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Why Web Accessibility Is Important For Your Business [+6 Tips]

Aug 18, 2022

If you’re in the web design business, you know that having an accessible website is now more important than ever. And web design clients expect their agency (you) to be in charge of it.


But digital accessibility isn’t a piece of cake.


You have to take multiple things into consideration.


And that’s what we’ll delve into in this post.


Buckle up, and let’s learn about website accessibility.


WHAT IS WEB ACCESSIBILITY?


The first thing to clear up: what does accessibility mean?


Simply put, website accessibility is making sure everyone can access and use a website, no matter their disabilities.


An accessible website can be used by people with all types of disabilities:



  • Those with visual impairments or color blindness
  • Those with auditory disabilities
  • Those who must navigate by voice
  • Those with cognitive disabilities,
  • Those with temporary disabilities
  • Those who need to use screen readers or other assistive technologies.


According to the World Wide Web Consortium (WCG) an accessible website must be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust for these users. 


In the US, accessibility requirements are listed in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which “prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the activities of places of public accommodations.”


In a nutshell:
Web accessibility is equal access and usability of a website, no matter the user’s disabilities.


WHY IS WEB ACCESSIBILITY IMPORTANT


Of course, the first reason why one should create an accessible website is to ensure their website isn’t discriminatory towards people with disabilities.


But it also comes with a number of other perks.


If
everyone can access and use your clients’ web pages, that means:


More traffic: a larger audience can access the websites. (26% of adults in the United States have some type of disability.)


More sales and conversions: Since the site gets more traffic, it gets more conversions too.

Better search engine optimization (SEO): More traffic, a better bounce rate, all sends positive feedback to search engines.


Better user experience: Accessible content and accessible design is user-friendly, so it’s easier to navigate and understand for everyone.


No legal accessibility issues: Needless to say, you don’t want to be sued for owning a website that doesn’t comply with accessibility regulations.


HOW CAN I MAKE A WEBSITE ACCESSIBLE?


To make a website accessible, the widely accepted standard is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The Web Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium developed WCAG with the goal of creating a shared accessibility standard for the web. There are two versions of WCAG applied currently: WCAG 2.0 and 2.1. WCAG 2.0 was published in 2008 and became an ISO standard in 2012. WCAG 2.1 was published in 2018.


There are a few accessibility solutions to keep in mind so that your website may be compliant. 


Here are some easy web accessibility tips that should help you get started:

Correctly structuring your page using different headings (H1, H2, H3).


Adding alternative text (alt text) to your images so that the visually impaired can know what’s portrayed.


Providing text transcripts and closed captions for audio and video content: podcasts, videos, webinars.


Having a keyboard navigation so that all functionality is available from a keyboard and the use of a mouse or trackpad isn’t required.


Using Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA); a set of HTML attributes that define ways to make Web content and Web applications more accessible to people with disabilities.


Providing good color contrast so that users that have a hard time perceiving text can see your website content better. You can use tools such as TPGi’s free color contrast checker tool or ColorZilla to determine if the color contrast is sufficient. 


There are also numerous resources you can consult to help make compliant websites, such as:


US DOJ Guidance on Accessibility and the ADA


WCAG 2.0


W3C WAI: Introduction to Web Accessibility


By Austin Hoffman 09 May, 2024
Unlocking Success with Generative Engine Optimization (GEO): A New Era in Digital Marketing In the dynamic landscape of digital marketing, the emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) engines like ChatGPT and Bard has ushered in a paradigm shift. Traditional search engines are no longer the sole protagonists in the quest for fast and precise information retrieval. Users, weary of sifting through endless search results, now turn to generative engines for quick, reliable answers. This trend has catalyzed the evolution of content creation strategies, with a growing emphasis on Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)—a suite of techniques tailored to enhance visibility and performance on these sophisticated platforms. At our digital marketing company, we are committed to staying ahead of the curve by integrating cutting-edge trends and strategies into our practices. Embracing this ethos, we recently conducted an experiment aimed at enriching our content through nine specific GEO techniques. The outcome was resoundingly positive, as our efforts garnered favorable recognition from Search Generative Experience (SGE) across more than ten queries. What sets GEO apart is its ability to deliver tangible results without necessitating additional budget allocation. Instead, success hinges on a strategic realignment of content research, writing, and presentation methodologies. The Foundation of GEO Strategy In response to the opaque and fast-paced nature of generative engines, a collaborative effort by researchers from Princeton University, Georgia Tech, The Allen Institute for AI, and IIT Delhi gave birth to Generative Engine Optimization. This framework is underpinned by a comprehensive nine-set content optimization technique, validated through rigorous testing across a dataset of 10,000 search queries, mirroring the intricacies of platforms like BingChat. Drawing from diverse sources including Google, Microsoft Bing, Perplexity.AI's Discover, GPT-4, and others, this dataset forms the cornerstone of GEO strategy development. Decoding the Nine Techniques Authoritative Content: At the heart of GEO lies the imperative of instilling confidence and trustworthiness in content through assertive language and compelling narrative. Keyword Placement: Strategic integration of target keywords in a natural, user-centric manner remains a cornerstone of both traditional SEO and GEO, ensuring enhanced relevance and visibility. Maintain keyword density of 1%-2%. Avoid disrupting the natural flow of content with keywords. Include latent semantic indexing (LSI) and "people also ask" keywords. Target long-tail keywords for specific queries with less competition. Statistics: Augmenting content credibility through the inclusion of empirical data and studies serves to bolster user trust and engagement, amplifying organic traffic and site visibility. Source Citing: Elevating content reliability by attributing information to reputable sources underscores the ethos of transparency and integrity inherent in GEO strategies. Quotation Addition: Harnessing the persuasive power of endorsements from respected figures or subject matter experts enhances content credibility and resonates with discerning users. Understandability: Simplifying content language and structure fosters broader comprehension and accessibility, catering to diverse audience segments. Fluency Optimization: Ensuring content coherence and readability through clear, engaging language is paramount in captivating and retaining user interest. Use simple sentences to maintain reader engagement. Avoid monotonous language and incorporate a rhythm in content flow. Choose clear language over jargon to enhance comprehension. Ensure smooth transition between ideas for a seamless reading experience. Unique Words: Enriching content appeal by incorporating interesting and uncommon vocabulary enhances engagement and distinguishes the content from competitors. Integrate unique words to add depth and richness to content. Avoid overuse of basic vocabulary to maintain reader interest. Technical Terms: Enhancing specificity and precision by employing industry-specific terminology facilitates effective communication and caters to specialized audience segments. Introduce technical terms to convey complex concepts succinctly. Provide clarity by using industry-specific vocabulary appropriately. Avoid overwhelming readers with excessive technical jargon. Conclusion: Seizing the Opportunity As generative engines continue their ascendancy, embracing GEO strategies emerges as a pivotal opportunity for digital marketing success. Beyond mere visibility, these techniques ensure that content is not only easily discoverable but also trusted and engaging for users. By aligning with the principles of Generative Engine Optimization, businesses can navigate the evolving digital landscape with confidence, unlocking new avenues for growth and relevance in an AI-driven era.
By Austin Hoffman 14 Mar, 2024
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