Why would a small business need a website accessibility audit?
A small business may need a website accessibility audit for several reasons
Here are some of them.
Legal Compliance
In many countries, including the United Kingdom, there are laws and regulations that require websites to be accessible to people with disabilities. For instance, the Equality Act, in the UK, mandates equal access to goods, services, and accommodations, including websites. By conducting an accessibility audit, a small business can identify and address any potential violations, reducing the risk of legal action.
Inclusivity and User Experience
A website accessibility audit helps ensure that people with disabilities can access and use the website effectively. Making your website accessible improves the user experience for all visitors, regardless of their abilities. It demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and can enhance your brand reputation.
Expanded Audience Reach
By optimizing your website for accessibility, you can reach a broader audience. Approximately 15% of the world's population experiences some form of disability, and they often rely on accessible websites to engage with businesses and access information. By making your website accessible, you can tap into this market segment and potentially attract more customers.
SEO Benefits
An accessible website can also improve your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. Search engines value websites that are user-friendly and provide a positive experience for all visitors. By following accessibility best practices, such as providing alternative text for images and properly structuring your content, you can improve your website's visibility in search engine results.
Competitive Advantage
In many industries, businesses are investing in website accessibility to stay ahead of the competition. By conducting an accessibility audit and implementing the necessary improvements, you can differentiate your small business from others that may not prioritize accessibility. This can be particularly advantageous if your competitors have yet to address accessibility concerns.
Overall, conducting a website accessibility audit helps small businesses meet legal obligations, improve user experience, expand their audience reach, enhance SEO efforts, and gain a competitive edge. It demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and customer satisfaction, which can have long-term benefits for your business.
However, it is important that you choose a company that has a strong track record in website accessibility audits and actually uses disabled people with every one of them. How else can you know what problems there may be with your website?
Why not get in touch and see what is involved?