As a small business owner in Australia, you might be juggling a million tasks at once. Between managing day-to-day operations, customer relations, and marketing, thinking about web accessibility might not be at the top of your list. However, it's a crucial aspect of your online presence that can significantly impact your business.
In this article, we'll break down what web accessibility is, why it's important, and how you can make your website more accessible.
What is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility means designing and developing websites so that everyone, including people with disabilities, can use them. This includes those who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, or have other physical or cognitive disabilities.
By ensuring your website is accessible, you open your business to a wider audience, improve user experience for everyone, and enhance your brand's reputation.
Why Web Accessibility is Important
1. Legal Compliance
In Australia, web accessibility is not just a best practice but a legal requirement.
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) mandates that websites must be accessible to people with disabilities, using tools like text-to-speech and closed captioning.
The Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (AHRC Act) empowers the AHRC to handle complaints and enforce these rules.
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2. Improved User Experience
An accessible website offers a better experience for all users, not just those with disabilities. Clear navigation, readable text, and properly labeled images enhance usability and make your site more user-friendly.
3. Broader Audience Reach
With 1 in 6 (18%) people in Australia living with disability, making your website accessible ensures you're not excluding a significant portion of the population. This inclusivity can lead to increased traffic and potential customers.
4. SEO Benefits
Search engines like Google favour websites that are accessible. Features that improve accessibility, such as alt text for images and proper use of headings, also help with search engine optimisation (SEO), potentially boosting your site's ranking.
How to Make Your Website More Accessible
1. Use Alt Text for Images
Alt text describes the content of images on your site. This helps visually impaired users understand what the image is about through screen readers. It also benefits SEO.
2. Ensure Keyboard Navigation
Some users rely on keyboards rather than a mouse to navigate websites. Make sure all interactive elements on your site can be accessed and used via keyboard.
3. Provide Transcripts for Audio and Video
If your site features audio or video content, provide transcripts or captions. This makes the content accessible to those with hearing impairments and also benefits users who prefer reading over listening.
4. Use Proper Headings
Structure your content with proper headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.). This helps screen readers understand the hierarchy and organisation of the content, making it easier to navigate.
5. Contrast and Readability
Ensure your text is readable by using a sufficient contrast ratio between the text and background. Avoid small font sizes and choose fonts that are easy to read.
And more
These are not all the steps you can take to improve web accessibility, but they provide a strong foundation for making your site more inclusive.
Tools and Resources
There are several tools available to help you evaluate and improve your website's accessibility:
Conclusion
Making your website accessible is not just about complying with the law; it's about providing a better experience for all users and expanding your reach. As a small business owner, investing in web accessibility can lead to increased customer satisfaction and potential growth for your business.
If you need assistance in making your website more accessible, feel free to reach out to our web design and development agency. We're here to help you create a more inclusive online presence for your business.