Accessibility has become a key factor in the success of e-commerce. It involves designing digital services and products for people with disabilities, including those that are visual, auditory, cognitive, etc. Due to the widespread use of online purchasing, it is both an ethical responsibility and a practical necessity. However, e-commerce’s revolutionary convenience should not disturb this demographic. Online platforms must reflect these factors, much as traditional businesses do, while serving a variety of requirements. This not only satisfies social duty but also addresses an imbalance in the market. In this article, we’ll explore its importance and the strategies that can be employed to support a business’s growth.
Picture Credit: Sigmund
Adds More Semantics to the Code
A website’s structure is defined by traditional website code. It does not, however, make it easier for web browsers to understand how each component works. To help web browsers understand the functions of various sections of web pages, web codes use tags. Using this approach, search engines are still unable to derive these sections’ abundant importance.
When creating accessible web pages, developers use aria tags in addition to other tags to increase accessibility. With this method, distinguishing between the functionality of various website components is made easier for browsers.
For websites with product listings, the use of tags performs particularly well. It makes it easier for web browsers to find particular products and leads customers to specific product pages. For example, comprehensive product information is provided through tags like microdata. They provide information on names, costs, categories, size numbers, colors, and a lot more. All descriptions are simply plain text without the microdata tag. This indicates that they lack context and meaning and are unclear to web browsers.
Improves the User Experience
In order to improve user experiences on all e-commerce platforms, several accessibility tools can be very beneficial. Site maps for web pages must be made if accessibility is to be effective. It does so because it considerably improves the user experience. Maintaining a logical and consistent navigation mechanism throughout the whole platform is also essential. By doing this, user confusion is reduced, which reduces the risk of users leaving or switching to another website.
A simple yet effective strategy is to include brief and illuminating alternative text (alt text) in images. This will increase the usability of images, including videos. It helps to increase the audience by adding illustrative captions to videos as well. This feature is especially important for those with visual impairments since it allows them to perceive and interact with video information.
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Enhances the SEO
The capacity to recognize visual features on online pages is lacking in search engines and web crawlers. So, the text that is readily available is what drives search engines. As a result of the ability to build relevancy between user search queries and the most appropriate results. The language and goal of a website are very important for accessibility. Consequently, this enables search engines to better understand and comprehend the content.
Implementation of accessibility tools and a systematic approach to content distribution both considerably increase the advantages of search engines. By using this method, all users will have access to and an understanding of the content. A website is more likely to get good SEO results when user access and navigation are made easier. This alignment also suggests that improved semantics and site navigation are advantageous for search engines. Therefore, guiding the readers to the relevant web pages will help them quickly find the information they need.
Provides Massive Potential Leads
By encouraging more engagement, improving website accessibility helps e-commerce businesses as well as visitors. Businesses may boost engagement levels by focusing on a larger audience and attracting distinctive visitors. Making a website more accessible increases the likelihood that one-time visitors will become frequent customers.
However, it can be difficult to provide all visitors from across the world with an experience of consistently excellent quality. The use of accessibility options, therefore, guarantees an ideal browsing experience suited to each user’s capabilities. A website’s chance of getting visitors is greatly increased by having a simple user interface and easy navigation.
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Establishes Huge Market Base
Tools for accessibility can improve user experiences on a global scale in a variety of ways. It is because it serves customers with a variety of needs and conditions. This comprehensive strategy takes into account non-native English speakers, those living in rural or underdeveloped areas, and more. Despite not being the main target category, these people stand to gain a lot from improved accessibility. As a result, it raises brand identity and may even acquire a wider audience.
The ultimate goal of every e-commerce platform is to establish connections with as many customers as possible. However, not all websites embrace accessibility technologies; rather, only a minority of them use these tools to assist disabled individuals. The key to standing out is to provide a comprehensive experience that will boost e-commerce.
Boosts Public Relations
Digital activism has significantly increased in popularity as technological awareness continues to spread. Customers are becoming more and more attracted to businesses whose products show a commitment to certain values. This idea also applies to businesses that spend both time and resources to ensure that their websites are accessible.
Web accessibility is important because it has significant effects on people with disabilities and their families. A poll of people revealed that they have a stronger predisposition to buy from brands. This just pertains to the section where such businesses prioritize accessibility. On the other hand, there is a noticeable propensity for people to disconnect with brands. These e-commerce platforms fall short in ensuring the accessibility of their websites for individuals with disabilities.
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Fills with Positive Responses
People with disabilities are entitled to participate in all activities that are available to their capable counterparts. Society must provide universal accessibility, overcoming any obstacles that would prevent such involvement. Legal regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) emphasize the requirement that public areas provide equal treatment. It applies to both average people and those with disabilities, and this need includes websites. Web accessibility supports people with disabilities’ fair access to digital platforms, which is clearly an ethical right for them.
Although the law may not specifically outline rules for web accessibility, its depth is adequate. There has been a steady rise in online accessibility lawsuits over the last ten years. Notably, US-based businesses were the target of 2,352 online accessibility lawsuits in 2021. Even well-known websites were being sued, which was a 14% rise from the year earlier. However, this increased trend of litigation does not appear to be slowing down.
Adherence to strict accessibility guidelines is required to reduce the possibility of discrimination claims and legal action against a website. Therefore, possessing a Letter of Reasonable Accessibility is the best course of action. This shows that the website completed a fair audit and has the necessary modifications for those with disabilities. Such behavior promotes a favorable brand image and reputation in addition to responding to regulatory requirements.
Saajan Ahmed
(Assistant Vice President - Sales)
Hi, Saajan here! reach out to me with any questions you might have, we'd be glad to help.
To shine in the e-commerce arena, embracing accessibility not only holds ethical responsibility but is also a strategic imperative. By embracing this, e-commerce platforms unlock a world of possibilities, bridging gaps, expanding their reach, and fostering goodwill. In this digital age, where connectivity knows no bounds, true success lies in crafting a space where everyone can participate. This ensures that the transformative power of e-commerce is truly accessible to all.
