In this era, having a website is a necessity for almost every business, and an accessible website will give you an added advantage. Website accessibility refers to a user-friendly approach. It means that your business’s website is convenient for all users, regardless of their abilities. Adopting accessibility features could mean having more clients and ensuring user satisfaction while also demonstrating social sensitivity on the part of your business.
For details on how to improve website accessibility and enhance user experience, read on. Then check out web design services offered by EqualWeb.com.
Basic Concepts of an Accessible Website
Website accessibility refers to the practice of setting up web content that is easy for anyone to browse and comprehend, regardless of their abilities. For example, your customers could have visual, hearing, motor, and even cognitive disabilities. However, by including accessibility features in your website design, all users will be able to interact with your site.
For authoritative guidelines, refer to the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These are the globally recognized standards for web accessibility.
Why Is It Beneficial to implement Website Accessibility?
1. Attracting a Larger Market
Nearly one in five people in the UK lives with some form of disability. Thus, making your website accessible will ensure that you reach this crucial segment. Further, doing so will help to increase your customer base, resulting in higher revenues.
2. User Satisfaction
Websites designed with accessibility tend to also be more user-friendly for all users, not just disabled ones. Simple designs, such as sites with more straightforward navigation, readable fonts, and images with alternative text, make it user-friendly for all audiences.
3. Legal Compliance
Websites and apps belonging to the public sector in the UK must adhere to specific minimum standards of accessibility under the UK Equality Act of 2010. Though this applies to mainly public sector organizations, private organizations should also follow these rules to ensure they do not run into legal issues.
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Approaches to Consider for a More Accessible Website
1. Use of Alternative Text for Images
All images should have alternative text that explains the specific aims of the pictures.
Check out the WebAIM Guide on Alternative Text for more insights on how to write effective alt text.
2. Keyboard-Based Navigation
For better accessibility, ensure that all interactive objects on your website can be used without a mouse. This is critical to users who are limited to the use of a keyboard only.
3. Readable and Clear Text
Employ fonts that are easy to read. They should also allow users to increase text size without distorting the site layout. This makes it possible for people with limited eyesight to use your site, and it also makes your site friendlier for persons who simply prefer large print.
4. Text Alternatives for Multimedia
Serve users who are deaf or hard of hearing with captions for videos and transcripts for audio content. This will also help users in a variety of environments.
5. Screen Readers for Greater Website Accessibility
A screen reader and other such assistive devices on your website will remedy any additional problems with your site’s other accessibility features. In the long term, an approach that considers accessibility assures that users who are visually impaired, deaf, illiterate, or who have a learning disability will get the optimal experience when visiting your site.
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Consider This Real-World Example of Website Accessibility
Think about an online retail shop just before Black Friday. The retailer has added audio alerts, video captioning, and other optional formats to their accessible website. Additionally, they have even set up e-tickets to ensure their December goals will be met. This business owner wants to ensure that all customers, including disabled customers, can fully participate in their site’s shopping experience.
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Prioritize Accessibility on Your Website
For these reasons, always remember to prioritize the accessibility of your small-business website. Putting effort into ensuring your site is accessibility compliant is a step toward strategic planning, expanding your reach to more users while also improving their experience.
The steps we offer here will ensure that your business’s website is accessible to and usable by all, thus promoting a more inclusive digital environment. For practical solutions that will make your website more accessible, visit EqualWeb today. Start fostering a more inclusive digital presence right away!
Featured image by Arlette Lopez