For many customers in O’Fallon, IL, your website is their first impression of your small business. But what if a portion of your audience can’t navigate your site because of a disability? You might be unintentionally shutting the door on millions of potential customers. That’s why ADA accessibility isn’t just a bonus — it’s essential for your small business website. Let’s dive into what ADA accessibility means, why it matters, and how it can benefit your business in more ways than one.
What Is ADA Accessibility?
ADA accessibility refers to the guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that require public places — including websites — to be usable by people with disabilities. This covers individuals with disabilities related to vision, hearing, movement, or cognitive function.
To make a website ADA compliant, you need to follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These include features like:
- Text alternatives for images
- Keyboard-only navigation
- Proper contrast for readability
- Video captions and transcripts
- Clear, logical structure for content
While these features improve the experience for users with disabilities, they also enhance usability for everyone.
Why It’s Essential for Your Small Business
1. Reach a Larger Audience
Roughly one in four adults in the U.S., according to the CDC, live with some type of disability. That’s over 60 million people who could be interacting with your business — if your website allows it.
An accessible website welcomes all users. Whether it’s someone using a screen reader or a visitor navigating with a keyboard instead of a mouse, ADA compliance ensures no one is left out.
2. Avoid Legal Trouble
In recent years, lawsuits over inaccessible websites have skyrocketed. Businesses — both large and small — have faced legal action for failing to comply with ADA guidelines. While small businesses are not always held to the same standards as major corporations, they’re not immune. A single lawsuit can cost thousands in legal fees and settlements — not to mention the damage to your reputation. Proactive accessibility improvements are far less expensive than reacting to a legal issue.
3. Boost Your SEO
Google and other search engines tend to favor websites that are user-friendly and simple to navigate. That’s exactly what accessibility is all about.
Many accessibility practices, such as:
- Descriptive alt text for images
- Clean HTML structure
- Readable font choices
- Mobile-friendly design
…are also SEO best practices. In other words, an ADA-compliant site often ranks better in search results, helping you attract more traffic organically.
4. Enhance User Experience for Everyone
Think ADA accessibility only benefits users with disabilities? Think again. Adding captions helps people watching videos in loud or quiet environments. Keyboard navigation is helpful for users with temporary injuries. Clear layouts and readable fonts improve usability for people of all ages and abilities. Making your site more accessible leads to better engagement, lower bounce rates, and higher conversion — because your visitors can actually use your site.
5. Showcase Your Values
Accessibility sends a powerful message: your O’Fallon, IL business cares about inclusivity. Today’s customers tend to choose brands that share and represent their values. Showing that your business is committed to serving all users demonstrates integrity, empathy, and social responsibility. This can foster stronger customer loyalty and set you apart from competitors who overlook this important detail.
How to Start Making Your Site ADA Accessible
ADA compliance may sound overwhelming at first, but small steps can make a big difference. Here are some starting points:
- Use alt text for all images to describe what’s being shown.
- Ensure proper contrast between text and background colors.
- Make your site navigable by keyboard alone.
- Add captions and transcripts to video and audio content.
- Use headings and labels to structure content clearly.
- Use accessibility tools like WAVE or Lighthouse to check your site.
Keep in mind—you don’t have to address everything all at once. Work with a web developer or accessibility consultant to gradually implement WCAG guidelines. Many tools also offer automatic checks to help identify and fix problems.
Accessibility Is a Smart Business Move
You wouldn’t put a “closed” sign on your front door during business hours. But that’s essentially what happens when your website isn’t accessible. You shut out people who are trying to reach you — people who could become loyal customers, partners, or advocates. By building an ADA-compliant website, you’re not just doing the right thing morally — you’re making a smart, forward-thinking business decision. From expanding your audience and improving SEO to avoiding lawsuits and showing your commitment to inclusivity, the benefits of website accessibility are clear and compelling.
Call Hometown Marketing Group today if you are looking to get a new website for your small business in O’Fallon, IL that has ADA accessibility.
