Why Website Accessibility Is Important For Your Business

Website accessibility isn’t just a technical detail—it’s a business fundamental.

Today, people rely on the internet to do everything from shopping to banking to learning new skills, your website needs to work for everyone. That includes people with disabilities, older users with vision or mobility challenges, and even users on mobile devices or slow connections.

And here’s the part many businesses miss: accessibility isn’t just about checking a compliance box—it’s a smart business move.

An accessible website gives you a broader audience, protects you from legal risks, improves SEO, and shows that your brand actually cares about inclusion.

If your website isn’t accessible, you're not just missing out on search visibility—you’re shutting out potential customers.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly why accessibility matters, how it impacts your growth, and what steps you can take (starting today) to make your site better for every visitor.

Note: I personally use AccessiBe to keep my own sites compliant and inclusive—more on that later.

What Is Website Accessibility?

Website accessibility means making your site usable for everyone—including people with disabilities.

That could be someone who’s blind and using a screen reader, someone who can’t use a mouse, or someone with cognitive challenges who needs clear structure and navigation.

But it’s not only about disabilities. Think mobile users on spotty Wi-Fi, older adults with vision issues, or people recovering from injuries. Accessibility supports all of them.

At its core, accessibility is about equal access to digital content, no matter someone’s ability, device, or environment. And when you prioritize it, you’re not only improving usability—you’re expanding your reach.

The gold standard for accessibility is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These internationally recognized guidelines, created by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), help developers build inclusive websites.

The latest version—WCAG 2.1—defines success criteria across three levels of compliance:

• A (basic)

• AA (the standard most businesses aim for)

• AAA (the highest level, often used for government or education sites)

All based on four key principles:Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.

Whether you’re building from scratch or improving an existing site, aligning with WCAG isn’t just best practice—it’s smart business.

→ Learn more about Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) here.

Why Website Accessibility Matters for Your Business

Let’s get real—accessibility isn't just about compliance. It’s about connection.

Today, your website is more than a brochure. It’s your storefront, your support desk, your marketing engine, and sometimes even your product.If people can’t use it, you’re losing opportunities—plain and simple.

Here’s what’s at stake:

• You're missing out on real peopleOver 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability.That’s not a niche—it’s a huge part of your audience. If your site isn’t accessible, they can’t engage with your content, offers, or services.

• It's a legal riskIn the U.S., businesses can be sued under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) for having an inaccessible website.And it’s not just big corporations. Small businesses are affected too—many without even realizing it until it’s too late.

• It impacts SEOAccessible websites are easier to crawl. Features like proper HTML structure, alt text, descriptive headings, and video transcripts help both users and search engines understand your content. That’s a double win.

• It builds trustMaking your site accessible shows you value every visitor. It reflects inclusivity, empathy, and a modern, ethical brand. In a competitive market, this matters more than ever.

I personally use AccessiBe for my business. It helps ensure compliance, improves usability, and gives me peace of mind—knowing every visitor can engage with my content regardless of ability or device.

Accessibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s good business strategy.

The Benefits of Captions and Transcripts for Video Accessibility

Captions and transcripts aren’t optional anymore—they’re foundational to making your video content truly accessible.

Let’s start with who benefits:People with hearing impairments, auditory processing disorders, non-native language speakers, or anyone who prefers to consume content silently (think: commuting, noisy environments, or late-night scrolling). That’s a huge portion of your audience.

And the benefits go beyond accessibility:

• Improved user experience: Captions help viewers follow along more easily, especially when audio isn’t an option.Transcripts allow people to skim, search, and revisit key points without rewatching the entire video.

• SEO support: Search engines can’t watch video—but they can read text.Transcripts and captions make your content indexable, increasing your chances of showing up in search results.

• Higher engagement and retention: Many users prefer watching with captions. It helps them catch details, stay engaged, and interact with your content on their terms.

Whether it’s a quick tutorial, a full webinar, or a product demo—adding captions and transcripts should be part of your workflow.

It’s a small step that makes your content:

• More inclusive

• More discoverable

• And more impactful

Identify Accessibility Problems on Your Website

Before you can improve accessibility, you need to know what’s broken.And here’s the reality: most accessibility issues go unnoticed until someone complains—or worse, files a lawsuit.

Let’s prevent that.

Start with Accessibility Tools

These can give you a snapshot of your site’s current status:

• WAVE by WebAIM – Highlights layout and structure problems

• AccessiBe’s audit tools – If you're using their widget, you get real-time diagnostics

• WebAIM Contrast Checker – Ensures your text is easy to read against its background

These tools are great—but they’re not enough on their own.

