How Website Accessibility Boosts Conversions

How Website Accessibility Boosts Conversions

Let’s get real for a second: how often do you think about how accessible your website is? If you’re like most people, it’s probably not enough. But here’s the thing—making your site accessible isn’t just about doing the right thing (though that’s a big deal too). It’s also one of the smartest moves you can make to boost your conversions. That’s right, accessibility isn’t just about being inclusive; it’s about turning visitors into customers.

So, let’s dive in and break it all down: what accessibility means, why it matters, and how it can make a tangible difference.

What Does “Accessible” Even Mean?

Accessibility in the online world means making your website usable for everyone—regardless of any disabilities they might have. This could mean making your content easier for someone who’s visually impaired, adding captions for those who are deaf, or ensuring your site works with just a keyboard for people with motor challenges.

Think about it: if your website has tiny text, hard-to-read colors, or navigation that feels like a labyrinth, you’re basically putting up a big “No Entry” sign for a huge part of your audience. And that’s not what you want, right?

The good news is that there are clear guidelines to follow, like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which lay out exactly what an accessible site should look like.

Why Should You Care About Accessibility?

You’re busy running a business and trying to hit your goals. So why should accessibility make it onto your already packed to-do list? Here’s why:

1. It’s the Right Thing to Do.
2. Imagine walking into a store and realizing half the shelves are too high for you to reach. Frustrating, right? That’s how it feels for users with disabilities when your site isn’t accessible. Making your site inclusive shows you care about all your visitors.
3. It Keeps You Out of Legal Trouble.
4. Depending on where you’re based, there are laws (like the ADA in the U.S.) that require websites to be accessible. Ignoring this can lead to lawsuits—and those aren’t fun for anyone.

How to Make Your Website More Accessible

Okay, so now you’re on board with the “why.” Let’s talk about the “how.” Making your website accessible might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. You can start with small changes that make a big difference:

• Add Alt Text to Images.
• This helps people who use screen readers understand what your images are about.
• Fix Your Navigation.
• Make sure users can navigate your site using just a keyboard.
• Check Your Colors.
• Low contrast between text and background is a big no-no. Ensure everything is easy to read.
• Use Tools to Help You.
• One of the easiest ways to get started is by running your site through a free accessibility checker for websites. These tools can spot issues you might miss, giving you a clear action plan.

How Accessibility and Conversions Are Connected

Here’s where it gets really interesting. Accessibility doesn’t just make your website feel more welcoming; it also drives results.

• A Better Experience = Happy Users.
• When people can navigate your site easily and find what they’re looking for, they’re way more likely to stick around. And that means more opportunities for conversions.
• You Can Reach More People.
• Globally, there are over a billion people with disabilities. By making your site accessible, you’re opening the door to a massive audience that you might otherwise miss.
• It Helps with SEO.
• Search engines love accessible websites because they’re often faster, better organized, and easier to crawl. So, making your site accessible can help you rank higher on Google.