TeamIn today’s digital age, it’s no secret that the Internet is becoming an essential part of our lives. We use the Internet for many things, from staying in touch with friends and family to working and shopping. So, it’s vitally important that businesses make their websites accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. Making your business website accessible ensures everyone has equal access to your web’s benefits.
What Exactly Is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility makes your website content accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This includes ensuring text is readable, images have alternate descriptions for people who can’t see them, and providing audio versions of website content for people who are blind or deaf. By ensuring your website are accessible to everyone, you’re opening it to a larger audience and creating a more inclusive online community.
Why Prioritize Web Accessibility
Here, we’ll discuss why prioritizing web accessibility is essential for your business.
Increased Audience Reach
Audience reach is an essential aspect of any business. No matter the size of your company, you want to connect with as many potential customers as possible. However, some barriers can prevent this from happening. Web accessibility is one of those barriers. By making your website accessible to all, you can open up your business to a whole new audience and increase your reach exponentially.
Improves Usability
Everyone agrees that a well-designed website is the key to the success of any business. However, many business owners don’t realize that making your website accessible to everyone is also essential. By prioritizing web accessibility, you are improving the usability for all visitors, regardless of their abilities.
Suitable For Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Web accessibility helps rank higher in search engine results. This is because search engines like Google prefer websites that are accessible to as many people as possible. In other words, by making your site accessible, you’re also making it more visible to potential customers. So, it’s time to start if you’re not already prioritizing web accessibility.
Building Positive Public Relations
Web accessibility is one area businesses often overlook when trying to build a strong public relationship. By ensuring your website can be accessed by everyone, regardless of ability, you can show that your business is committed to inclusion and diversity. This will help ensure that your business stays ahead of the competition.
Shielding From Accessibility And Discrimination Lawsuits
If you are looking for ways to protect your company from liability as a business owner, accessibility is one area that you may not have considered. Making your website accessible to those with disabilities can help deter lawsuits alleging discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Creating Happy And Loyal Customers
Creating happy and loyal customers should be any business’s top priority. Customers are more likely to return and recommend your company to others when they are happy. One way to create satisfied and loyal customers is to ensure your website is accessible to everyone. Web accessibility means anyone with disabilities can use your website, and it also makes your site easier for everyone to use. So if you want to create happy and loyal customers, your business’s web accessibility should be a top priority.
Increasing your conversion rate.
Prioritizing web accessibility is the right thing to do and can positively impact your bottom line. Making your website accessible to people with disabilities can help you reach a larger audience and tap into a market that is overlooked. This will increase your conversion rate, meaning more people will complete the desired action like signing up for your newsletter or shopping from your site.
How To Make Your Website More Accessible
Prioritizing web accessibility is not only the proper thing to do but can also impact your bottom line. Making your website accessible to everyone can help you reach a larger audience and tap into a market that is overlooked.
The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates all websites be accessible to people with disabilities, and failure to comply may result in penalties. So can you make your website accessible?
- Ensure that all text is large and readable.
- Use high-contrast colors
- Use descriptive alt-text for all images
- Use simple language throughout the site.
- Add captions and transcripts for all video and audio content
- Provide alternate methods of navigation
In Conclusion
The world is constantly changing. Therefore, it’s vital to ensure that your site is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. By prioritizing web accessibility, you’re not only opening your business up to a larger audience but also standing by your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
