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When it comes to websites, most people talk about the visuals, colors, the layout, and the overall design. But what about accessibility? This term might not be as familiar to some business owners, but it's just as crucial to consider. At Lacuna Strategies, we know that having an accessible website isn't just an extra feature, it's a necessity. Our team understands the importance of creating websites that can be used by everyone, regardless of any disability or impairment. We ensure that accessibility is not just an afterthought but a primary focus during website development, and we've witnessed the positive impact it has had on small businesses in Portland. If you're considering enhancing your website, let us guide you through how Lacuna Strategies can lend a hand.
What is Website Accessibility?
Web accessibility refers to the practice of making your website usable by as many people as possible, including those with disabilities. According to W3C, this means designing and developing websites, tools, and technologies so that people with disabilities can use them. This includes providing alternative text for images, ensuring color contrast is sufficient for those with visual impairments, and ensuring your site can be navigated entirely using a keyboard for those who can't use a mouse.
Not only does improving website accessibility widen your customer base, but it also provides a better user experience for all visitors. Furthermore, accessible websites often rank higher in search results, reducing maintenance costs and demonstrating corporate social responsibility.
Why Accessibility Matters
In today's digital era, your website is your online storefront. It's where potential customers get to know your brand, explore your products or services, and decide whether they want to do business with you. And just like a physical store, your website needs to be accessible to everyone.
According to Forbes, accessible websites can help businesses reach a wider audience, and it should be a key consideration for businesses. In fact, the number of lawsuits related to website accessibility has been rising exponentially in 2023, as per another Forbes article. Ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can navigate and interact with your website not only benefits your customers but is also a wise business move, as it can help boost your online presence, improve customer loyalty, and drive long-term growth. As such, it is essential for businesses to prioritize website accessibility and embrace it as an integral part of their online strategy.
The Current State of Your Website
Has your current agency or webmaster talked to you about the importance of accessibility? If your website hasn't been updated recently, there's a good chance that it might be out of compliance, regardless of the platform it's built on. While platforms are constantly improving to increase accessibility support, building and structuring a truly accessible website requires specific knowledge and expertise
How We Can Help
At Lacuna Strategies, accessibility is more than just a buzzword - it's a core competency. We're always at the forefront of the latest guidelines and standards, like those provided by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). We ensure that every website we build is designed with accessibility in mind. We can conduct an initial review of your current site to identify any compliance concerns. Then, we'll work closely with you to develop a strategy for improved accessibility on your new website.
The Financial Incentive
Did you know that improving your website's accessibility could lead to big savings for your business? Not only does it make your website more inclusive and user-friendly, but you could also be eligible to receive a tax credit from the IRS. The tax credit offers 50%, or a maximum of $5,000, towards accessibility improvement fees. This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to make a proactive investment in creating an inclusive digital space for all customers. Not only will your website be more informative to visitors, but you also have the potential to get half of your investment back as a tax credit!
Accessibility: A Core Competency of Lacuna Strategies
Improving the accessibility of your website is a win-win situation. In today's digital age, accessibility is more important than ever. If your website is not easily accessible, you are not only limiting your reach, but you are also potentially violating legal requirements. Many website platforms attempt to provide accessibility support, but often fall short due to the need for proper knowledge and structure. At Lacuna Strategies, we understand the importance of accessibility and offer initial site feedback to identify any compliance concerns that may exist. You'll be able to reach a wider audience, avoid potential lawsuits, and take advantage of significant tax credits—all while providing a better experience for all of your website visitors.
Ready to make your website more accessible and potentially get money back in the process? Book a free consultation with us today. Let's create a website that truly serves everyone.