The role of a web accessibility consultant in ecommerce

Written on May 7, 2024. Posted in Accessibility.

Let’s assume that your ecommerce site looks good and works smoothly. But are you making sure that your website is accessible to all potential customers, including those with disabilities? That is extremely important if you’re serious about running your ecommerce business. That’s where a web accessibility consultant jumps in – to make sure that your site meets the accessibility needs effectively.

Why is accessibility important in ecommerce

Accessibility in ecommerce makes sure that everyone can use your website, including people with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive impairments. This inclusivity can significantly broaden your market reach.

A web accessibility consultant specializes in making these adjustments to your site and is deeply knowledgeable about the legal requirements and best practices for creating a user-friendly shopping experience for all customers.

Beyond the ethical and customer service benefits, there’s a legal aspect to consider. Many regions have strict regulations requiring digital accessibility, and non-compliance can lead to fines and legal challenges. A web accessibility consultant can help you comply with these laws, reducing the risk of legal issues and improving your company’s reputation.

What does a web accessibility consultant do

A web accessibility consultant evaluates your ecommerce site against recognized standards like the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). They identify areas where your site falls short and recommend specific changes to improve accessibility. This might include adjusting visual elements for better contrast, ensuring all interactive elements are keyboard-navigable, or adding alternative text for images to aid those using screen readers. But making ecommerce websites accessible gets more complicated for the tech part adjustments.

That’s why a consultant works with your web developers to implement these changes effectively. Their expertise ensures that accessibility improvements are integrated seamlessly, maintaining or even enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of your site. We’re so happy to say that we can offer all-in-one accessibility solutions.

Long-term benefits of hiring a web accessibility consultant

Think about partnering with a web accessibility consultant as an investment in your ecommerce site’s future. Firstly, an accessible website reaches a wider audience, increasing your potential customer base and sales. Secondly, accessible sites tend to have better SEO rankings because they provide a better user experience, which search engines favor. But it’s a matter of time before website accessibility will be mandatory for all businesses.

Moreover, ensuring your site is accessible from the start can save you money in the long run. Fixing a website for accessibility standards after it’s been built can be costly and complicated, but if you hire professionals to work on website accessibility, this can be solved easily.

How to find the right web accessibility consultant

Trust us – you want to hire someone with proven experience in ecommerce and a thorough understanding of accessibility standards. They should have a good track record of working with businesses similar to yours and be able to demonstrate real improvements they’ve made on other sites. Ask potential consultants about their approach to problem-solving and how they collaborate with technical teams.

Conclusion

Accessibility should really be a top priority for every ecommerce business, and a web accessibility consultant is important for achieving this goal. As experts in ecommerce accessibility, we’re here to help you assess, plan, and implement the necessary changes to make your website accessible to everyone.

With website accessibility standards, you comply with legal standards, open your business to a wider audience, improve customer satisfaction, and improve overall site performance. Let’s work together to create an inclusive digital space that welcomes all customers!