive 'How To's'. 

2. Use inclusive language

Words shape worlds. If we want to see a change in the world, craft a specific narrative, or build a brand, inclusive language is vital to communicating respect, openness, and awareness in storytelling.

Put to practice, that means:

• Avoiding gendered language 
• Using messaging that fosters a sense of inclusion
• Steering clear of idioms which assume a default experience

Not everyone wants to be looped into a group by saying “hey, guys”, has a partner of the opposite sex, or vibes with an idiom that assumes shared physical ability. Don’t *cue pun voice* turn a blind eye to word choice. 

Example that changes the standard: 

Unilever recently decided to remove the word “normal” from all packaging and advertising across its beauty brands. Why? Because “normal” suggests that the rest are excluded or even lesser. 

This move reflects a deeper commitment to inclusive language that respects diverse skin types, textures, and identities—shaping a brand that invites everyone to feel welcome, not “abnormal.”

To make your language more inclusive, try:

Using collaborative terms and tones 

We get it, some of these just come out of habit. Yet, they’re little adjustments that can create big space in the workplace and content. 

For example:

• “We,” “you,” and “I” create a personal, welcoming voice as opposed to the more distant “users,” “leads,” or “clients”  
• “Everyone" or the good ole "folks," if that suits your tone of voice, is a great alternative to “you guys” 
• “They,” “one,” or “people” can be used instead of “man” when speaking in general terms and wrap a lot of other people in

Asking questions

Knowledge comes from education, experience, and asking. From putting the preferred pronouns question at the head of in introductions, meetings, and intakes to checking in with your content before you press “send,” using core questions as you build and strategize will help you create accessible and inclusive content and spaces. 

For example:

• How can I simplify this without losing meaning?
• What assumptions am I making? 
• Are people being left out? 

Simplifying language 

Replace jargon, seemingly innocent idioms, and internal lingo with clear, straightforward (or at least alternative) terms that a wide audience can understand (shout out: content writing tips).

For example: Marketing is notoriously jargony and FOA (full of acronyms) (we just made that one up). Be aware of your audience by not assuming that they know what you’re talking about. Your KPIs (key performance indicators) will surely rise.   

3. Include multiple perspectives 

Inclusion requires reflection. It asks us to pause and ask: who’s missing here?

Put to practice, that means considering:

• Gender, age, socioeconomic background
• Regional or geographic differences
• Neurodiversity and mental health
• Race, ethnicity, culture

Think about how a Gen X professional might engage with an article versus a Gen Z student. Or how two people from different backgrounds might interpret a visual. Representation requires intention.

Exhibit A: This giphy is potentially:

• Hilarious and resonates, making the technically disinclined and comedy movie aficionados feel seen, in community, and ready to vibe with the content further.
• Outdated and missed, as Zoolander (the movie where the clip comes from) came out in 2001, so it’s more of a Millennial-to-Boomer classic rather than core Gen Z content.
• Too focused to function, narrowing cultural, ethnic, and generational relatability, particularly if paired with more content that represents only this demographic (nothing on you, Zoolander crew).   

Example that goes beyond the standard: 

In the example above, Slack’s YouTube channel features a range of users interacting with the product—people of different professions, backgrounds, and ages. 

If you're using video production to showcase a product demo, show a range of users—different ages, accents, skin tones, and working environments. That might mean someone using a screen reader, a parent working from a kitchen table, or a non-native English speaker navigating the platform. People should see themselves reflected in how your product is used.

To include multiple perspectives, try:

Gathering inclusive insights 

Conduct research on your target audience, underrepresented people, and market competitors to find the gap—then fill it. 

For example: Typeform is a great user-friendly platform to create surveys to gather insights. Craft your questionnaire and share via social media, email marketing, and on your homepage and let the info flow!

Regularly auditing your content 

With great power comes great responsibility… and with new awareness, comes a round of edits. We’re all constantly learning here. Tend to those gaps, speak your refined mission, and repurpose existing material to meet market needs.  

Adding trigger warnings or content notes 

We’re not all coming to content from the same place. From newsletters to videos, a heads up goes a long way in this world.

For example:

Trigger warning: This page contains references to x, y, z… which some individuals may find distressing. 

Seeking personal stories

There’s a wide range of people and a variety of talent out there—tap into it! Whether it’s an influencer campaign highlighting real customers or a landing page showing off your ethos and team, personal stories build brand loyalty, community, and trust. 

‍For example: Headspace, a mental health support provider, features their internal community, full of a variety of characters for a variety of people to vibe and identify with. 

Micro-storytelling, listening to your customers, and community are all essential parts of the future of content, how can you create inclusive content around these pillars? 

Together, we can create a more inclusive world

Feeling inspired? Us too. 

Inclusion is not a trend. It’s a shift. A shift toward a world where more people can access, understand, and benefit from the work we put into the world.

It’s how brands move from relevance to resonance—by fostering trust, expanding reach, and reflecting the full spectrum of their audience. Inclusive content doesn’t check a box; it opens doors, deepens connection, and creates space for everyone to belong.

Let’s make your brand a leader in a more inclusive world. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your content creation journey, dslx is here to help. Let's work together