As times change, business owners must constantly adapt their understanding of “accessibility.” While most people realize that having a business located at the top of a staircase with no wheelchair access is a huge legal liability, many aren’t aware of the necessity of ensuring that their business websites are universally accessible, as well.
Is your business website accessible? Before you answer, consider this:
While Wikipedia is generally not the best source of factual information, its entry on web accessibility is on point in its simplicity:
“Web accessibility is the inclusive practice of ensuring there are no barriers that prevent interaction with, or access to, websites on the World Wide Web by people with physical disabilities, situational disabilities, and socio-economic restrictions on bandwidth and speed. When sites are correctly designed, developed and edited, generally all users have equal access to information and functionality.
The needs that Web accessibility aims to address include:
*Visual
*Motor/mobility
*Auditory
*Seizures
*Cognitive and intellectual
Accessibility is not confined to the list above, rather it extends to anyone who is experiencing any permanent, temporary or situational disability.”
Ok, now, keeping all that in mind, is your business website accessible?
Close the Accessibility Gap
If you’ve taken the time and effort to make sure that your website is accessible, congratulations! You’re definitely in the minority, as only 2% of the internet is currently accessible. If you haven’t, you might be asking why now is the right time to do it. Good question! We have answers.
It’s the right thing to do
By making your website accessible for all, you’re giving equal opportunity to access crucial information that significantly helps our everyday lives.
Peace of mind from litigation
Think your company won’t be sued? We hope you’re right. But why take the chance? Beyonce and Domino’s are among the many megabrands that have been successfully sued as a result of inaccessible websites.
Opportunity & Market
The CDC reports that 61 million Americans are currently registered as disabled with an average annual spending power of 490 billion dollars. Globally, there are 1.3 billion people within the disabled community with an annual spending power of 8 trillion dollars and growing due to population growth.
Brand Exposure & Awareness
Making sure your website is accessible means that you’re now reaching out to 20% more of the population than you previously were. It also means that more people will be talking about your company and attracted to your inclusive ethos. Wouldn’t you want to buy a product or service from an ethically responsible business that cares about its customers?
Let Tree Ring Digital be Your Partner
The fact is that you can’t afford to wait to make sure your business website is accessible. There will never be a perfect time, so start the process today. Call Tree Ring Digital, and we’ll make sure your business website is compliant!