Digital accessibility is not only a legal requirement, but also a decisive factor for business success. Yet many companies still believe in myths that cost them dearly. Let us clear up these misconceptions and show you how you can benefit.
It is a common misconception that accessibility is only relevant for people with disabilities. In fact, all users benefit from an accessible website. Elderly people, people with temporary disabilities and even users with slow internet connections can benefit from a well-designed, accessible website.
An accessible website improves the user experience for everyone and can help increase reach and customer loyalty. It also signals that your company is inclusive and customer-centric.
Many companies believe that implementing digital accessibility is too expensive and time-consuming. In reality, however, the cost and effort can be minimized by planning ahead and using existing tools and resources.
In the long run, investing in accessibility can even save costs by avoiding potential legal consequences and increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty. A positive user experience leads to higher conversion rates and therefore more sales.
Another myth is that accessible websites are less attractive or less aesthetically pleasing. In reality, design and accessibility can go hand in hand. A well-designed website can be both aesthetically pleasing and accessible.
By using accessible design principles such as clear navigation, sufficient contrast and well-structured content, the user experience can be improved without compromising the visual appearance.
A common misconception is that your target audience does not need an accessible website. However, the reality is that many people who benefit from accessibility may not actively seek support or openly communicate their needs.
By making your website accessible, you can ensure that you are not excluding potential customers. This can lead to extended reach and increased customer loyalty.
Another misconception is that accessibility can be added later when the website is already live. While this is technically possible, it is often more costly and time-consuming to implement accessibility after the fact.
It is much more efficient to integrate accessibility into the design and development process from the start. This not only saves time and money, but also ensures that your website is accessible to all users right from the start.