Did you know that by some estimates, 1 in 6 web users has some kind of impairment that impacts their use of the internet? (source)
Put another way, 16% of the people who visit your site may not be able to engage with your content because of a disability.
And if they can’t engage with your content, do you think they’re likely to become a paying client? Probably not!
In addition, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requires that every website be accessible to all users, with the potential for legal action for non-compliance. Read more here about the ADA guidelines here: https://www.ada.gov/resources/web-guidance/
If you’re not addressing the accessibility of your website, you’re overlooking customers with disabilities, turning away potential business and putting yourself at risk of legal action.
So what can you do to make your site friendly and usable for people with visual impairments?
Web Accessibility to the Rescue
Web accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of making websites usable by people of all abilities and disabilities. It ensures every user has equal access to information and functionality.
Accessibility is an ogoing process that requires consistent effort. Your website will likely never be 100% compliant, but working toward full compliance is a worthy pursuit that benefits your company and your clients.
Here are some tips to make your website more accessible.
Key Web Accessibility Practices
Here are some of the most important accessibility practices to implement on your website.
Ensure Adequate Color Contrast
Adequate color contrast helps visitors with visual impairments to read and understand your content. (This also helps non-disabled users!)
Screen Reader Friendly
Not everyone can use a mouse, and many people use a keyboard for navigating websites. All functions on your site should be accessible via keyboard. This includes access to all pages, links, content, and even form inputs.
Proper Text Sizing and Decoration
Text should be large enough. Links should be underlined (not just a different color), and only links should be underlined. Use bold or italics for emphasis, not an underline.
Use Skip Links
Skip links allow a keyboard user to quickly skip over repetive sections of a website – like the top navigation. This helps users find the main content quickly.
More Accessibility Best Practices
Here are few more important – though less universally applicable – accessibility best practices.
Accurate Alt Text
Alt text is a text description of an image. So if an image fails to load, or the user can’t see the image, the alt text describes it so the user can understand its context. Alt text can also give you small edge in search engine rankings, so it’s good for SEO as well.
Meaningful Link Anchors
Instead of saying “Click Here,” say “Click Here to Schedule a Consultation.” This improves the clarity for all users.
Avoid Animations
Animations can be disorienting for users with a disability. Use them with caution, and offer a way for users to turn them off if you do use them.
Warn If a Link Opens in a New Tab
When opening a new tab or window, it’s important to provide advance notice to users. Unexpected new tabs can disorient those with visual or cognitive disabilities, as they lose sense of their previous page. Giving users a heads up before opening a link in a new tab allows them to prepare for the change in context.
Get Ahead of Your Competition With an Accessible Website
I know that you didn’t wake up today worrying about web accessibility for your business. But I hope you can see from this article that it’s worth considering.
It’s ethical, can improve your bottom line, differentiate you from competitors and keep you compliant with the law.
If you’d like some professional help, drop me a line. We can schedule a free breakthrough call and see if web accessibility would be a good move for your business.