Combine Tools With Real-User Testing

No scanner can replicate the experience of an actual person using assistive tech.

Ask yourself:

• Can users navigate your site using only a keyboard?

• Are all images described with accurate alt text?

• Do videos autoplay without giving users control to pause or stop them?

• Are headings organized properly for screen readers?

You’d be surprised how many little things add up to a frustrating experience.

User feedback is gold.Connect with users who rely on screen readers or keyboard navigation. Their insight will catch things that even the best tools miss.

Common Examples of Inaccessible Websites

Not all accessibility issues are obvious. Some are hiding in plain sight—subtle things that silently block users from interacting with your site.

Here are some of the most common (and costly) problems to watch for:

• Poor font choices and color contrastIf users can’t read your text, they won’t stick around. Use legible fonts and test your contrast with tools like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker.

• Missing or inaccurate alt textScreen readers rely on alt text to describe images. Without it, users with visual impairments are left in the dark. Make sure every image adds value—and every one has a clear description.

• Unclear or inaccessible navigationIf menus can’t be accessed with a keyboard or don’t follow a logical structure, users will get lost. Navigation should be intuitive and fully operable without a mouse.

• Autoplaying media without controlsUnexpected sounds or videos are disruptive. Always give users control. Autoplay should be off by default, or at least easy to pause.

• Form fields without labelsForms need to be labeled clearly so assistive tech can interpret them. Placeholders are not enough. Use proper tags and error messages that are easy to understand.

• No focus indicators for keyboard navigationIf someone is tabbing through your site, they need to see where they are. Without visible focus indicators, it’s a guessing game—and a frustrating one.

These small issues can create big barriers.Accessibility isn’t about aesthetics—it’s about usability.

Start identifying and fixing these common pitfalls, and you’ll already be ahead of many businesses online.

The Business Risks of Ignoring Accessibility

Accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. And if you're not taking it seriously, the risks aren’t just theoretical. They’re very real.

Here’s what’s at stake if your website isn’t accessible:

• Lost revenueOver 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. If your site isn’t usable for them, you’re turning away a significant portion of your potential customer base. And let’s not forget: many of these users have purchasing power, and they don’t shop alone.

• Legal troubleLawsuits over inaccessible websites are on the rise. In the U.S., cases filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) have impacted both large and small businesses. One claim can cost thousands—even if you settle.

• Reputation damageIf someone can’t access your website, they might not file a lawsuit—but they might tell others. A negative experience spreads fast online. In contrast, a commitment to inclusion shows your audience that you care, which builds brand loyalty.

• Search engine disadvantagesAccessibility and SEO go hand in hand. Clear navigation, alt text, headings—all crucial for accessibility—also help Google understand your site. So if you're not optimizing for accessibility, you're also missing SEO opportunities.

• Falling behind competitorsAs accessibility becomes a standard, businesses that don’t keep up will be seen as outdated or inconsiderate. Brands that take action today will have a clear edge in tomorrow’s marketplace.

In short, ignoring accessibility can cost you—financially, legally, and reputationally. And fixing these issues later can be more expensive than getting it right from the start.

How to Make Your Website Accessible (Without Rebuilding Everything)

Making your website accessible doesn’t mean starting from scratch. In fact, a few smart adjustments can go a long way toward making your site more usable for everyone.

Here’s how to get started:

• Follow WCAG GuidelinesThe Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the gold standard. Aim for WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance at minimum. That means your content should be perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust.

• Use alt text for imagesEvery image should have a descriptive alt attribute. This helps people using screen readers understand what the image is—and it’s also good for SEO.

• Structure your content with headingsUse proper HTML heading tags (H1, H2, H3) to create a logical flow. This makes it easier for assistive technologies to navigate your page—and improves readability for everyone.

• Ensure sufficient color contrastYour text should stand out clearly against the background. Use a tool like the WebAIM Contrast Checker to verify your design choices meet the minimum contrast ratios.

• Make your site keyboard-friendlyNot everyone uses a mouse. Test your site using only a keyboard. Can you navigate menus, forms, and interactive elements using the Tab and Enter keys?

• Add form labels and error messagesIf you have forms, make sure every field is clearly labeled, and errors are easy to spot and fix. This helps all users—especially those with visual impairments or cognitive challenges.

• Avoid auto-playing mediaGive users control over videos or sound. Always provide play/pause options, and avoid auto-playing anything with sound unless muted by default.

