When a consumer comes to a store’s website, he expects much of the same in-store experience translated into a digital format. As more and more consumers are turning to online shopping,  a vast number of shoppers which include people with disabilities are continuing to be left out of this lifestyle. 

To accommodate this huge ignored market of consumers with disabilities, it has become essential for ecommerce to go beyond aesthetically pleasing websites and provide an accessible driven online shopping experience to its customers.

Why implement accessibility in your online shopping experiences: 

1. Imagine going to a store and not being able to see the different products that the store has to offer! You will just walk away from that store to another store. Similarly, most of the people with disabilities, if not able to navigate through your pages, will abandon your website and look out for website that offers a more inclusive user experience.
2. If a potential buyer does not have a clear understanding of your product, they will not buy it. It is as simple as this. Adding alternate text or alternate description to the product is a feasible solution, but a person with visual impairment may require a lot more information related to the overall look and feel of the products. Generic descriptions about your product may not be just enough for a person with visual impairment or a person using a screen reader. Check out this blog on Image Description – An Integral part of Content Accessibility
3. Accessible online shopping website influences business and professional communication. Integrating accessibility criteria creates a shopping environment that is easier and comfortable for every potential customers regardless of their disabilities.

The ultimate goal of every e-commerce site should be to enhance the buying experience and find ways that can make every customer visiting your website more likely to buy from you. Having an accessible website based on the needs of buyers with disabilities, enhances the overall shopping experience for your customers.

At BarrierBreak, we recommend certain FREE tools to test your website for accessibility. 

In addition, If you need support to get your website tested for accessibility, drop a line to us at sales@barrierbreak.com and we will be happy to connect. 

The post Why MUST you Implement Accessibility in your Online Shopping Experiences? appeared first on Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak.

Business Case for Retail to embrace Web Accessibility

Online Retail can be an opportunity for people with disabilities! Imagine shopping from the comfort of your home without all of the challenges of navigating accessibility barriers in physical infrastructure!

E-commerce is a win-win for both the retail sector & people with disabilities! The U.S. Department of Labor found that Americans with disabilities have $175 billion in discretionary spending.

For retailers, here is an opportunity to tap this market:

• Target an audience that today might not be able to shop at physical stores
• Build inclusion in online shopping portals that can benefit people with disabilities and baby boomers. Adopt Accessibility Standards & Guidelines in development process such as Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG)
• Comply with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act

Online shopping provides an opportunity for people with disabilities to be independent & enjoy their shopping experience.

5 Web Accessibility Challenges on Retail Websites

Some of the challenges that people with disabilities face on retail websites, which can be easily overcome by following the Web Content Accessibility Guideline (WCAG) are:

• Navigation – An online portal has loads of options, ensure that the navigation is easily understandable. Ensure that they can navigate to the relevant product categories.
• Image Descriptions – Often online shopping portals focus on the visual aspects by providing attractive images that informs you about the products.  Go the extra mile & provide effective image descriptions to help people understand the products better.
• Search – Have a robust search which enables them to find their products of choice.
• Shopping Cart – How easily can they add or remove products from the cart, can they get the information easily?
• Checkout Process – Remember, you want them to shop, ensure that your payment process is easy and intuitive.

Honestly, web accessibility is about understanding the users needs. Let’s ensure that people with disabilities can shop independently .

It might look like an herculean task, reach us via Email BarrierBreak, or Book an appointment. We can work with your teams to build an accessible online retail experience for your customers!

The post Why Retail Sector should embrace Web Accessibility? appeared first on Leader in Offshore Accessibility Testing | Section 508 Compliance | WCAG Conformance | BarrierBreak.