Why Website Accessibility Matters for Growth
Website accessibility isn’t just about compliance – it’s a powerful driver of business growth and search engine rankings. By making your website accessible to everyone, you can tap into a market of over 1 billion people with disabilities while improving your overall user experience and SEO performance.
The Business Case for Accessibility
People with disabilities control over $13 trillion in disposable income globally. Making your website accessible allows you to capture this massive market opportunity while demonstrating social responsibility.
Key Accessibility Changes That Drive Growth
1. Proper Heading Structure
Use H1-H6 tags in a logical hierarchy to improve navigation and SEO. This helps both screen readers and search engines understand your content structure.
2. Image Alt Text
Add descriptive alt text to all images so screen reader users can understand them. This also helps with image SEO and rankings.
3. Color Contrast
Ensure sufficient color contrast between text and backgrounds (minimum 4.5:1 ratio). This helps users with visual impairments and improves readability for everyone.
4. Descriptive Link Text
Avoid generic link text like “click here.” Use descriptive text that explains where the link goes, helping all users navigate confidently.
5. Keyboard Navigation
Make all functionality available via keyboard for users who can’t use a mouse. This includes visible focus indicators.
6. Form Labels and Instructions
Clearly label all form fields and provide instructions for complex inputs. This reduces errors and frustration for all users.
7. Video Captions
Add accurate captions to videos for deaf and hard of hearing users. This also helps with video SEO and engagement.
8. Audio Transcripts
Provide text transcripts for audio content to make it accessible to deaf users and improve content searchability.
9. Skip Navigation Links
Add skip links to help keyboard users bypass repetitive navigation elements and access main content quickly.
10. ARIA Labels
Use ARIA labels to provide additional context for screen readers when HTML semantics aren’t sufficient.
11. Responsive Design
Ensure your site works well across all devices and screen sizes. This is crucial for both accessibility and mobile SEO.
12. Clear Typography
Use readable fonts at appropriate sizes with adequate line spacing. This helps users with visual or cognitive impairments.
13. Focus Management
Manage keyboard focus properly, especially for interactive elements and modal dialogs.
14. Error Identification
Clearly identify errors and provide instructions for correction. Use both color and text to convey error states.
15. Table Headers
Use proper table markup with headers to make data tables accessible to screen reader users.
16. Language Declaration
Declare the primary language of your pages and any language changes within content.
17. PDF Accessibility
Ensure PDFs are tagged properly and include appropriate metadata for accessibility.
18. Regular Testing
Conduct periodic accessibility testing using both automated tools and manual testing methods.
SEO Benefits of Accessibility
Many accessibility improvements directly benefit SEO:
– Better content structure
– Improved user experience metrics
– Enhanced mobile optimization
– Reduced bounce rates
– Increased time on site
– Better indexation by search engines
Getting Started with Accessibility
Making your website accessible doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with these steps:
1. Conduct an accessibility audit
2. Prioritize critical issues
3. Create an implementation plan
4. Test with real users
5. Monitor and maintain accessibility
Partner with Accessibility Experts
Implementing accessibility changes requires expertise and ongoing commitment. Working with experienced professionals ensures you make the right improvements that drive real business results.
