Digital transformation progression means diverse pools of users will want to use your website to learn and shop. To ensure those with disabilities can do this, you need to improve site accessibility.
\While you may assume that your site is accessible to those with impairments, the reality is, most are not.
For example, a study found that 70 percent of websites in several industries were “unavailable” to blind users. The research discovered that Amazon, Best Buy, and Target were leaders in the space, others had lots to improve upon. Results included:
- 80 percent of news sites had accessibility issues.
- Less than one-third had clear contact information or instructions for blind users on how to seek help.
- Sites with accessibility issues lost $6.9 billion to eCommerce competitors.
To avoid revenue losses and ensure access for all, we’re going to provide you with some pro tips to improve accessibility.
Quick Takeaways
- Website accessibility is essential to engaging those with disabilities and providing an excellent experience.
- Accessibility has legal, reputation, and economic consequences when you don’t execute it well.
- With these tips, you can elevate your site’s accessibility and prevent disabled customers from abandoning your brand.
Why Does Website Accessibility Matter?
There are a host of reasons that website accessibility is critical. With an accessible site, you protect your reputation, ensure legal compliance, and expand economic opportunities.
Brand Reputation
A significant segment of the population is dealing with at least one disability that prevents them from regular website interaction. When your website isn’t inclusive to these people, it can be very harmful to your brand. Most users care about how brands treat customers and the world.
You could suffer reputation harm from not being accessible, which will turn away many people. You never want to let the ball drop on accessibility. Not only should you be working on it behind the scenes, but you should promote your commitment to it, which could strengthen your brand equity.
