Web Accessibility Matters
Have you ever thought about how someone uses your website if they have a visual or hearing impairment? Epilepsy? Arthritis?
All of these can change how someone interacts with the internet and can make it harder for them to get the same information from your website. 27% of adults in the US have some sort of disability. Those same people control nearly 500 billion dollars worth of disposable income.
But when we create an accessible website, we ensure that everyone – no matter their abilities – can use it and get value from it.
How It Helps Your Business
If you’re going, “Yes, but why does my business need to prioritize this,” let’s break it down.
Protects Your Business from Lawsuits
Want the reason that gets most people’s attention? Web accessibility protects your business from lawsuits and legal issues. In the United States and many other countries, your business can be sued for not being accessible online.
ADA lawsuits for web accessibility can be filed from any location in the US against a business that exists anywhere in the US. That means someone in Florida can sue your business in Colorado for ADA violations.
Improves Your SEO
Here’s the cool thing about Google. One, Google cares about its users and because it cares about its users, it cares about accessibility.
But two, Google browses the internet much like somebody who uses a screen reader browses the internet. Following web accessibility best practices will help boost your SEO because now Google understands your website better.
Web Accessibility is DEI
A core principle of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), web accessibility ensures everyone can access and interact with your website.
That means you’re fostering a more inclusive online space, creating equal opportunities for users with disabilities, and breaking down barriers to be the company you want to be.
Boosts Your Marketing ROI
Want to reach 27% more people with your marketing? Web accessibility allows you to do just that.
Not only does web accessibility help you reach a wider audience and expand your reach, but you’ll see improved conversion rates, SEO, and less expensive fixes in the future.
It’s the Right Thing to Do
Here’s the real reason you should care about web accessibility: it’s just the right thing to do.
When you focus on creating an experience that’s good for all of your customers and users, you’re being a good steward of your corner of the internet.
But when you’re not? You’re causing frustration, feelings of exclusion, and even triggering physical issues.