Why Web Accessibility Should Be Built Into Every Website
When businesses think about website design, they often prioritize aesthetics, functionality, and brand voice. But one critical piece is still overlooked too often: web accessibility.
More than just a legal requirement, web accessibility is about designing and developing websites that can be used by everyone—regardless of physical ability, cognitive level, or the device or assistive technology they’re using. It’s not only the right thing to do—it’s also smart strategy.
At The BLU Group, we believe web accessibility should be a fundamental part of every website build, not an afterthought or add-on. Here’s why it matters—and how to approach it.
What Is Web Accessibility?
Web accessibility refers to the inclusive practice of making websites usable for people with a wide range of disabilities, including:
- Vision impairments (color blindness, low vision, blindness)
- Hearing loss
- Motor disabilities that limit the use of a mouse or keyboard
- Cognitive challenges, such as ADHD or dyslexia
- Temporary or situational limitations, like a broken arm or bright sunlight on a screen
Accessible websites follow design and code standards—such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)—to ensure equal access and usability for all users, regardless of their needs.
Why Web Accessibility Matters
1. It’s A Legal Obligation
Businesses operating in the U.S. may be subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which has increasingly been interpreted to include digital accessibility. Lawsuits related to inaccessible websites are on the rise, especially in industries like retail, healthcare, finance, and education.
Building with accessibility in mind from the beginning helps mitigate legal risks and avoids costly retrofitting later.
2. It Enhances The User Experience
Accessible websites are not just for users with disabilities. Features like larger clickable areas, intuitive navigation, consistent layout, and clear text benefit all users—especially mobile users and those on slow internet connections.
Accessibility-focused design prioritizes clarity, structure, and usability—key components of any high-performing site.
3. It Supports Better SEO
Search engines and assistive technologies like screen readers rely on similar cues: clean code, clear headings, alt text for images, and descriptive link text.
By implementing accessibility best practices, your site becomes more indexable and discoverable—supporting your broader SEO strategy.
4. It Strengthens Your Brand’s Reputation
Consumers expect more from brands today. Demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity by prioritizing web accessibility communicates that your business values everyone. This fosters trust, strengthens your reputation, and opens your digital doors to a wider audience.
What Should Be Included In Web Accessibility?
Whether you’re building a new site or refreshing an old one, the following elements should be part of your accessibility strategy:
- Alt Text for Images: Describes the purpose of images for users who rely on screen readers. This is also beneficial for SEO.
- Keyboard Navigation: All interactive elements (like menus and forms) should be accessible without a mouse.
- Color Contrast: Ensure text is readable against background colors, especially for users with vision impairments.
- Semantic HTML: Use proper header tags (H1, H2, H3) to organize content clearly for both screen readers and SEO crawlers.
- Form Labels and Instructions: Every field should have a visible, descriptive label to guide all users.
- ARIA Landmarks: These define page regions for assistive technology, improving navigation and context.
- Captioned Videos and Transcripts: Multimedia content should be accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Error Messaging: Ensure that form errors are clearly described and easy to fix, especially for users with cognitive disabilities.
When Should You Address Web Accessibility?
The best time to incorporate web accessibility is during the initial planning and design phase of a website build. Retrofitting after the fact is possible, but it’s more time-consuming and costly.
At The BLU Group, we integrate accessibility planning into every stage—from wireframing to testing—so that our clients launch websites that are inclusive, effective, and future-ready.
If your website is already live, a professional audit can identify existing accessibility gaps and outline a roadmap for improvements.
Accessibility Is For Everyone
Web accessibility isn’t about designing for a small percentage of people—it’s about designing for real-world users in all their diversity. The benefits go beyond compliance: better usability, improved SEO, and a more trustworthy digital presence.
Building with accessibility in mind creates a stronger foundation for growth and ensures your brand connects with everyone it serves.
Want Help Building An Accessible Website?
The BLU Group provides full-service website design and development—including accessibility best practices from day one. If you’re planning a new site or want to assess the accessibility of your current one, let’s talk. Call 608-519-3070 or visit https://theblugroup.com/contact/ for a free consultation for your new website.
