Key Takeaways
- Digital accessibility expands your customer base and enhances the user experience.
- Improved accessibility can lead to increased revenue and profitability and enhances brand reputation.
- Ensure your retail website complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
- Retailers can increase their revenue by using Augmented Reality (AR) on their websites and mobile applications to keep customers engaged, allowing them to try things out before even buying.
Benefits Of Digital Accessibility In The Retail Industry
Digital accessibility in the retail industry is essential to ensure universal access to websites and applications. It encompasses designing and developing digital platforms that accommodate all users, eliminating barriers that may impede job opportunities, civic participation, and other essential aspects of life. By prioritizing website accessibility, the retail sector contributes to creating a more inclusive society.
Expanded Customer Base
Digital accessibility ensures that websites and applications are designed to accommodate all users, eliminating barriers to accessing employment opportunities, civic participation, and more. Creating accessible websites in the retail sector brings multiple advantages to website owners.
Enhanced User Experience
Increased Revenue And Profitability
One notable advantage of digital accessibility is improved search engine optimization, resulting in higher rankings and increased revenue for online retailers. Reaching a wider audience through accessibility measures enhances the user experience, improving revenue and profitability.
Improved Brand Reputation
Digital accessibility demonstrates a retailer’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, thereby enhancing its brand reputation. It also safeguards against penalties related to non-compliance with accessibility standards.
Tips That Can Help Make Online Retail Stores Accessible
Making Websites Accessible
Providing Alternative Formats For Content
Using Assistive Technologies
Retailers can leverage assistive technologies like screen readers or voice recognition software to make digital products more accessible. These technologies include specialized software and hardware that improve mobility, hearing, vision, and communication capacities, enabling individuals with disabilities to use computers and mobile devices easily.
Creating Accessible Mobile Apps
By implementing digital accessibility best practices for mobile apps, online retailers can provide a user-friendly experience for people with disabilities. Incorporating features such as alternative text for images and using clear, straightforward language helps improve engagement, customer loyalty, and personalization.
Best Practices For Ensuring Digital Accessibility In The Retail Industry
Conducting Regular Accessibility Audits
Incorporating Accessibility Into Design And Development Processes
Accessibility should be integrated into digital product design and development processes. Adhering to inclusive design principles allows retailers to serve as many people as possible, regardless of their sensory, cognitive, or physical capabilities. Collaboration with accessibility experts and using accessibility tools further ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
Providing Accessible Training And Resources
Working With Accessibility Experts/Tools
Working with accessibility experts and utilizing tools like PREP (PDF and Document Remediation Platform) can assist retailers in ensuring that their documents and PDFs are accessible to all users. PREP, an AI-driven platform, offers efficient and accurate remediation of PDFs and other document formats, significantly reducing turnaround time. It includes a built-in accessibility checker that validates documents according to relevant guidelines.