The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) explain how people with different abilities can use your website and get to its content. But they’re not just rules; they’re the law in most cases. That means you have to follow them—it’s not a choice.
If your website isn’t accessible, you could get into trouble with expensive lawsuits. But that’s not the only problem. Not following WCAG guidelines can also mean spending more money on customer support. For instance, if someone with a speech problem needs help from your company, they might find it hard to call. They might prefer to send text messages using a TTY or touch device. But if your phone system can’t receive texts, you’d have to buy and set up new equipment and teach your staff how to use it. It’s much easier if these customers can just use your website to reach out about any problems.
But there’s a bright side, too. Following the WCAG compliance rules can bring lots of benefits. WCAG 2.2 compliance is the latest set of guidelines for web accessibility, ensuring that digital content is more inclusive and accessible to everyone. In this article, we’ll talk about five big ways web accessibility can help your business and your customers.
Top 5 Ways WCAG Compliance Can Help You to Grow Your Business
1. Increased Brand Reputation and Loyalty
More and more, people want to support companies that share their values. A recent study found that most consumers prefer buying from brands that stand up for important issues. And if they find out a company doesn’t match their values, nearly half of them would take their business elsewhere. This trend is likely to grow, especially with younger generations like Gen Z becoming more active online.
Making websites accessible to everyone, especially those with disabilities, is really important. When you make your website accessible, you show that you care about everyone being able to use it. This helps your business because people appreciate when companies support causes like disability rights. You’ll likely get good reviews and recommendations from those who care about accessibility.
It’s also smart to have an accessibility statement on your website. This statement tells visitors that you’re committed to accessibility and explains what you’ve done to make your site easier for people with disabilities to use.
2. Improved User Experience for Everyone
An estimated 10% of the global population, totaling 650 million individuals, live with disabilities. Making sure your website includes properly tagged images and works well with screen readers is crucial. This helps people with various impairments navigate your site smoothly.
It’s important to focus on making your website user-friendly to keep your audience engaged. Sometimes, users might leave if they encounter accessibility issues without saying anything. This could lead to a loss of both current and potential visitors as negative feedback spreads.
Additionally, it’s worth noting the significant economic impact of individuals with disabilities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, they have $220 billion in spending power. By prioritizing website accessibility, businesses can reach out to this demographic and boost revenue while promoting inclusivity.
3. Broader Market Reach and Customer Inclusion
As mentioned earlier, studies indicate that a large portion of customers with access needs will leave a website if they find it hard to use. Additionally, many of these customers express a willingness to spend more if websites are more accessible. Following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) doesn’t require excessive effort; it’s something any vendor can manage. However, neglecting accessibility standards may mean missing out on connecting with a significant demographic. Essentially, by not prioritizing accessibility, you risk losing potential revenue streams.
Moreover, emphasizing accessibility helps to build brand loyalty. If users encounter obstacles on a website during their initial visit, they’re less likely to return. Conversely, offering an accessible website not only improves user experience but also allows outreach to previously underserved user bases, broadening your audience reach.
4. Enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Creating a website that’s accessible also has a positive impact on your SEO ranking. This is because both assistive technologies and search engines need a well-organized content structure, clear semantics, and functional features. Achieving this involves using appropriate alt text tags for images, descriptive link text, and avoiding empty headers, among other strategies. By implementing these measures, you not only cater to the needs of website users but also meet the criteria that search engines look for in ranking websites. When Google recognizes the quality of your content and user experience, regardless of users’ abilities, your chances of ranking higher increase significantly.
5. Reduced Risk of Legal Issues
Web accessibility is considered a fundamental right for individuals with disabilities, as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While the ADA primarily addresses access to public services, it has been extended to cover digital platforms. In some cases, the U.S. Department of Justice has ruled that inaccessible websites violate the ADA.
The number of web accessibility lawsuits has seen a significant increase in recent years, reaching 2,387 cases in the U.S. in 2022, up from 814 cases five years earlier. To avoid potential discrimination claims and legal issues, businesses should ensure their websites comply with accessibility standards.
Closing Thoughts
Making your website WCAG-compliant isn’t just about following the rules. It’s about creating a positive user experience for everyone who visits your site. By prioritizing accessibility, you can build a stronger brand reputation, reach a wider audience, and improve your search engine ranking. WCAG compliance is a smart business decision that benefits both your customers and your bottom line.