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2022 is what they call generation alpha where everything is Digital. However, in this day and age, not all of us have equal access to online resources, even though our world is increasingly connected. Website accessibility is still an issue that continues to grow in importance with time, due to many factors.
Accessibility impacts all from the users to its site owners, such as businesses, organizations, and government entities. An accessible website also improves overall company or organization performance - that is why it is very important.
Now, the million dollar question is, why does website accessibility matter?
It will increase your audience and potential customer base
According to a study from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, nearly 26% of the population live with some form of disability in the United States alone. And from a global perspective, up to 37.5% of the world’s population live with disabilities. From simple calculations, we’re looking at roughly 2 billion people out of approximately 8 billion people on earth.
By doing whatever is needed, excluding this significant majority of people with an inaccessible website would not be beneficial for any business. Definitely the more people you will be able to reach, the better you are likely to achieve your business goals.
This presents an unused abundant source of opportunity, considering there are many inaccessible sites on the web. Surely, your reach to more people will expand when you make your business website easy to use and navigable for this select category. And that might be what makes all the difference for your company.
It is your moral responsibility as website owner
It is definitely a moral obligation to ensure your business site is accessible and inclusive to all manner of people, regardless of their age, status, ability, or disability.
Life without the internet is not an option for most people in this generation. The web has proven to be a hive of resources, information, and opportunities, so easily obtainable that we now take it for granted. As such, access to the web has become a basic necessity.
It is your duty as site owners to go beyond in ensuring your website visitors can participate actively in the digital space. By being compassionate enough to make some tweaks on your site to make it more accessible for all, you’re making peoples’ lives so much easier.
Accessible websites have better SEO
Methods that improve SEO also improve website accessibility, whether by chance or by design. It works because search engines rely on text to crawl and evaluate websites. It is more SEO friendly when the text is more organized and understandable. It’s also more accessible to persons with disabilities.
For example, each of these practices improve both SEO and website accessibility, when you add image ALT tags, use ordered and organized headings, implement descriptive hyperlink text, add captions to videos, create readable, optimized URLs, avoid interaction requiring mouse use and by providing search, site map & table of contents.
Accessible websites improve the user experience for all visitors
The reality is user experience varies widely. For example, about 8% of all men are color blind (a more accurate term is “color deficient”). So even if your site is accessible to blind persons, it might be confusing for color deficient individuals. Your site will offer them a better UX if it considers color deficiencies.
Also, even for people without any disability, a well organized site makes for ease of use and faster navigation. Easier to physically navigate mobiles sites or apps is better for everyone.
Accessible websites make businesses stronger financially
There are many reasons that accessible websites will improve the financial profile of a business or company, such as, it reduces risk of costly lawsuits, broadens overall target market size, and drives innovation to reach new client bases.
A lot of incorrect stereotypes (shut-ins, non-working, etc.) are associated with disability, and this translates into losses for all parties. For companies, they fail to tap into a large population with significant buying power. For disabled persons, they get excluded from access to valuable goods and services.
When websites are made accessible, everybody wins. So, start planning a website that is accessible for everyone and build it with iRepublic!
iRepublic is a cheap and easy website builder in the Philippines. We create and implement fully effective and mobile responsive business websites that are accessible to anyone. We are an affordable web developer that offers a wide range of
website templates that you can choose from. Best believe when we say we can make your brand’s online vision happen because that’s what we do best.
Contact us today and be part of our long list of satisfied clients!