An online presence is essential for businesses of all sizes. Beyond simply having a website, it's crucial that your website is designed with accessibility in mind. Accessible websites ensure that all users, including those with disabilities, can navigate, understand and interact with you without barriers. Ignoring accessibility will limit your audience and hurt your band.

Why Accessible Websites Matter to You

Inclusivity Expands Your Audience

One in four adults in the U.K. has a disability, which means significant portion of the population may face challenges accessing websites that aren't designed with this in mind. Accessibility means accommodating users who:

• Have visual impairments, including blindess and colour blindness
• Use assistive technologies like screen readers, voice recognition or braille displays
• Are deaf or hard of hearing
• Have cognitive or neurological disabilties that affect their ability to navigate complex layouts or dense text

By making your site accessible, you're welcoming a more diverse and inclusive customer base, which can translate into higher traffic, and ultimately, more clients.

Boost SEO and Increase Visibility

Accessibility and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) go hand-in-hand. Search engines like Google use bots to crawl your website which operate similarly to screen readers.

Features like:

• Alt text for images
• Properly labeled headings
• Descriptive link text

All help search engines understnad your site's content, which can boost ranking. So accesibility is not only a moral obligation, it can also give you a competitive edge by contributing to SEO.

Build a Stronger Brand Reputaion

People value brands that care about inclusivity. By accouting for accessibility, you show your audience you're commited to serving all customers, no matter their abilities. This fosters trust and customers are more likely to align with your values.

Accessibility is Critical for Service-Based Businesses Like Landscaping

When it comes to service-based industries like landscaping, accessibility plays a crucial role not just in web design but also in reaching a key segment of the market—people who need your services because of physical limitations. Landscaping businesses are uniquely positioned to provide essential services to this group, but if your website isn’t accessible, you may be missing out on reaching them.

How to Make Your Website Accessible

Creating an accessible website might seem overwhelming, but it’s achievable with the right approach. Some key elements to focus on include:

• Alt text for images: Ensure that all images have descriptive text so users with visual impairments can understand what's being displayed.
• Keyboard navigation: Ensure that your website can be navigated via keyboard alone, as some users rely on this instead of a mouse.
• Consistent structure: Use clear headings, logical navigation, and a predictable layout to make the site easier to navigate.
• Color contrast: Make sure there is enough contrast between text and background colors to help users with visual impairments.
• Responsive design: Ensure your website is mobile-friendly and works across different screen sizes and devices.

Accesibility is a Win-Win

Investing in accessibility is a win-win for your business. It allows you to reach more customers and build a positive, inclusive brand image—it’s a smart business decision that can set you apart from the competition.

Whether you're creating a new website or improving your current one, Steady Web is here to help.

Need help making your website accessible?

Contact us today to learn more about our web design services and how we can ensure your site meets accessibility standards.