The Importance of ADA Compliance for Website SEO: 10 Steps to Take for Your Small Business

Posted by Andrea Richard In NCE Newsletter 0 comment

As a small business owner, you may not be aware of the importance of ADA compliance as it pertains to website SEO. But as an SEO expert, I’m here to help you understand why it’s crucial for your website’s success.

Understand what ADA compliance means for your website: ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires businesses to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities. This includes making sure all content is available in a format that is easily readable for screen readers, adding closed captions for videos, and providing alternate text for images.

Make your website’s code accessible: This means ensuring that your website’s code is written in a way that is accessible to people with disabilities. This includes using semantic HTML, avoiding the use of images for text, and ensuring that all form elements are labeled properly.
Choose an accessible website platform: If you’re building a new website, make sure you choose a platform that is already accessible, such as WordPress or Squarespace.
Use accessible themes and templates: If you’re using a pre-made theme or template for your website, make sure it’s accessible. Look for themes that meet WCAG 2.0 or 2.1 standards.
Add alt text to your images: This allows screen readers to describe the image to users who can’t see it. Be descriptive and accurate in your alt text.
Caption your videos: Closed captions allow people who are deaf or hard of hearing to understand what’s being said in your videos.
Make sure your website is keyboard accessible: Some people with disabilities rely on a keyboard instead of a mouse. Make sure your website can be navigated with just a keyboard.
Provide text transcripts for audio content: Transcripts make it easy for people who are deaf or hard of hearing to access your audio content.
Use color with care: Avoid using color alone to convey meaning. Instead, use text or symbols to ensure that everyone can understand the information you’re presenting.
Test your website for accessibility: There are many tools available to test your website’s accessibility, including WAVE, Axe, and WebAIM. Regularly testing your website can help you catch accessibility issues and address them before they become bigger problems.

By following these 10 steps, you’ll be well on your way to creating an ADA compliant website that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their disabilities. Not only will this help you avoid potential legal issues, but it will also improve your website’s SEO and make it more user-friendly for all visitors.

Remember, an accessible website isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also good for your business. So take the necessary steps today to ensure that your website is accessible to everyone.