In the digital age, having a website is a necessity for businesses of all sizes. For small businesses, a website can be a powerful tool to reach a wider audience, showcase products or services, and build a strong online presence. However, it's not enough to just have a website - it's crucial that your website is accessible to all users. In this article, we'll explore the importance of website accessibility and provide three actionable tips to improve it.
Website accessibility refers to the practice of making your website usable for all people, regardless of any physical or cognitive disabilities they may have. This includes people with visual impairments, hearing impairments, motor disabilities, cognitive disorders, and more. By making your website accessible, you ensure that everyone can access your content and services, leading to a wider potential customer base.
Increased Audience Reach: By making your website accessible, you open your business up to a wider audience. Millions of people worldwide live with disabilities, and if your website is accessible, you can reach this untapped market.
Improved SEO: Search engines like Google favor accessible websites. Many accessibility practices, such as using alt text for images and providing transcripts for videos, can also improve your website's SEO.
Enhanced Reputation: Prioritizing accessibility can enhance your business's reputation. It shows that you care about all of your customers and are committed to providing a great user experience for everyone.
Use Alt Text for Images: Alt text is a short description that you can add to the images on your website. It helps visually impaired users understand the content of the images. When writing alt text, be descriptive and concise.
Ensure Sufficient Color Contrast: Users with visual impairments may struggle to read your website's content if there isn't enough contrast between the text and the background. Use online tools to check and adjust your color contrast as needed.
Make Your Website Keyboard-Friendly: Some users navigate websites using a keyboard rather than a mouse. Ensure that all features of your website can be accessed using a keyboard alone.
Remember, website accessibility is not a one-time task, but an ongoing effort. Regularly check your website for accessibility issues and address them promptly. By doing so, you'll not only make your website more inclusive but also improve your business's reach and reputation.