In today's digital age, a well-designed website or app is no longer a luxury - it's a necessity. But what constitutes "good design" extends far beyond aesthetics. But how do you know if your site accessible?
Check Your Site's ADA Compliancy So You Don't Get Sued https://www.accessi.org/
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Designing for accessibility ensures your brand reaches its full potential by creating an inclusive experience for everyone, regardless of ability. Here's why accessibility should be a core tenet of your design philosophy:
The Power of Inclusion: A Wider Audience Means More Business
Market Reach: Did you know that over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability [World Health Organization]? By neglecting accessibility, you're essentially shutting your doors on a massive and diverse audience segment.
Brand Loyalty: People with disabilities appreciate brands that cater to their needs. A study by Accenture found that customers with disabilities are twice as likely to be loyal to brands that make accessibility a priority.
Accessibility Isn't Just About Charity; It's About Usability for All
Enhanced User Experience: Accessible design principles like clear navigation, high-contrast color schemes, and keyboard compatibility benefit everyone, not just users with disabilities. In fact, 46% of internet users experience some form of temporary or situational disability (even if it is just trying to use a mobile device on a bumpy bus ride).
Improved SEO: Search engines like Google prioritize websites that are easy to navigate and use. Accessible design practices often align with SEO best practices, leading to increased organic search ranking and significantly more website traffic.
The Cost of Inaction: Why Ignoring Accessibility Can Hurt Your Brand
Legal Issues: Many countries have regulations mandating website accessibility. Failing to comply can result in lawsuits and hefty fines. Guidance on Web Accessibility and the ADA | ADA.gov
Negative Brand Perception: In today's social media-driven world, word travels fast. If your brand is inaccessible, negative user experiences can quickly damage your reputation.
Making Your Brand Accessible: Practical Steps for Success
WCAG Compliance: The WCAG 2 Overview | Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) | W3C provides an internationally recognized set of standards for web accessibility. Familiarize yourself with the WCAG guidelines and use them as a roadmap for your design process.
Focus on User Testing: Accessibility shouldn't be an afterthought. Incorporate user testing with people with disabilities throughout the design process. Their valuable feedback will help identify and address potential accessibility barriers.
Invest in Accessibility Tools: Numerous design tools and plugins are available to help you create accessible websites and apps. These tools can streamline the process and ensure you're on the right track. Designing for accessibility is much more than just ticking off a box. It's about creating a human-centered design that can benefit everyone. By embracing accessibility, you are not only building a more inclusive brand but also making strategic business decisions that can lead to increased brand loyalty, enhanced user experience, and a wider market reach. In today's competitive landscape, this is an absolute must for success. Want to learn more? Contact Neon Lizard Creative today to assess your current web standing and make sure you are serving everyone. https://www.linktr.ee/neonlizardcreative
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