Web Accessibility: Why It’s a Must for Every Business Website
Jeriel Isaiah Layantara
CEO & Founder of Round Bytes
Have you ever landed on a website where the buttons were too tiny to click, the text was a blurry mess, or you couldn’t find your way around? Bet you didn’t stick around long. Now, what if your website is pushing away customers because it’s not accessible? That’s a lot of missed sales and unhappy visitors.
Web accessibility is all about making your website easy for everyone to use, whether they’re on a phone, navigating with a keyboard, or using a screen reader because they can’t see well. It’s not just a tech to-do; it’s about throwing open your digital doors to all. In this article, we’ll uncover why web accessibility is a must for your business (hello, more traffic, better Google rankings, and no legal headaches!) and share five super-simple ways to make your site a star. Ready to dive in? Let’s make your website a place everyone loves!
Why Web Accessibility Matters: The Big Picture
Accessibility means building a website that works for all your visitors, no matter their abilities. It’s about real people (your customers) who might need a little help to browse or buy. Curious why it’s such a big deal? Here are three reasons you can’t ignore:
1. Inclusivity: Invite Everyone to the Party
Who’s visiting your website right now? Sure, you’ve got techy folks on their phones, but what about older visitors struggling with small text? Or parents with hand issues using only a keyboard? Or students with dyslexia relying on tools to read aloud? The World Health Organization says 1 billion people worldwide have a disability. That’s a huge chunk of your potential customers!
If your site isn’t accessible, you’re basically saying, “This isn’t for you.” Ouch. A 2019 study found that 69% of people with disabilities ditch websites that are hard to use, costing businesses billions. Want to keep those customers? An accessible website says, “Come on in!” It builds trust, grows your audience, and turns visitors into fans. What’s your site saying to your visitors right now?
2. SEO: Climb Google’s Rankings Like a Pro
Want to know a secret? Web accessibility is like a turbo boost for your SEO. Google loves websites that are easy to navigate, fast, and clear. All things accessibility fixes deliver. Check these out:
- Alt text for images helps blind users and tells Google what’s in your pics, making them searchable.
- Clear headings (like H1, H2) organize your content for screen readers and show search engines what your page is about.
- Easy navigation keeps people on your site longer, which Google rewards with higher rankings.
One business saw a 12% spike in traffic after adding alt text and better structure. It’s your shortcut to getting found online. How’s your site ranking on Google? Could it use a boost?
3. Legal Compliance: Stay Safe and Shine
Here’s the deal: in many places, web accessibility is required by law. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S. or the European Accessibility Act demand that websites meet standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Skip these, and you could face lawsuits, fines, or a PR nightmare. In 2023, over 4,000 ADA lawsuits hit businesses with inaccessible websites, some paid millions to settle.
But it’s not just about dodging trouble. An accessible website screams, “We care about everyone.” That kind of vibe builds trust and keeps customers coming back. Is your site ready to stay compliant and win hearts?
The Ripple Effect: Accessibility Makes Everyone Happy
Here’s the best part: web accessibility makes your site awesome for everyone. Ever tried watching a video in a noisy café? Captions save the day. Squinting at your phone in bright sunlight? High-contrast text is your friend. On a slow Wi-Fi connection? Simple navigation gets you there faster.
When you prioritize accessibility, you’re crafting a website that’s smoother, friendlier, and more fun to use. That keeps visitors around longer and boosts your business. Who wouldn’t want that?
Practical Tips: 5 Ways to Make Your Website Accessible
Ready to make your website a welcoming hotspot? Here are five easy, WCAG-based tips to get started. These are quick, impactful changes anyone can tackle. Let’s do this!
1. Organize Your Code Like a Pro
Think of your website like a tidy bookshelf. Using proper HTML tags (like
<header>, <main>, or <h1>) keeps everything in place, helping screen readers and Google understand your site. Messy code? It’s like a cluttered shelf—nobody can find anything.Try This:
Pop your site into WAVE (it’s free!) to spot coding hiccups and fix them fast.
2. Give Your Images a Voice
Every image needs a short description (alt text) so screen readers can tell blind users what’s there. For example, “A puppy chasing a ball” is way better than “img_123.jpg.” Decorative images? Use an empty alt tag (
alt="") to skip them.Try This:
Run Lighthouse to catch any images missing alt text and add them in a snap.
3. Make It Keyboard-Friendly
Some folks navigate with keyboards, not a mouse. Hit the Tab key to test your site links, buttons, and forms should all work smoothly. No getting stuck in a loop!
Try This:
Add a visible focus outline (like a bright border) to show where the keyboard is. It’s a game changer!
4. Choose Colors That Pop
Text should stand out clearly against the background. Dark text on a light background (or vice versa) is best. Avoid combos like light gray on white, they’re hard to read. WCAG suggests a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for regular text.
Try This:
Test your colors with WebAIM’s Contrast Checker to make sure they’re easy on the eyes.
5. Caption Your Videos
Videos need captions for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. Transcripts for podcasts or webinars are a bonus and they help Google index your content for better SEO.
Try This:
Use YouTube’s auto captions to start, then tweak for accuracy to save time.
Getting Started: Your Accessibility Adventure
Feeling excited to make your website accessible? You don’t need to redo everything at once. Start small, build momentum, and watch the magic happen. Here’s your game plan:
- Audit Your Site: Grab free tools like WAVE, Lighthouse, or axe DevTools to find quick fixes.
- Aim for WCAG 2.1 Level AA: It’s the standard most laws expect and a great goal.
- Train Your Crew: Get your team on board with accessibility basics.
- Ask Real Users: Invite folks who use screen readers to test your site and share feedback.
- Keep It Up: Check your site regularly to stay accessible as standards evolve.
What’s one accessibility tweak you’re excited to try first?
A Quick Story: Why This Hits Close to Home
Let me share a story about my coworker, Sam. He’s partially blind and uses a screen reader to shop online. Last week, he tried ordering takeout from a restaurant’s website, but the menu images had no descriptions, and the order button didn’t work with his keyboard. Frustrated, he switched to another spot. That restaurant lost Sam’s order and probably more customers because they didn’t prioritize accessibility.
Sam’s experience is a reminder: accessibility isn’t just techy stuff; it’s about making sure everyone can enjoy your site. Don’t let your business miss out like that restaurant did. Have you ever lost a customer because your site was hard to use?
Conclusion: Turn Accessibility Into Your Website’s Superpower
It’s your secret weapon to attract more visitors, climb Google rankings, avoid legal pitfalls, and build a brand that shines. By creating an accessible website, you’re saying, “Everyone’s welcome here,” and that’s the kind of message that turns clicks into loyal customers.
We’re obsessed with building websites that work for all. Ready to make your site accessible and take it to the next level? Let’s create a web that’s open, inclusive, and unstoppable your customers will thank you, and your business will soar!
