Driving Inclusivity & Innovation: The Business Benefits of Website Accessibility and ADA Compliance
Your website serves as the virtual front door to your business. It’s the first interaction many customers have with your brand, making it critical to ensure that this experience is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This is where the concept of website accessibility comes into play, and the emergence of tools that are revolutionizing the way businesses approach this important issue.
What is website accessibility?
Website accessibility means that your website is designed and developed so that people with disabilities can use it, including individuals who have visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities.
To understand website accessibility, it’s essential to be familiar with the four key principles that guide it, as outlined by the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG):
- Perceivable: Information and interface elements should be easily visible or audible to users. For example, use clear text or provide alternatives for non-text content.
- Operable: Users should be able to navigate and interact with the interface without issues. This includes ensuring compatibility with keyboards and giving users enough time to interact with content.
- Understandable: Users should easily grasp the information and how to use the interface. Make text readable, predictable, and offer guidance for any errors.
- Robust: Content should work reliably across different devices and technologies, including assistive tools. The content should remain accessible to ensure compatibility with current and future user tools.
Pssst – Click the person icon at the bottom of your screen to see what a compliant website can do for individuals with disabilities!
Why does website accessibility matter?
Legal Requirements
Making your website accessible is a legal requirement under various laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). In 2018, the DOJ clarified that websites are considered places of public accommodation and must comply with ADA Title III. In 2022, the DOJ reaffirmed it and recommended WCAG 2.1 AA as the best practice.
Inclusivity & Social Responsibility
Web accessibility isn’t just about compliance; it’s about making sure everyone has equal access to information and services online. While providing an accessible website is both ethical and practical, inclusivity on the web is a fundamental right, not just a legal obligation. It’s a reminder that behind every accessibility feature, there’s a person who benefits, making the digital world a more inclusive place for all.
How can accessibility increase revenue for businesses?
Expand Your Audience
By making your website accessible, you’re opening your doors to millions of potential customers who might have been unable to engage with your content or purchase your products and services due to accessibility barriers. The spending power of people with disabilities is more than $6 trillion ($1.28 trillion in the US alone). That’s a lot of revenue that your business could be leaving on the table!
Enhance Your Brand Image
Demonstrating a commitment to accessibility shows that your brand values inclusivity and equality, which can significantly enhance your brand’s image and reputation. By embracing website accessibility, businesses can not only broaden their customer base but also foster a more inclusive society.
Avoid Legal Risk
With increasing legal requirements for digital accessibility, ensuring your website meets these standards is imperative in avoiding potential lawsuits and financial penalties. Legal actions have had a widespread impact across industries, with small and medium businesses in the center. They’ve also increased by 300% year-over-year!
Improve SEO & User Experience
Accessible websites often have better search engine rankings. Many accessibility practices, such as providing alt text for images and ensuring proper heading structure, improve your site’s SEO so you can get to the top of search results in Google. Through the use of proper tools and AI, your website can continue to remain compliant even as new pages are added or old pages are updated.
Making your website accessible is a win-win situation. It not only expands your market reach and enhances your brand reputation, but also ensures you’re on the right side of the law. Through website compliance solutions and integrations, achieving web accessibility is more feasible than ever, allowing businesses to easily cater to all customers, irrespective of their physical or cognitive abilities.
Incorporate website accessibility into your digital strategy today and open your business to the world in a way that’s inclusive, equitable, and legally compliant. Together, we can create a more accessible internet, one website at a time!
At Prismo Marketing, our comprehensive suite of services covers everything for a standout digital brand. From crafting visually stunning and user-friendly websites to boosting online visibility with results-driven SEO, we ensure discoverability and engagement. Our experts collaborate to create a memorable and cohesive brand image, incorporating creative Graphic Design that makes a visual impact, from logos to marketing collateral. Additionally, streamline your business processes with seamless HubSpot CRM integration. At Prismo Marketing, we’re here to turn your digital aspirations into a reality. Ready to elevate your online presence? Contact us today, and let’s get started on propelling your brand to new heights.
