Unlocking the power of accessibility

Let's talk about something crucial for your online presence: website accessibility. You might have heard the term before, but what does it really mean and why does it matter for your business?

In simple terms, website accessibility is about making sure your website is usable by as many people as possible, on as many different devices and browsers as possible.

Many small businesses overlook website accessibility. It's understandable – there are so many things to juggle when running a business, and website accessibility might not be high on your priority list. But here's the thing: neglecting accessibility means you could be missing out on a significant portion of potential customers.

Imagine someone with a visual impairment trying to navigate your website but struggling because the text isn't properly formatted for screen readers. Or someone with mobility issues who can't use your site because the navigation isn't keyboard friendly. These are real barriers that could turn away potential customers and harm your reputation.

When search engines crawl your site, they too are seeking for reassurance that your site is accessible, and if it is, you’ll be rewarded with your site appearing higher on the search engine results page. If not, your site will appear lower.

Here are some tips to consider when creating an accessible website:

• Use accessible design: Choose website templates or themes that are designed with accessibility in mind. Ensure that text is easy to read, buttons are large enough to click, and colours provide sufficient contrast.

• Optimise for screen readers: Add alternative text to images, use descriptive headings, and provide transcripts for audio or video content. This helps screen reader users understand and navigate your website effectively.

• Test your website: Regularly test your website using accessibility tools to identify and fix any issues.

I understand the importance of accessibility for small businesses, and at Red Rose Media I can help audit your website for accessibility, implement necessary changes, and provide ongoing support to ensure your website remains accessible to all.

Website accessibility isn't just about ticking a box – it's about creating a welcoming and inclusive online space for everyone. You'll also likely see improvements in your search engine rankings, as search engines like Google prioritise accessible websites.

So, let's make your website accessible and unlock its full potential!

Got questions or need support? Reach out and let me help you shine online.