I could stand on a soap box and lecture about how anyone with visual, hearing, cognitive, or motor disabilities should be able to browse, shop, and just feel welcome on any website the same way all public facilities should be wheelchair-accessible. But being a good steward in society doesn’t always translate to continued success in business, does it? Well, I’m here to tell you that it can.
Benefits for Your Business
Web accessibility benefits both users and businesses. If your website is difficult for people with disabilities to use, then there’s a very good chance it’s also difficult for all users who visit your website. Let’s dive deeper into how web accessibility can affect your business.
Reach More Customers
An accessible website opens up your audience. In the U.S., there are over 61 million adults with disabilities, many of whom find inaccessible websites hard or impossible to use. By ignoring this group, you lose potential customers. What’s more, studies show that 55% of people (all people, not just those with disabilities) abandon a purchase if the website isn’t accessible.
Reduce Legal Risk & Improve Trust
In 2024, more than 4,000 lawsuits were filed under the ADA for websites and mobile apps that failed to meet “digital accessibility” requirements. This means businesses are being held responsible for inaccessible websites. Having a site that meets WCAG / ADA / accessibility standards helps protect you from expensive litigation and damages. Read more about what business owners need to know about ADA website lawsuits.
Better SEO & User Experience
Search engines reward websites that follow accessibility best practices. Adding alt text for images, using clear headings, and improving page speed not only help people with disabilities but also make your site easier to find on Google. In fact, Google has confirmed that accessible sites tend to also have strong technical SEO, therefore ranking higher in search results. An accessible website also helps lower bounce rates and keeps more visitors engaged, which leads to more conversions.
Cost Savings & ROI Over Time
Accessible websites typically require less customer support because users run into fewer issues. Not only is your site easier to use by everyone, it also runs on a stronger framework. Properly structured code is an important aspect of web accessibility because it allows screen readers and other assistive technology to properly convey the site’s content. Proper coding means fewer technical issues down the road. Investing in accessibility is smart business.
Stronger Brand Reputation & Customer Loyalty
Accessibility also builds trust with your audience. When customers see that your site works well for everyone—including older adults, people using screen readers, or those navigating by keyboard—they view your business as more professional and customer-focused. A survey by the Return on Disability Group showed that people with disabilities and their families control over $13 trillion in global disposable income.
By creating an ADA compliant website, you show that you value inclusivity, which strengthens your reputation and encourages repeat business. A positive user experience for all isn’t just good ethics, it’s good branding. Besides, don’t you want a slice of that 13 trillion dollar pie?