How to find the best website accessibility agency

Written on June 18, 2024. Posted in Accessibility.

Are you struggling to find a reliable website accessibility agency? Website accessibility is more important than ever. It makes sure that everyone, including people with disabilities, can access and use your online content effectively. You’ll need to make sure your site meets all accessibility standards and provides an inclusive experience for all users.

What exactly is website accessibility?

Website accessibility refers to designing and developing websites that everyone can use, including people with visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive disabilities.

An accessible website:

meets legal requirements (if you’d like to avoid accessibility lawsuits),
expands your audience reach and
improves user experience.

As ecommerce nerds/experts, we know the importance of accessibility in driving engagement and conversions and would love to help your brand become 100% accessible.

How to find a worthy website accessibility agency?

To find the best website accessibility agency, start by understanding what makes a website accessible. Key elements include:

Proper use of ARIA tags. These help screen readers understand the structure and elements of your website.
Keyboard navigation. Ensuring all functionalities are accessible via keyboard for those who cannot use a mouse*.
Text alternatives for images. Providing alt text for images so that screen readers can describe the visual content to users.
Consistent layout. A predictable layout helps users navigate your site more efficiently.

*Up to 20% of the population could benefit from web accessibility improvements, including keyboard navigation.

Researching potential agencies

Finding the right website accessibility agency requires thorough research. Begin by creating a list of potential agencies. Look for those that specialize in accessibility and have a proven track record of success.

Find the ones that might give the best results. For example, we do manual blind user testing, which beats the automated tools right from the start.

Key aspects to consider

Experience and expertise. Choose an agency with extensive experience in website accessibility. They should be well-versed in the latest WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards and other relevant regulations.

Client testimonials and case studies. Look for reviews and case studies from previous clients. Positive feedback and successful projects are good indicators of the agency’s capability.

Range of services. Ensure the agency offers comprehensive services, including accessibility audits, remediation, ongoing support, and training for your team.

As ecommerce and accessibility experts, we recommend prioritizing agencies that can demonstrate a deep understanding of both accessibility and ecommerce in general.

Evaluating the agency’s approach

Once you have a shortlist, evaluate how each website accessibility agency approaches its work. A professional agency will follow a systematic process to ensure your website meets all accessibility standards.

Consider the following:

The agency should thoroughly audit your current website to identify accessibility issues.
They should provide tailored solutions based on your site’s specific needs and audience.
Look for an agency that uses both automated tools and manual testing to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Ongoing support and training for your team are crucial for maintaining accessibility standards.

Making the final decision

After evaluating the agencies, it’s time to make your final decision. Compare their proposals, pricing, and the value they offer. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Invest in a website accessibility agency that provides high-quality, reliable services.

So, let’s sum this up and add some final tips:

Request a demonstration of their previous work.
Choose an agency that communicates clearly and should collaborate well with your team.
Opt for an agency that is committed to a long-term partnership, helping you maintain and improve your site’s accessibility over time.

Ready to make your webshop accessible? Contact us today and let our team of ecommerce and accessibility experts help you create an inclusive online experience for all.