The Importance of Accessible Websites in a Competitive Marketplace
Dufferin Media Shares Website Design Best Practices for Accessibility AND a FREE Website AUDIT Invitation
An accessible website is not just a matter of inclusivity; it’s a strategic necessity for businesses aiming to thrive in a competitive landscape. An accessible website ensures that all individuals, regardless of physical or cognitive abilities, can effectively navigate, engage with, and derive value from the online presence of a business.
#DYK – There are over 1.3 BILLION people Worldwide with disabilities. 22% of Canadians aged 15 or older are living with at least one disability that affects accessibility. (SOURCE)
Beyond the ethical obligation to provide equal access to information and services, there are significant business benefits to prioritizing website accessibility.
In this article, Dufferin Media shares its favourite website design best practices, from expanding the potential customer base to enhancing brand reputation and mitigating legal risks. An accessible website is a cornerstone of modern business strategy, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and customer-centricity.
What Is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility ensures that all digital marketing assets, particularly your website, are designed to be accessible to all users. It encompasses various aspects that you might overlook, including:
- Providing alternative text (ALT TEXT) for all images
- Ensuring sufficient colour contrast for readability
- Offering alternative formats for video and audio content
- Implementing closed captioning for videos.
Overall, regulations are emerging to mandate that businesses, governmental bodies, and nonprofit organizations transition towards crafting digital marketing and information accessible to all individuals.
Related Article: Collaborative Intelligence: How Web Developers and Designers Are Embracing Artificial Intelligence
How Does an Accessible Website Benefit Business?
There are many reasons to consider an accessible website for your business. Beyond fulfilling social responsibility and bolstering reputation, it’s simply the ethical choice to ensure inclusivity online. Here is a great list of what an accessible website can do for your business:
- Expanded Audience Reach: An accessible website accommodates users with disabilities, broadening the potential audience and increasing opportunities for engagement and conversion.
- Enhanced User Experience: Improved website accessibility leads to a more positive user experience for all visitors, increasing consumer satisfaction, loyalty, and repeat business.
- Improved SEO Performance: Accessibility features such as descriptive alt text and structured content can enhance search engine optimization (SEO), leading to higher visibility and ranking in search results.
- Legal Compliance: Maintaining an accessible website helps businesses comply with legal requirements and regulations, reducing the risk of litigation and associated costs.
- Positive Brand Image: Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and diversity through website accessibility fosters a positive brand image, enhancing reputation and building trust.
- Increased Conversions: By removing barriers to access and ensuring smooth navigation, an accessible website can increase conversion rates and drive business growth.
- Competitive Advantage: Businesses with accessible websites gain a competitive edge in the market, attracting a wider audience and outperforming competitors who neglect accessibility.
- Adaptability to Future Trends: Prioritizing accessibility ensures that your website is prepared to adapt to evolving technologies and user needs, future-proofing your online presence.
- Cost Savings: Investing in accessibility from the outset can prevent costly redesigns or retrofits in the future, saving time and resources in the long run.
- Alignment with Business Values: Incorporating accessibility into your website reflects your organization’s commitment to social responsibility and inclusion, aligning with corporate values and mission. (SOURCE)
FREE Pinterest Resources for Entrepreneurs
THE FREE AUDIT: How Accessible is Your Website?
The team at Dufferin Media is dedicated to helping you ensure your website meets the WCAG AA 2.2 guidelines. To start, we offer FREE accessibility audits on your current website. From there you will receive a detailed report of where your website can improve to be more accessible.
To get started, fill out the contact form below.
In addition, if you wish to continue improving your accessibility compliance, our website team is accessibility trained and can rebuild your website according to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.
Specialists in Digital Marketing and Accessible Website Design
Dufferin Media’s staff are fully certified in web accessibility and offer top-notch digital marketing services. Our webmasters will create accessible website designs tailored to your specific audience and industry niche, ensuring maximum impact and ROI.
Moreover, partnering with us ensures that your website design captivates visitors, prolongs their stay, and distinguishes your business from competitors. Whether you require a straightforward website or a comprehensive eCommerce platform, Dufferin Media is your trusted digital solutions provider.
Get in Touch with a Dufferin Media Digital Marketing Specialist today!
Lastly, whether your goal is to boost sales or elevate brand awareness with your accessible website, rest assured that Dufferin Media offers end-to-end support with our diverse range of digital marketing packages for business.
Contact us today to discover how Dufferin Media can partner with your business to build an accessible website.
