A Simple Checklist for Website Accessibility: What Every Business Should Know

As a small business owner, I've seen firsthand how a website can be a game-changer for reaching new customers and growing your business. But before you start building your website, I always recommend taking a step back to think about accessibility. As the founder of a one-person web studio based in Georgia, I've worked with small businesses across the United States to create websites that are both functional and accessible. In my experience, it's essential to have a simple checklist to ensure your website meets the basics of accessibility before you get started.

What is website accessibility?

Website accessibility refers to the practice of making your website usable by as many people as possible, including those with disabilities. This can include things like making sure your website can be navigated using a keyboard, providing alternative text for images, and ensuring that your website can be used by people with color blindness. According to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), there are over 1 billion people worldwide who have some form of disability, which is approximately 15% of the global population.

Why is website accessibility important?

Not only is website accessibility the right thing to do, but it's also good business sense. By making your website accessible, you can reach a wider audience and avoid potential lawsuits. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all businesses, including small businesses, provide equal access to goods and services for people with disabilities. Failure to comply with the ADA can result in fines of up to $55,000 for the first offense and $110,000 for subsequent offenses.

A simple checklist for website accessibility

So, what are the basics of website accessibility that every business should meet? Here's a simple checklist to get you started: provide alternative text for all images, ensure that your website can be navigated using a keyboard, use clear and consistent navigation, provide closed captions for all audio and video content, and use high contrast colors to make your website easier to read. You can also use online tools, such as WAVE, to help identify accessibility issues on your website.

How to implement accessibility features on your website

Implementing accessibility features on your website can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. As a web developer, I recommend starting with the basics and working your way up. For example, you can start by adding alternative text to all of your images, and then move on to more complex tasks like providing closed captions for audio and video content. You can also use website builders like WordPress, which have built-in accessibility features and plugins to help make your website more accessible.

The cost of making your website accessible

The cost of making your website accessible can vary depending on the complexity of your website and the features you need to implement. On average, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $5,000 to make your website accessible, depending on the scope of the project. However, the cost of not making your website accessible can be much higher, including potential lawsuits and loss of business. You can use my website cost calculator to get an estimate of the cost of making your website accessible.

Getting started with website accessibility

If you're not sure where to start with website accessibility, I recommend starting with a free website audit to identify areas for improvement. You can also contact me, Ahmet Tasdemir, to discuss your options and get a quote for making your website accessible. Remember, making your website accessible is an ongoing process, and it's essential to regularly review and update your website to ensure it remains accessible to all users.

Conclusion and next steps

In summary, website accessibility is an essential aspect of creating a website that is usable by as many people as possible. By following the simple checklist outlined above and implementing accessibility features on your website, you can reach a wider audience and avoid potential lawsuits. If you have any questions or need help making your website accessible, don't hesitate to contact me.