You'll see in the next section that achieving full accessibility compliance without a specialized tool is not easy. The guidelines are nuanced, and even experienced developers can miss things.

Achieving Compliance and Why It's Not Easy Without Help

So, you’re convinced that accessibility matters.

Truth is, achieving true accessibility compliance isn’t easy—especially if you’re not a developer or you manage your site on your own.

There are hundreds of variables that can affect accessibility:

• Button contrast

• Keyboard navigation

• ARIA labels

• Skip-to-content links

• Page structure

• Form field labeling

• And much more...

Even if you follow a checklist, manual implementation takes time, expertise, and regular maintenance. Every time you update your site or publish new content, accessibility has to be part of the workflow.

That’s why I use AccessiBe on my own websites.

Their AI-powered widget scans and remediates issues in real time, keeping your site in line with WCAG and ADA standards—without needing to rebuild your website from scratch. And if you're ever audited or challenged, they provide documentation and support to help you stay covered.

Here’s what makes tools like AccessiBe valuable:

• Real-time monitoring – Your site is scanned every 24 hours for new issues.

• AI-based adjustments – Things like font size, contrast, and alt text are dynamically optimized for users with different needs.

• Legal support – If your business ever faces legal action, AccessiBe offers professional guidance and resources.

• User control – Visitors can customize their experience using the interface (screen reader mode, color adjustments, etc.).

Without a specialized tool, it’s nearly impossible to cover every accessibility requirement consistently—especially as your site grows.

That’s why choosing the right partner can make all the difference. Accessibility isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing commitment.

The Cost of Ignoring Web Accessibility

Let’s be clear: ignoring accessibility isn’t just bad practice—it’s a business risk. If your site isn’t usable for everyone, you’re not just limiting your reach—you’re opening the door to lost revenue, poor brand perception, and even legal trouble.

Here’s what’s at stake:

• Lost CustomersOver 1 billion people globally live with a disability. Many of them rely on accessible websites for shopping, learning, and daily tasks. If your site isn’t accessible, these potential customers will go elsewhere.

• Legal LiabilityIn many countries—including the U.S., UK, and across the EU—businesses are legally required to meet accessibility standards. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), for example, has been the basis for thousands of lawsuits against companies with inaccessible websites. And it’s not just big corporations—small businesses are being sued too.

• SEO ImpactAccessibility and SEO go hand in hand. Clear headings, alt text, and semantic HTML help screen readers—and also help Google understand your content. That means better rankings and more organic traffic.

• Brand ReputationPeople support brands that are inclusive. Accessibility shows you care about serving everyone, not just the majority. On the flip side, a lawsuit or public complaint can damage trust and credibility fast.

• Missed OpportunitiesAccessibility is a growth lever. The more people who can use your site, the more potential leads, subscribers, and customers you gain.

Bottom line: Accessibility isn’t optional. It’s a key part of running a responsible, future-proof business online.

Accessibility Is a Business Advantage — Not Just a Legal Obligation

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits. Yes, compliance matters. But the bigger opportunity? Growth.

Here’s how accessibility gives your business a competitive edge:

• Reach a wider audience: Over 1 billion people globally live with some form of disability. That’s a huge market. And many more benefit from accessible design — older users, mobile users, people with temporary injuries, etc.

• Boost SEO: Accessibility best practices like using proper headings, descriptive alt text, and structured content also happen to make your site easier for search engines to understand. That means better rankings and more organic traffic.

• Improve user experience: Clear navigation, readable fonts, high-contrast buttons — all of these help users stay longer and engage more. And the easier your site is to use, the more likely people are to convert.

• Build brand trust and loyalty: Showing that you care about accessibility isn’t just good ethics — it’s good business. Today’s customers want to support inclusive, values-driven brands.

• Future-proof your website: Standards evolve, and expectations rise. Investing in accessibility now puts you ahead of the curve — instead of scrambling later.

Web accessibility is a growth lever. It helps you reach more people, rank higher, convert better, and build a stronger brand.

And with the right setup — like using a tool such as AccessiBe — it’s completely doable, even if you're a small business or solo creator.

Why Accessibility Matters for SEO

Accessibility and SEO go hand in hand. The very same practices that improve the experience for people with disabilities also help your website rank better in search engines.

Here’s how:

• Alt text improves image SEO: Descriptive alt attributes help screen readers — and they also tell Google what your images are about. This increases your chances of appearing in image search results.

