When it comes to website accessibility, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions floating around.
A lot of people think that it’s only something that matters to users with disabilities, when in reality, it’s good for business all around.
In this post, we will explore what web accessibility is, why businesses should care about it, and how they can make their websites more accessible to everyone.
- What is Web Accessibility?
- Why Should Businesses Care About Accessibility?
- What are Some Common Problems with Website Accessibility?
- Benefits of Making Your Website More Accessible
- How Businesses Can Improve the Accessibility of their Websites
- Resources for Learning for About Web Accessibility
What is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility refers to the ways in which people with disabilities can use websites.
Disabilities can include blindness, low vision, colour blindness, hearing impairments, physical disabilities, and intellectual disabilities.
Assistive technology, such as screen readers, Braille displays, and speech-to-text software can help people with disabilities access websites.
When websites are designed with web accessibility in mind, people with disabilities can use them just as easily as everyone else. This can make it easier for them to find information, communicate with others, and participate in online activities.
In addition, web accessibility can also benefit people without disabilities.
Ultimately, web accessibility is about making sure that everyone can use the internet. It’s about creating an inclusive online environment where everyone can participate equally.
Of course, this is not just about complying with the law – although that is certainly an important consideration.
It’s also about good business sense.
After all, you want to make sure that your site can be used by as many potential customers as possible.
Why Should Businesses Care About Accessibility?
Businesses should care about web accessibility for a variety of reasons.
First, it’s the right thing to do. Everyone deserves to have equal access to information and services online.
Second, it’s good for business. Making your website accessible to everyone can improve the customer experience, expand your customer base, and improve your bottom line.
Third, it may help to prevent accessibility lawsuits as it’s required by law in many cases. In Europe, the Web Accessibility Directive requires all public-facing websites to be accessible. In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws require businesses to provide equal access to their goods and services, including online.
Fourth, it can improve Search Engine Optimisation (SEO). A well-designed website affects every aspect of its structure, functionality, content, and user experience. The overlapping related features of an accessible website often result in a site that is also well-optimised for search engines.
Finally, you’ll be able to reach a wider audience and tap into new markets. Given that about 15% of the world’s population (over a billion people) lives with some form of disability, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), accessible website design is definitely something you should be considering.
So, there’s no excuse not to make your site accessible to everyone.
What are Some Common Problems with Website Accessibility?
When most people think about accessibility, they think about a disabled person who may need accessibility features like a wheelchair ramp or Braille signage. But accessibility goes far beyond that.
It’s also about making sure that everyone can access and use your website, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they may have.
Unfortunately, many websites are not designed with accessibility in mind, which can exclude a whole group of people from being able to use them.
Some common problems with website accessibility include:
Lack of Alt Text for Images
If your website contains images, it’s important to include alt text (alternative text) for each one. This is especially important for people who are blind or have low vision, as they won’t be able to know the context of the image otherwise.
Poor Colour Contrast
Another common accessibility issue is poor colour contrast. This can make it difficult or impossible for people with visual impairments to see the content on your website.
Complex or Confusing Navigation
Your website’s navigation should be easy to understand and use. If it’s not, people with cognitive disabilities may have difficulty using it.
Small or Illegible Text
Some people have difficulty reading small or illegible text. This can be a problem for people with visual impairments or dyslexia.
Lack of Closed Captions or Transcripts for Videos
If your website contains videos, it’s important to provide captions or transcripts so that people who are deaf or hard of hearing can still access the content.
These are just a few of the common problems with website accessibility.
Benefits of Making Your Website More Accessible
When you think about making your website more accessible, you might think it’s only important for people with disabilities. But making your website accessible can actually benefit everyone who uses it.
Some of the benefits of making your website more accessible include:
Differentiate Your Business from the Competition
Making your website accessible can help you stand out from the competition. You will gain a competitive edge by catering to a wider range of people.
Improved Search Engine Rankings
Websites that are accessible to people with disabilities are often also more accessible to search engines. What’s good for accessibility is often also good for SEO.
Increased Traffic and Reach
Making your website accessible and inclusive can help you reach a wider audience and tap into new markets leading to increased traffic.
Improved Customer Satisfaction
Accessible websites are often easier to use and navigate, which leads to improved customer satisfaction. When people can find what they’re looking for on your site, they’re more likely to be happy with the overall experience.
