Web accessibility is the practice of ensuring that your digital content is navigable for all users, including those with disabilities. It is an ethical and legal responsibility, but it's more than just a matter of compliance. Prioritizing web accessibility is an opportunity to foster equity, improve user experiences, and make your online presence welcoming and inclusive for all.

Beyond inclusivity, if your organization hasn't taken the time to invest in web accessibility, you might be missing out on a strategic opportunity to improve your search engine optimization, increase site traffic, and establish a trusting relationship with your target audience.

Create an Inclusive Online Experience for All Users

When your organization prioritizes web accessibility, you do more than meet a specific technical standard. You help create a more equitable internet for everyone. Disabilities affect about 1 billion people worldwide, and these users interact with the internet in diverse ways. From screen readers and magnifiers to eye-tracking systems, assistive technologies enable people with disabilities to navigate the internet.

It’s important to ensure that you’re developing online content in a way that will remain accessible, even as technologies continue to evolve. When designing your website, keep in mind the four core principles of accessibility:

• Perceivable: Content must be presented in ways that can be perceived by all users, including those with visual, auditory, or cognitive impairments.
• Operable: Interfaces must be designed so users can interact with all elements using various methods, such as a keyboard, mouse, or assistive devices.
• Understandable: Information and navigation must be clear, predictable, and easy for users to comprehend and follow.
• Robust: Websites should function reliably across various devices, browsers, and assistive technologies to ensure that web content remains accessible as technologies change.

By following these principles, you create a digital space where all users can navigate, engage, and connect seamlessly, regardless of how they access your site.

Boost Search Engine Optimization + Site Traffic

Web accessibility and SEO are a powerful combination that can significantly boost your site's visibility and traffic. Accessible websites are easier for search engine crawlers to index, improving the likelihood of your site appearing in search results. By implementing accessibility best practices like providing alt text for images, adding captions to videos, and structuring content with clear headings, you’re not only enhancing the experience for users with disabilities but also giving search engines valuable signals to understand and rank your content.

Beyond technical optimizations, accessible websites also offer a better user experience, leading to longer time spent on the site, higher engagement rates, and repeat visitors. A user-friendly and accessible site is also more likely to be shared, further increasing its reach and visibility. In fact, a study by Accessibility Checker found that 73% of websites that improved their accessibility compliance also saw an increase in organic traffic, and 66% saw an increase of organic traffic of up to 50%. By prioritizing accessibility, you’re not just meeting ethical and legal standards—you’re driving better SEO results and web traffic.

Mitigate Your Legal Risk

Ensuring web accessibility compliance is also a strategic measure to mitigate legal risks. Regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act mandate that websites and digital tools be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Failure to comply with these laws can result in lawsuits, costly fines, and reputational damage. By adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), organizations can demonstrate compliance, reducing their vulnerability to legal action while fostering inclusivity and paving the way for broader audience engagement.

Expand Your Audience + Improve Brand Loyalty

Accessible features, while initially designed to assist users with disabilities, actually enhance usability for all visitors. For instance, high-contrast layouts improve readability for people in varying light conditions, whether they’re reading outdoors or in dimly lit spaces. Similarly, captions make video content more accessible, not only for those who are deaf or hard of hearing but also for users watching videos on mute, in noisy environments, or in a non-native language. Features like intuitive navigation and responsive design also make browsing smoother for everyone, creating a better user experience overall.

An accessible website signals that your brand values inclusivity, which resonates deeply with socially conscious consumers. It shows that you care about all members of your audience and are willing to invest in creating a welcoming and equitable digital space. This commitment not only helps your business stand out in a competitive market but also fosters trust, strengthens emotional connections, and encourages long-term loyalty from your customers. Brands that prioritize accessibility are seen as empathetic and forward-thinking, building a reputation that attracts and retains a diverse and engaged audience.

Ready to Get Started?

At Wingard, we’re here to simplify the process and ensure your website meets the latest accessibility standards with confidence. Partnering with our expert web team means you’ll have dedicated support every step of the way, along with the help of accessiBe's compliance checker, to achieve ADA and WCAG compliance.

Together, we can create a more inclusive digital space that welcomes all users while protecting your organization from potential legal risks and helping your brand thrive online. Learn more about how we can help you achieve compliance today.