When it comes to building or maintaining a website, accessibility should be more than an afterthought—it should be a priority. ADA compliance, based on the Americans with Disabilities Act, ensures your website can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities.
Whether you’re a small business owner, a nonprofit, or a major brand, making your website accessible isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a smart move for your business. Here’s why:
Why ADA Compliance Matters
1. It’s the Law
ADA compliance isn’t optional. Businesses that fail to provide accessible digital experiences can face legal consequences. There has been a rise in lawsuits against websites that don’t meet accessibility standards. Making your site compliant protects you from potential legal trouble.
2. It Expands Your Audience
Roughly 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. has a disability. If your website isn’t accessible, you’re potentially excluding millions of people. By building an inclusive site, you reach more customers, improve user experience, and demonstrate that your business values diversity and inclusion.
3. It Boosts SEO and Site Performance
Many ADA best practices—like using proper heading structures and descriptive alt text—also benefit your search engine optimization (SEO). An accessible site tends to be a better-structured site, which makes it easier for both people and search engines to navigate.
3 Simple Tips to Improve Accessibility Today
1. Add Alt Text to All Images
Alternative (alt) text describes images to users who rely on screen readers. It also appears when an image can’t load. Every image—especially important graphics or product photos—should have clear, meaningful alt tags that explain what’s shown.
2. Don’t Rely on Text in Images
Screen readers can’t interpret text that’s embedded inside images. If the text is important (like a headline or a call-to-action), it should be presented in HTML, not just in an image. This ensures that everyone, including those using assistive tech, can read it.
3. Use Proper Heading Structure and Keyboard Navigation
Organize your content using heading tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) in a logical order. This not only improves readability but also helps screen readers understand the structure of your content. Make sure users can navigate your site with a keyboard alone—this is essential for users who can’t use a mouse.
Ready to make your site more accessible but don’t know where to start? Reach out—we can help you build a site that works for everyone. https://waterfrontgraphic.com/schedule-a-consultation/