Better User Experience
In general, accessible websites offer a better user experience. This is good for both your business and your users. When people have a positive experience on your site, they’re more likely to come back and recommend it to others
As you can see, there are many benefits to making your website more accessible. Not only is it the right thing to do, but it can also have a positive impact on your business.
By taking the time to make your site more accessible, you can improve your search engine rankings, increase traffic, and improve customer satisfaction. All of these things can lead to a better bottom line for your business.
How Businesses Can Improve the Accessibility of the Websites
The internet has become an integral part of our lives, providing us with information, entertainment, and communication.
It’s important that everyone can access and use the internet, regardless of their ability level. Unfortunately, not all websites are accessible to everyone.
There are a few simple things businesses can do to improve the accessibility of their websites:
Be Descriptive with Images
When adding images to your website, make sure to include descriptive alt text. This will ensure that people with visual impairments can still understand the content of your site.
There are exceptions to this rule, such as decorative images, but in general, it’s best to be as descriptive as possible.
Choose Colours Wisely
Some colour combinations can be difficult for people with visual impairments to see. When choosing colours for your website, try to avoid using colours that are too similar or that don’t have enough contrast.
Colour blindness is a common problem, so you’ll want to avoid using colours that will make it difficult for people with this condition to use your site.
Make Text Legible
Another important consideration is making sure your text is legible. People with dyslexia can have difficulty reading small or illegible text, so it’s important to use larger fonts and choose a font that is easy to read.
Avoid fancy fonts that might be difficult to read and stick to fonts that are common on most devices.
Use Clear, Concise, and Descriptive language
The language you use on your website should be clear, concise, and easy to understand. This will make it easier for everyone to understand your content, regardless of their level of education or language proficiency.
Additionally, avoid using jargon or acronyms that people might not be familiar with.
Easy-to-use Navigation
Your website should be easy to navigate. This means having a clear and logical navigation system that is easy to understand and use.
Your navigation should be consistent throughout your site and easy to find. The most important links should be prominently displayed, and the overall structure should be easy to follow.
Using Web Standards
Using web standards will ensure that your site can be accessed by a wide range of devices, including mobile phones and tablets, browsers, and assistive technologies.
These standards are created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and include guidelines for design, coding, and accessibility.
These are just a few of the ways you can improve the accessibility of your website. By taking the time to make your site accessible, you’ll ensure that everyone can use and enjoy your content.
Conclusion: Accessibility is a Win-Win for You and Your Users
Making your website accessible is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also good for your business.
By ensuring that everyone can use and enjoy your site, you’ll improve your chances of attracting and retaining customers.
And with more people using the web than ever before, there’s no excuse not to make your site as accessible as possible.
Accessibility is essential for some but ultimately benefits everyone. Making your website accessible is a win-win for you and your users.
So, what are you waiting for? Start making your website more accessible today!
Recap
- Web accessibility refers to making sure everyone, including people with disabilities, can use the internet.
- Businesses should care about web accessibility for a variety of reasons, such as: improving customer experience, expanding their customer base, and preventing lawsuits.
- Common problems with website accessibility include lack of alt text for images, poor colour contrast and complex navigation.
- Benefits of having an accessible website include differentiating from competitors, better search engine rankings, increased traffic and reach and improved customer satisfaction.
- To ensure website accessibility, businesses should be descriptive with images, choose colours wisely, make text legible and use clear language.
- Additionally they should create easy-to-use navigation system and use web standards.
Resources for Learning More About Web Accessibility
If you’re interested in learning more about web accessibility, there are a number of excellent resources available.
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is the primary standards body for the web, and they have developed a comprehensive set of guidelines for making websites accessible to everyone.
The W3C’s Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) is a great place to start if you’re not sure where to begin.
They have outlined their recommended accessibility standards in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and are widely used by web developers and designers. These guidelines are categorised into three levels of conformance: A (lowest), AA, and AAA (highest).
Each level outlines different requirements, so you can choose the one that is most appropriate for your website.
Most recommend following the AA level, as they strike a good balance between meeting the needs of as many people as possible and being achievable for most websites.
Limitless Networks, A Kerry Web Design Company
There’s no better time than now to discuss and get your next web design project started!
We’re here to help you create a website that is not only beautiful but also accessible to everyone. Our accessibility checklist will help ensure your site is compliant with the latest accessibility standards.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and get started on your project!
