Website accessibility is about more than compliance—it’s about inclusion. When your website is built with accessibility in mind, you’re making sure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can easily use it. This includes those using screen readers, keyboard navigation, or assistive technologies.
When your website is accessible, it doesn’t just help users — it helps your business grow. In this guide, we’ll walk you through who benefits from accessible websites, the legal risks, and how to improve accessibility without losing your brand style. Stick around for tips and tools to help you get started.
Who Benefits from Website Accessibility?
Better accessibility in web design isn’t just a checkbox — it’s a smart strategy. When you prioritize web and mobile access for people with disabilities, you show that your brand values every visitor. This change can help:
- People with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments
- Older adults with age-related conditions
- Temporary users — like someone recovering from surgery or using a cracked screen
- Mobile users with slow internet or limited functionality
The Risks of Ignoring Accessibility
Accessibility isn’t optional anymore — it’s expected. Here’s what can happen if your website design accessibility falls short:
- Risk of lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Loss of potential customers due to poor user experience
- Damage to your brand’s reputation and credibility
- Compliance issues with Section 508 and other global regulations
- Missed opportunities for SEO (hint: accessibility supports core web vitals for SEO)
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Overview
WCAG sets the standard for how to make your website accessible. These guidelines follow four key principles:
- Perceivable: The content must be available to all senses (e.g., alt text, captions).
- Operable: Users must be able to explore the site (e.g., keyboard access).
- Understandable: Content should be clear and consistent.
- Robust: Content must work across devices and assistive technologies.
Key Accessibility Features Every Website Should Have
- Alt Text for Images: Vital for screen readers. It also supports your Tulsa SEO efforts.
- Keyboard Navigation: Users should be able to move through your site without a mouse — this supports how to make a website accessible for screen readers, too.
- Color Contrast: High contrast between text and background improves readability for everyone.
- Clear Forms and Labels: Make sure form fields are labeled, and error messages are easily understood.
- Responsive Design: Mobile-friendly layouts are part of accessibility in web design and improve user experience for all devices.
- Captioned Video Content: This is key for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. Plus, it supports your video content marketing efforts.
How to Get Started: Accessibility Audit and Plan
Ready to improve accessibility? Start with an audit. Tools like WAVE, Axe, and Lighthouse can highlight quick fixes. Then build a plan to:
- Prioritize high-traffic pages
- Include accessibility in your next web redesign
- Train your team on accessibility standards
- Make updates part of your ongoing ecommerce CRO checklist
Build a Website Everyone Can Use with D2 Branding
Your website should be a digital spot that everyone can navigate and enjoy. At D2 Branding, we get it. We help businesses create beautiful, functional, and fully accessible websites built to perform and last with expert web design and Tulsa SEO services. We’re here to guide you on how to make your website accessible — while helping you grow and protect your brand.