Why Every Business Needs An ADA Compliant Website

Referred to as digital accessibility, designing a website that considers individuals with visual, hearing, and physical impairments, as well as cognitively challenged populations like the elderly, is both a moral imperative and a legal obligation. Yet, shockingly, less than 1% of websites meet full ADA compliance. This oversight neglects a significant demographic, potentially alienating them from accessing 99% of online content. Ensuring ADA compliance for your brand's site is crucial, not just to adhere to legal standards but to leverage the business advantages it brings, setting you apart from the competition.

Expand Your Customer Reach

Adopting ADA compliance broadens access to a wide demographic, encompassing many within your target market. This act of digital inclusion not only enhances your online visibility but also positions your brand as a preferred choice over competitors lagging in web accessibility. For insightful guidelines on creating an inclusive digital space, consider the principles shared by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI), which offers a comprehensive framework for accessibility.

Avoid Expensive Lawsuits

Accessibility issues can lead to costly legal challenges, damaging both finances and reputation. Implementing an accessibility widget, like AccessiBe, integrates essential features such as a multi-language screen reader and adaptable navigation controls, mitigating the risk of lawsuits. Proactively drafting an accessibility policy with legal guidance is a minor expense compared to the potential costs of litigation. The ADA National Network provides resources to understand compliance requirements, helping to shield your business from legal pitfalls.

Inclusion is the Standard

The year 2020 underscored the importance of inclusion, extending to individuals with disabilities. Demonstrating commitment to diversity through ADA-compliant web design not only reflects societal values but also fosters brand loyalty. Showcasing digital inclusion signifies your support for all individuals, reinforcing your brand's commitment to a diverse and inclusive world.

Setting Industry Standards

Prioritizing web accessibility positions your brand as an industry leader in ethical practice, encouraging others to follow suit. Partnering with a knowledgeable web design agency, such as ours, ensures your site meets ADA standards, promoting digital inclusion across the board. For more information on setting up accessible web content, The A11Y Project offers a checklist and resources to guide you through making your website accessible to everyone.

Enhancing SEO

An ADA-compliant website not only serves accessibility purposes but also improves SEO rankings. Search engines favor websites optimized for accessibility, rewarding them with higher visibility. Incorporating alt text, audio transcriptions, video captions, and descriptive headings enhances your site's crawlability and, by extension, its search optimization, making your content accessible to a broader audience.

Unlocking New Opportunities

Millions of users feel overlooked due to poor web accessibility. Embracing ADA compliance opens up your brand to new customer segments and business opportunities, acknowledging the value of inclusivity. This commitment not only broadens your market reach but also aligns with evolving consumer expectations for accessible digital experiences.

In Conclusion

With over 50 million Americans living with disabilities, ADA compliance is a strategic necessity for businesses across all sectors. As awareness around digital accessibility grows, brands are increasingly adapting their web presence to be more inclusive. Failing to do so risks not just potential legal repercussions but also misses out on a substantial opportunity to connect with a wider audience. Achieving ADA compliance is a straightforward process that, with the help of experienced professionals, can yield significant returns on investment. Reach out to our creative team today to explore how an ADA-compliant website can enhance your brand's online presence and commitment to inclusivity.