Ensuring accessibility for all users is not only a matter of inclusivity but also a legal requirement. Websites that fail to comply with accessibility standards, such as Section 508 Compliance and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), can face legal consequences, alienate users, and miss out on valuable opportunities.
Business Risks
We will delve into the importance of accessibility, the legal implications of non-compliance, and the benefits of prioritizing inclusivity in web design and development.
Legal Requirement
Websites that disregard ADA Compliance and Section 508 Compliance expose themselves to significant legal risks. Non-compliance can result in lawsuits, substantial fines, and damage to a company’s reputation. Proactively addressing these compliance issues not only protects your business from potential legal liabilities but also demonstrates your commitment to equal access for all users.
Negative User Experience
Accessibility barriers on websites can create frustrating and alienating experiences for individuals with disabilities. Navigating, understanding content, and interacting with features become challenging tasks, leading to a poor user experience. Prioritizing accessibility ensures that users with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments can seamlessly engage with your website. By removing barriers, you foster positive interactions, boost user satisfaction, and encourage repeat visits.
Missed Opportunities
When websites lack accessibility features, businesses miss out on valuable opportunities to reach a broader audience. By not catering to individuals with disabilities, you exclude a significant portion of potential customers or clients. Creating an inclusive online environment allows you to tap into this untapped market, expand your audience reach, and unlock new business opportunities. Accessibility opens doors to increased engagement, improved conversions, and a competitive edge.
Business Disadvantage
By neglecting ADA and Section 508 Compliance, businesses find themselves at a disadvantage compared to competitors who prioritize accessibility. In today’s socially conscious landscape, consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that demonstrate inclusivity. Ignoring accessibility not only risks losing customers or clients to more accessible alternatives but also hampers your brand’s reputation. Prioritizing inclusivity showcases your commitment to providing equal access to information and services, positioning you as a leader in your industry.
Benefits of adopting web accessibility for your business
While meeting legal requirements is a key driver for making websites accessible, there are numerous additional advantages that come with adopting web accessibility. It’s essential to share these benefits with your clients, as they may not be aware of the incentives involved. Below, we’ve compiled the reasons why making a website accessible can benefit their business.
Tax Credits
The U.S. government actively promotes and supports businesses that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). By making their website accessible, they may be eligible for tax credits of up to $5,000. This financial incentive can significantly benefit your business.
Improved Performance
Accessible websites experience increased traffic, reduced bounce rates, improved SEO rankings, and higher conversion rates. By making your website accessible, your clients are making it easier for people to find your site. A study by Semrush analyzed 847 web domains and found an average 12% increase in overall traffic, with many domains experiencing growth in organic traffic. Search engines like Google prioritize websites with accessibility features, contributing to improved rankings on search engine result pages (SERPs).
Widens User Base
By ensuring web accessibility, your open your websites to the 15% of the global population living with disabilities. This widens your user base and taps into a market with a staggering spending power of $8 trillion. Becoming accessible not only provides equal access to individuals with disabilities but also enhances the experience for all users, regardless of their abilities.
Improves Brand Reputation
Maintaining a positive brand reputation and demonstrating social responsibility are crucial for businesses. By prioritizing web accessibility, you align your business with legislation and showcases your commitment to inclusivity. Implementing accessibility and compliance, allows your business to provide an accessibility statement. This statement speaks volumes about your brand, reinforcing your reputation as an inclusive and responsible organization.
Let’s get started
Incorporating accessibility features into web design and development is an investment that yields long-term benefits. By partnering with professionals who specialize in ADA and Section 508 Compliance, you can navigate the complexities of accessibility guidelines and create an inclusive digital experience. Embrace accessibility, break down barriers, and join the movement towards a more inclusive web.
Don’t let your website fall behind. Contact us by phone at 210-227-3444 or get a free accessibility audit to discuss how Digiboost can help you achieve ADA Compliance and Section 508 Compliance. Let’s work together to build an inclusive and accessible digital presence that caters to all users.
