Honestly speaking, since the time when the pandemic hit, people have extensively started using ecommerce platforms for their needs. Now that COVID-19 is over, people still prefer to online shopping due to the convenience it offers. The wide range of options, varieties, and detailed product descriptions at our fingertips and the overall ease of ecommerce website accessibility make it a favorite for all. When speaking of accessibility, there are distinct challenges that crop up. Ecommerce web developers need to focus on making the platform inclusive for people with disabilities or any other special needs. An inclusive ecommerce website is not only a legal or ethical consideration but also an impactful strategy that helps the business scale and increase user engagement.  

Understanding Accessibility in Ecommerce

When discussing accessibility in ecommerce, it refers to the usability quotient of the site by people regardless of their cognitive or physical abilities. It includes folks with auditory, visual, motor, or cognitive impairments. There are many websites that fail to cater to these requirements, and this leads to the creation of an invisible digital divide in the ecommerce industry.  
Ignoring the need to optimize ecommerce website accessibility can lead to legal consequences, such as non-compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Additionally, it also leads to significant market opportunities being missed. It is estimated that around 15% of the global population suffers from some or the other form of disability. Reluctance in optimizing ecommerce website accessibility will mean missing out on a chunk of the customer base.

The Business Case for Inclusive Ecommerce

If you still think that inclusive ecommerce is a moral responsibility, you are wrong because it does make sense in terms of business as well. According to a survey by Click-Away Pound in 2019, it is found that around 69% of users with disabilities tend to leave a site if it is not accessible. This results in millions of lost revenue for businesses. Experts of professional ecommerce development services say that if a site is more accessible, there are higher chances of getting a better ranking on the SERP and, hence, extensive reach.   
When a business prioritizes accessibility, it also leads to the creation of better brand perception and user loyalty. For example, the inclusive design approach of Microsoft has gained immense positive publicity via the press and has led to the creation of innovative product designs that folks love! With such a practice, you can set your brand apart from others in the niche who have not taken into consideration the aspect of improved accessibility. A unique brand image can be created with this approach, and this impacts the overall business outcome.  

Key Components of Ecommerce Website Accessibility

When speaking of ecommerce website accessibility, certain significant elements need to be considered: 

Technical Accessibility

This aspect includes the implementation of screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation for folks who cannot use a mouse, and alt-text tags for images (especially for visually impaired users). 

Design Considerations 

The key requirement for a website is to have a high color contrast, which will help users with visual impairment. The site should have readable fonts, and a layout which is clear and easy to navigate throughout the site.  

Content Management 

When speaking of content management, there are a few extra steps to take in order to make the site accessible for all. Make sure you are using clear and crisp language, enable captions for all videos, and make sure every hyperlink is properly labeled on the site with descriptions. 

Overcoming Common Accessibility Challenges

Custom ecommerce website development will have its share of challenges when you want to make the site more accessible for one and all. To make it happen, there will be multiple challenges that crop up. The challenges can be inadequate keyboard navigation, complex language, or even untagged images. Some ecommerce web developers use tools like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). It offers a framework that allows making web content more accessible for everyone on the site.   
In order to maintain accessibility standards, it is essential to opt for regular testing and audit processes. User testing with folks who are disabled is another great way to make the site more accessible. This gives an idea of the real-life issues these people face and whether the site is able to help them sufficiently in terms of accessibility or not. 

Leveraging Technology for Accessibility

As technology keeps taking giant strides, it is bringing a host of opportunities that can help a long way in terms of enhancing ecommerce website accessibility. There are many experts from the industry of ecommerce development in USA who suggest using AI (Artificial Intelligence) for predictive text and voice recognition features. It will end up making the site more navigable for folks with certain motor disabilities. The clubbing of these new-age technologies will only help in enhancing the innovative features on the platform and, hence a greater user experience.  

Inclusivity Beyond Accessibility

As we are speaking in-depth about ecommerce website accessibility, it is essential to address something more than the basics. The core idea of enhancing accessibility calls for a site to cater to a diverse customer base that has multiple cultures, languages, and unique requirements. Adding multi-language support, culturally relevant content, and products that serve the pain points of the users and meet their preferences are recommended to truly enhance the ecommerce website accessibility. 

Conclusion 

By now, you must have an idea that when we speak of inclusive ecommerce websites, it is not just to comply with standards or to avoid legalities. Instead, it is a strategy that has the power to propel your business to the masses. When your partner custom ecommerce website development company includes accessibility in the web development criteria, your business definitely gets the chance to tap into a potentially untouched customer base. 
In the days to come, businesses that prioritize inclusivity will be the ones that will dominate due to their extensive reach and popularity. If you always complain about a world where everyone is not getting equal opportunities, this is your chance to prioritize inclusivity and make your site inclusive for one and all!