As a business owner, you know that a high-performing, reliable website is crucial for your online presence. However, one often overlooked aspect of website quality is accessibility. Making your website accessible can significantly boost your business’s reach, enhance SEO, and improve overall growth. While the idea might seem overwhelming, familiarizing yourself with accessibility standards and using the right tools can make the process straightforward and highly beneficial.

website accessibility

Image by J S from Pixabay

The Impact of Accessibility

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 27% of American adults have a disability. If your website isn’t accessible, you could be missing out on a substantial portion of your potential customer base. Disabilities include conditions such as low vision, blindness, ADHD, dyslexia, hearing impairments, seizures, and more. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all online information be easily accessible to everyone, regardless of their limitations. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) provides guidelines based on four key principles:

  1. Perceivable: All information and UI components on your website must be easily perceivable. This means users should be able to adjust text size, use text-to-speech tools, or enable high contrast for better visibility.
  2. Operable: Your website should be fully navigable using a keyboard, ensuring that all users, including those with physical disabilities, can easily interact with it. Safety measures, such as limiting flashy pop-ups, should also be in place.
  3. Understandable: Content on your website should be clear, concise, and logically presented. Ensure buttons and interfaces are user-friendly and error messages are helpful and easy to understand.
  4. Robust: Your website should work seamlessly across various devices and assistive technologies, ensuring that all users have a consistent experience.

Why You Should Invest in Accessibility

  1. Compliance: ADA compliance is not just beneficial—it’s the law. Websites must adhere to the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design to avoid legal repercussions.
  2. Improved SEO and Reach: Accessible websites rank better in search engines, enhancing your visibility. Features like alt text for images not only help disabled users but also improve your SEO.
  3. Enhanced Brand Image: Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility shows that your business values inclusivity and cares about its customers, which builds brand loyalty and trust.
  4. Competitive Advantage: An accessible website is easier to navigate and use, which attracts and retains more customers. It also sets you apart from competitors who may overlook this important aspect.

Getting Started with Accessibility

To begin, focus on the basics before investing in advanced tools. Collaborate with your web designer to create clear, concise content and intuitive navigation. Here are a few practical steps:

  • Content Clarity: Ensure your content is straightforward and easy to follow.
  • Alt Text: Add descriptive alt text to all images and videos.
  • Navigation: Keep your navigation simple and logical.
  • Visibility Options: Include plugins that allow users to adjust font size, spacing, and color contrast to suit their needs.

Screen reader plugins and other accessibility features can significantly enhance your site’s usability for disabled users. Incremental changes towards accessibility not only improve user experience but also bring you closer to full compliance, giving you a competitive edge.

At Wheaton Website Services, we specialize in building and maintaining websites for small and medium-sized businesses. We understand the importance of a reliable, high-performing website and are committed to making your site accessible, ensuring it runs flawlessly and profitably. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals with a stress-free, dependable web solution.