How important is website accessibility?
The value of inclusive website accessibility
Website accessibility is vital because it ensures an inclusive online experience where everyone, including people with disabilities, can access and navigate your content with ease. Designing with accessibility in mind not only meets legal and ethical standards but also helps you reach a diverse audience and improve overall usability. An inclusive website enhances user trust, strengthens your brand reputation, and supports better SEO — making accessibility a smart, responsible choice for every business.
How Accessibility Benefits Business Performance
Investing in accessibility is not only the right thing to do — it’s also good for business. An inclusive website reaches a larger and more diverse audience, including users who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, voice navigation, or keyboard controls. This wider reach can increase engagement, customer loyalty, and conversions.
Accessibility also improves overall usability for every visitor. Clear navigation, readable text, and well-structured content make it easier for all users to interact with your site, stay longer, and complete actions such as enquiries or purchases. As search engines reward well-structured, user-friendly sites, accessibility improvements can also contribute to stronger SEO performance and better visibility on Google.
Meeting Legal and Ethical Standards
In many regions, accessibility is more than a best practice — it’s a legal requirement. Regulations such as the Equality Act 2010 in the UK and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) outline clear expectations for inclusive digital experiences. Failing to meet these standards can lead to reputational and financial risks, whereas demonstrating a commitment to inclusion enhances credibility and trust.
For organisations that value diversity, accessibility also reflects a broader social responsibility. An accessible website shows that your business recognises and supports all users, reinforcing your brand’s commitment to fairness, equality, and respect.
How to Make Your Website More Inclusive
Improving accessibility starts with understanding how people interact with your website. Key steps include:
- Ensuring sufficient colour contrast and legible typography.
- Adding alternative text to images for screen reader users.
- Structuring headings and content logically for easy navigation.
- Making buttons, links, and forms usable on both desktop and mobile devices.
- Testing with real users and accessibility tools to identify barriers.
Building inclusivity into your design and development process ensures your website works effectively for everyone — not just some users.
Free Website Accessibility Audit
If you’re unsure whether your current website meets accessibility standards, an audit is the best place to start. Our audit assesses usability, readability, and compliance with WCAG guidelines, providing clear, actionable recommendations to make your site more inclusive and effective.
Book a Website Consultation
Creating an accessible, high-performing website doesn’t just support inclusion, it builds a stronger, more competitive business. Speak to Hague & Gray to learn how improving accessibility can enhance user experience, SEO, and customer engagement.
