Web accessibility: a necessity, not a luxury
In today’s digital age, web accessibility is no longer a luxury but a necessity. With over 14 million disabled people in the UK, ensuring your website is accessible is crucial. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about inclusivity and providing equal access to information and services for everyone.
Here at iWeb, we understand the importance of web accessibility. Our expert solution architects and talented team are dedicated to creating websites that are not only visually appealing but also accessible to all users. By improving your web accessibility, you can reach a wider audience and enhance the user experience for everyone.
Legal implications of web accessibility
Failing to make your website accessible can have serious legal consequences. In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 requires businesses to make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to disabled people. This includes websites and online services.
Non-compliance can result in legal action and hefty fines. For example, in 2019, a blind man successfully sued Domino’s Pizza in the US for not having an accessible website. This case highlights the importance of web accessibility and the potential legal risks of neglecting it.
Boosting your SEO with web accessibility
Improving your web accessibility can also boost your search engine optimisation (SEO). Search engines like Google favour websites that are accessible and user-friendly. By making your website accessible, you can improve your search engine rankings and attract more organic traffic.
For instance, using proper heading tags, alt text for images, and descriptive link text can enhance your website’s SEO. These elements not only make your website more accessible but also help search engines understand your content better. At iWeb, our talented team can help you optimise your website for both accessibility and SEO.
Enhancing user experience through accessibility
Web accessibility is not just about compliance; it’s about enhancing the user experience for everyone. An accessible website is easier to navigate, more user-friendly, and provides a better overall experience for all users, including those with disabilities.
For example, using clear and simple language, providing text alternatives for non-text content, and ensuring your website is navigable by keyboard can significantly improve the user experience. Our team at iWeb is dedicated to creating websites that provide an exceptional user experience for all users.
Expanding your audience with accessible design
By making your website accessible, you can expand your audience and reach more potential customers. An accessible website can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities, older adults, and those with temporary impairments.
For instance, a website that is accessible to screen readers can be used by visually impaired users, while a website with captions for videos can be used by hearing-impaired users. At iWeb, we have 29 years of e-commerce experience and can help you create an accessible website that reaches a wider audience.
Building a positive brand image through accessibility
Improving your web accessibility can also help you build a positive brand image. By demonstrating your commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, you can enhance your brand reputation and build trust with your customers.
For example, a study by the Click-Away Pound found that 71% of disabled customers will leave a website that is not accessible. By making your website accessible, you can show your customers that you care about their needs and are committed to providing an inclusive online experience. Our team at iWeb can help you build a positive brand image through accessible web design.
Increasing conversions with accessible websites
An accessible website can also help you increase conversions and boost your sales. By making your website easier to use and navigate, you can reduce barriers to purchase and improve the overall shopping experience for your customers.
For instance, a study by the Baymard Institute found that 69% of online shopping carts are abandoned due to usability issues. By improving your web accessibility, you can reduce cart abandonment rates and increase conversions. At iWeb, we have a track record in e-commerce and can help you create an accessible website that drives conversions.
Future-proofing your website with accessibility
Finally, improving your web accessibility can help you future-proof your website. As technology continues to evolve, accessibility standards and guidelines are also changing. By making your website accessible now, you can ensure it remains compliant and user-friendly in the future.
For example, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are regularly updated to reflect new technologies and best practices. By staying up-to-date with these guidelines, you can ensure your website remains accessible and compliant. Our team at iWeb can help you future-proof your website with accessible design and development.
Reach out to iWeb today to learn how we can help you improve your web accessibility and enhance your digital transformation. Our expert solution architects and talented team are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us to get started.
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