Seven Reasons to Make Your Website More Accessible

When it comes to designing and developing a website, accessibility is often overlooked. However, making your website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is not only the right thing to do but also beneficial for your business. In this article, we will explore seven compelling reasons why you should make your website more accessible.

1. Legal Compliance

Creating an accessible website is not just a moral obligation, but also a legal requirement in many countries. Several countries, including the United States, have laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that mandate equal access to goods and services, including websites. By ensuring your website is accessible, you can avoid legal issues and potential lawsuits.

2. Expanding Your Audience

By making your website accessible, you open doors to a larger audience. There are millions of people with disabilities worldwide who rely on assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to access the internet. By implementing accessibility features, you can tap into this untapped market and potentially gain new customers.

3. Improving User Experience

Accessibility features not only benefit users with disabilities but also enhance the overall user experience for all visitors. For example, providing alternative text for images not only helps visually impaired users understand the content but also improves search engine optimization (SEO) by providing relevant information to search engines.

4. Boosting SEO

Search engines value accessible websites because they prioritize user experience. By incorporating accessibility features, such as proper heading structure and descriptive link text, search engines can better understand and index your website. This can result in higher search engine rankings and increased organic traffic.

5. Enhancing Brand Reputation

Making your website accessible demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity and equal access for all. This can greatly enhance your brand reputation and improve customer loyalty. By showing that you value all users, you create a positive image for your business and differentiate yourself from competitors.

6. Increasing Conversion Rates

Accessible websites are often more user-friendly, which can lead to increased conversion rates. When users can easily navigate and interact with your website, they are more likely to complete desired actions, such as making a purchase or filling out a contact form. By removing barriers to accessibility, you can improve your website's conversion funnel.

7. Future-Proofing Your Website

Designing an accessible website ensures that it is compatible with emerging technologies and devices. As technology advances, new assistive technologies will be developed, and accessibility standards will evolve. By making your website accessible now, you future-proof it and ensure that it remains usable and relevant in the years to come.

Bonus Step: Use My New Book as Your Guide!

My book The 5-Step Website Accessibility Blueprint for Small Business Owners covers the top 5 ways of making an accessible website. The book is available at this link.

In conclusion, making your website more accessible is not only a legal requirement but also a smart business decision. By expanding your audience, improving user experience, boosting SEO, enhancing brand reputation, increasing conversion rates, and future-proofing your website, you can reap the many benefits of an accessible website. So, take the necessary steps to make your website inclusive and accessible to all users.