• Proper heading structure helps indexing: When your content is well-structured using H1, H2, and H3 tags, it’s easier for search engines to crawl and understand the hierarchy of your information.

• Readable text and mobile-friendliness matter: Accessibility best practices encourage clear, concise content that works well on all screen sizes — exactly what search engines reward.

• Video transcripts boost discoverability: When you publish transcripts alongside video content, you're giving search engines more content to index — which improves visibility and keyword relevance.

• Improved page experience = higher rankings: Search engines like Google increasingly factor in user experience signals — like how easy your site is to navigate — when ranking pages.

When you make your website more accessible, you're not just doing the right thing — you're also giving your content a better shot at being discovered. It’s a win-win.

Accessible websites are search-friendly websites. And in a crowded digital world, visibility matters.

Legal Risks of Inaccessible Websites

Accessibility isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a legal obligation in many countries. And if your website doesn’t meet the required standards, you could be at risk of costly lawsuits.

In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been used to challenge businesses over inaccessible websites. These lawsuits aren’t limited to large corporations — small businesses are being targeted too, and settlements can cost thousands.

Other legal frameworks around the world include:

• EN 301 549 in the EU

• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in Canada

• Equality Act 2010 in the UK

Failure to comply can result in:

• Fines or settlements

• Legal fees

• Reputational damage

• Orders to rebuild your entire website

And here’s the thing: achieving real compliance without a specialized tool is not easy. That’s one reason I personally use AccessiBe — their solution helps automate much of the process while keeping you aligned with international standards like WCAG 2.1.

Being proactive about accessibility isn’t just about avoiding risk — it’s about showing your business operates with integrity and foresight.

Accessibility Helps Protect Your Brand

You’ve worked hard to build your brand. The last thing you want is for it to be associated with exclusion or non-compliance.

Accessibility lawsuits are on the rise, and they don’t just target big corporations. Small businesses are being held accountable too. One bad headline or customer complaint can damage your reputation — and repairing trust is always harder than building it right from the start.

But beyond risk, this is about responsibility. Your brand isn’t just what you say — it’s what people experience when they interact with you. If your website excludes people with disabilities, what message does that send?

On the flip side, a site that’s easy to navigate, clear to read, and usable by all builds positive associations. It says: “We care. We include. We’re paying attention.”

That’s the kind of brand people remember — and recommend.

Accessibility Supports Inclusion and Equity

Website accessibility is about more than compliance—it’s about inclusion.

By making your digital space accessible, you’re sending a clear message: everyone is welcome here. That includes people with permanent disabilities, temporary impairments, and situational limitations.

Think about:

• Someone recovering from surgery who can’t use a mouse.

• A new parent holding a baby with one hand.

• An aging user with reduced vision.

• A neurodivergent visitor who needs clear navigation.

Accessibility bridges the gap. It ensures your site works for real people in real-world situations—not just ideal users.

When you build with empathy, you don’t just follow the rules—you stand out. Inclusive brands are remembered, respected, and recommended.

Accessibility Helps You Reach a Wider Audience

Making your site accessible increases your total addressable market.

You’re not just designing for a narrow slice of users—you’re opening your content, offers, and experiences to everyone.

• 1 in 6 people worldwide lives with some form of disability.

• Add to that aging populations, non-native speakers, low-bandwidth users, and mobile-only visitors.

These are real customers with real buying power.

When your website works for more people, more people can engage, buy, and come back. Accessibility removes friction from the journey—so you don’t lose users before they even get to know you.

It's not just the right thing to do. It's a growth lever.

Accessibility Strengthens Your Brand

An accessible website isn’t just a technical asset—it’s a reflection of your values.

When someone lands on your site and sees that you’ve made the effort to include everyone, it sends a clear message: you care.

• It builds credibility.

• It shows professionalism.

• And it signals trustworthiness to users, partners, and search engines alike.

In today’s competitive landscape, brand perception matters more than ever. People choose businesses that feel aligned with their values—and accessibility is a big part of that.

You’re not just optimizing for machines. You’re optimizing for people. All people.

Accessibility Future-Proofs Your Business

The web is changing fast—and accessibility is becoming non-negotiable.

With growing legal pressure, evolving standards like WCAG 2.2 and WCAG 3.0, and increased consumer awareness, businesses that don’t adapt risk falling behind.

Investing in accessibility now means:

• You’re prepared for future regulations.

• You won’t need to scramble if new laws or guidelines are introduced.

• You can confidently grow your site, knowing it’s built on inclusive foundations.

