Digital accessibility means removing any barriers that might stop someone from using a website, mobile app, or other digital technology. Every web user has different needs, so there's a long list of potential barriers to overcome -- from design changes to more detailed product descriptions to offering multiple languages to enhanced customer service.
Key Stat
In the US alone, 1 in 4 people have a disability -- representing 25% of the potential market that disabled consumers still find their shopping choices limited for.
The Business Case for Accessibility
Consumer spending by people with disabilities is worth billions annually. E-commerce retailers that ignore accessibility are leaving money on the table.
They're also vulnerable to lawsuits. Over 80% of the top 500 online retailers have faced accessibility-related suits in the past four years. Legal action can be time-consuming, expensive, and damaging to retailers' reputations.
Making your online store accessible means reaching a neglected 25% of your target market, tapping into more potential profits, and avoiding reputational damage.
How Online Shops Can Become More Accessible
Accessibility isn't a one-off achievement. Continual review and updating of websites and digital services is necessary to ensure nothing has stopped working or gone out of date. Here are key ways to upgrade your e-commerce store:
Accessibility Features
Design supporting people with visual impairments and compatibility with screen readers and text-to-speech technology.
User-Friendly Design
Large print, simplified forms, and consistent design patterns that make navigation intuitive for everyone.
Language and Country Options
For international shipping, provide translated webpages and localized prices to serve customers in their preferred language.
Product Descriptions
Highlight disability-friendly features. 43% of consumers with disabilities abandon shopping tasks when lacking accessibility information about products.
Customer Service
Offer multiple channels -- email, chat, and phone -- letting customers choose their preferred communication method.
Many e-commerce sites fail basic accessibility tests, with fashion retailers being particularly inaccessible. When retailers embrace accessibility, they can gain positive attention and increased profits while serving a broader audience.
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