Think of it like insurance for your website’s longevity. The earlier you embed accessibility into your design and operations, the more future-ready your brand becomes.

Final Thoughts: Why Accessibility Should Be Part of Your Business Strategy

Website accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about connection, inclusion, and smart business.

When your site is usable by everyone, you open the door to a broader audience, build trust with your visitors, improve your SEO, and lower the risk of legal issues. It’s a win on every level.

Accessibility is not a one-time task—it’s an ongoing mindset.

Even small improvements can make a big difference. And if you're looking for a smart, scalable solution, I personally recommend exploring AccessiBe. It’s what I use across my projects to stay compliant and inclusive, without rebuilding everything from scratch.

So take action. Audit your site. Make improvements. Keep learning.

Because a more accessible web benefits everyone—including your business.

Want to dive deeper? Check out the FAQ and Glossary below for quick answers and key terms—especially if you’re new to accessibility or just need a refresher.

Thanks for reading,

Laurence

Frequently Asked Questions

What is website accessibility in simple terms?

Website accessibility means making your site usable for everyone—including people with disabilities. That includes people who are blind, deaf, have limited mobility, or cognitive differences. It also benefits mobile users, older adults, and anyone navigating the web in less-than-ideal conditions.

Why is website accessibility important for businesses?

Because accessibility expands your reach, improves your SEO, reduces legal risk, and shows your brand values. If your site isn’t usable by all visitors, you're missing out on customers and opening yourself up to potential lawsuits.

What laws apply to website accessibility?

In the U.S., the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act are key regulations. Other countries have their own standards. Many of them reference the WCAG guidelines as the benchmark.

What are the WCAG guidelines?

WCAG stands for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Created by the W3C, it’s the global standard for building accessible websites. It’s structured around four key principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust. Most businesses aim for WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance.

What are some examples of common accessibility issues?

• Missing image alt text

• Poor color contrast

• Videos without captions or transcripts

• Menus that don’t work with keyboards

• Auto-playing elements without controls

• Confusing navigation or layout

  
  

How do I test if my website is accessible?

You can start with tools like:

• WAVE by WebAIM

• AccessiBe’s automated audit widget

• WebAIM Contrast Checker

But don’t stop there. Real user testing—especially with people who use assistive tech—is essential for spotting issues tools miss.

What’s the fastest way to make my site accessible?

Use an accessibility solution like AccessiBe. It automates many adjustments in real time and helps bring your site into compliance faster than manual fixes alone. That’s what I use—and why I recommend it.

Does accessibility really affect SEO?

Yes. Search engines favor clean structure, semantic HTML, alt tags, fast load times, and mobile usability—all of which overlap with accessibility best practices.

Can a small business get sued for not having an accessible website?

Unfortunately, yes. Many lawsuits target small businesses, not just big corporations. Being proactive protects your business and shows that you care about all users.

Glossary

Accessibility

Designing websites so everyone—including people with disabilities—can navigate and use them effectively.Example: A website with proper keyboard navigation and screen reader support is considered accessible.

Alt Text (Alternative Text)

Text descriptions added to images so screen readers can convey the content to visually impaired users.Example: Instead of showing an image of a chart, the alt text might say “Line graph showing 2023 sales growth by quarter.”

Assistive Technology

Tools that help people with disabilities access digital content—like screen readers, braille displays, or voice navigation software.Example: A screen reader reads the text aloud for someone who is blind.

Captions

On-screen text that displays spoken dialogue and relevant sounds in a video.Example: YouTube videos with captions are easier to understand in noisy places—or for viewers who are hard of hearing.

Contrast Ratio

The difference in brightness between foreground (like text) and background colors. A high contrast ratio helps ensure readability for users with low vision.Example: Black text on a white background offers better contrast than light gray on white.

Keyboard Navigation

The ability to navigate a website using a keyboard only—essential for users who can’t use a mouse.Example: Pressing “Tab” to move through links and “Enter” to click.

Legal Compliance

Meeting government standards like the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or Section 508 to avoid lawsuits related to web inaccessibility.Example: A small business sued under ADA for having a website incompatible with screen readers.

Screen Reader

A type of assistive tech that converts text and visual content into speech or braille.Example: JAWS is a popular screen reader used by people who are blind.

Transcripts

A full written version of audio or video content, helping users who are deaf, hard of hearing, or prefer reading.Example: A podcast transcript makes the episode content accessible and searchable.

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)

The international standard for building accessible websites, developed by the W3C. It’s structured around four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust.Example: WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the recommended compliance level for most businesses.