Cut the yellow tape: Why Inaccessible Websites Hold Businesses and Nonprofits Back

Did you know 88% of mobile users search for products and services on their devices? Yet, poor UX design and inaccessible websites block countless users, turning potential customers and donors away. With mobile commerce set to quadruple by 2028, organizations that ignore accessibility risk not just missed opportunities but serious revenue loss and diminished trust.

Let’s break down the numbers and explore how following website accessibility practices can unlock growth.

How Inaccessible Websites Hold You Back in a Growing Market

The mobile commerce market is booming. By 2028, it’s projected to hit $728 billion globally, driven by consumer demand for fast, seamless online services. Yet businesses and nonprofits that ignore web accessibility are shutting out millions of potential customers and donors—with your website acting like a yellow “under construction” tape, blocking access to your products and services. Consider this:

  • Search engines prioritize accessible websites because they offer a better user experience, meaning inaccessible sites rank lower and miss out on valuable traffic. 1
  • 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. lives with a disability, according to the CDC. This includes people with visual, hearing, cognitive, or motor impairments.
  • 70% of websites globally fail to meet basic accessibility standards, creating barriers for millions of users trying to shop online, book services, or access information. 2

Cost of Website Accessibility Failure

Ignoring accessibility isn’t just an ethical oversight, it’s a costly mistake. Businesses lose over $6.9 billion annually due to inaccessible websites, as customers abandon platforms they can’t easily navigate. 3

In addition to lost revenue, lawsuits related to digital accessibility are on the rise, with U.S. businesses facing over 4,000 lawsuits annually for failing to meet ADA guidelines. 4

For example:

  • A mid-sized eCommerce business generating $1 million annually could lose $250,000 or more simply because their site doesn’t accommodate all users.
  • Nonprofits risk losing critical donations when their online donation forms are inaccessible, frustrating potential donors and reducing engagement.

Advantages of Fixing Accessibility Issues

Fixing accessibility issues means cutting the tape that holds back your potential. Here’s how making your website accessible can give you a competitive advantage:

  1. Outrank competitors in search
  2. Build trust and strengthen loyalty
  3. Solve hidden technical issues
  4. Protection from lawsuits

Outrank Competitors for Key Search Terms

Search engines reward accessible websites with higher rankings. Sites that follow accessibility best practices—like proper alt text, clear structure, and fast load times—are more likely to appear at the top of search results. 5

The Advantage: Higher rankings mean more organic traffic and more chances to connect with new customers and donors before your competitors.

Competitors who embrace accessibility are gaining a clear edge in the marketplace. By prioritizing inclusive design, they’re:

  • Capturing market share that inaccessible businesses miss.
  • Building loyalty with customers who value accessible digital experiences.
  • Reducing their risk of lawsuits and legal penalties.

Meanwhile, businesses that lag behind face mounting losses.

Build Trust and Strengthen Loyalty

An accessible website sends a strong message: your organization cares about every visitor’s experience. This builds trust and deepens your connection with your audience.

The Advantage: Trust translates into repeat business and long-term donor support, giving you a loyal audience that competitors struggle to match.

How to Build Trust:

  • Create an accessibility statement on your website.
  • Regularly test your site for usability across all devices.
  • Design forms and CTAs that are easy for everyone to use.

Solve Hidden Technical Issues

Fixing accessibility often improves overall site performance—faster load times, better mobile responsiveness, and clearer navigation. These changes make your site easier to use for all visitors, not just those with disabilities.

The Advantage: A faster, more intuitive website keeps users engaged longer and increases conversions across the board.

How to Solve Technical Issues:

  • Audit your site for broken links and slow load times.
  • Ensure responsive design for mobile and tablet users.
  • Regularly update and maintain your site’s backend.

Protect Your Organization and Show Leadership

Compliance with ADA and WCAG standards reduces your legal risk and demonstrates that you’re a forward-thinking organization that values inclusion and responsibility.

The Advantage: You’ll stand out as a leader in your industry while safeguarding your organization from costly lawsuits.

How to Make Your Website More Accessible

Making your website accessible involves more than just surface-level design tweaks. It requires thoughtful planning, adherence to established guidelines, and continuous improvements to ensure an inclusive digital experience for all users. Here’s how you can start:

  • Follow accessibility guidelines.Begin with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide the international standard for web accessibility. Depending on your location, you may also need to follow local regulations such as ADA (U.S.), AODA (Canada), or Equality Act (UK).
  • Write accessible website content.
  • Make sure your website is responsive and adapts to different screen sizes without breaking the design or causing certain features to be difficult to use
  • Consult with experts.

Writing Accessible Website Content

Accessible content is the foundation of an inclusive online presence. Writing clear, user-friendly, and properly structured content ensures your message reaches a broader audience while improving usability for all.

How to Make Written Content More Accessible

  • Use plain language to improve clarity.
  • Organize content with clear, logical headings.
  • Add alt text to all images for screen reader users.
  • Ensure links clearly describe where they lead. 6

Content Strategy Beyond Text:
Information architecture, URL structure, and metadata are often overlooked parts of a website’s content strategy. These elements matter not only in a usability context but also in a technical one. Writers with these skills are invaluable because they understand both the creative side of writing and the technical needs of SEO content writing. This combination ensures your message reaches a broader audience without unnecessary barriers.

UX Design’s Role in Creating Accessible Digital Spaces

Good user experience (UX) design is essential for accessibility. Thoughtful UX ensures websites are functional, easy to navigate, and adaptable for all users.

Key UX Strategies for Accessibility

  • Color contrast and scalable fonts improve readability across devices. 7
  • Keyboard navigation support is crucial for users who can’t rely on a mouse. 8
  • Responsive design adapts seamlessly to mobile, tablet, and desktop devices.

How to Make UX Design More Accessible

  • Prioritize simple navigation and intuitive layouts.
  • Use color contrast checkers to ensure readability.
  • Build fully keyboard-navigable menus.

What is accessibility in UX design?
It’s about creating digital experiences that work for everyone, regardless of ability or device.

What’s the relationship between UX design and accessibility?
Accessibility is the foundation of good UX—it ensures every user has equal access to your website.

The Path Forward: Accessibility as a Competitive Advantage

Investing in web accessibility isn’t just a trend—it’s a long-term strategy for growth. With an inclusive website, you’ll unlock new markets, build trust with your audience, and ensure your business thrives in an increasingly digital world.

How do I audit my website for accessibility?
Use tools like WAVE or Lighthouse to evaluate your site against WCAG guidelines, or consult an expert for a comprehensive audit.

Ready to Cut the Yellow Tape?

Push through the barriers that are blocking your guests from accessing your products and services they want. Contact us today, and let us help you create a website that’s open to all.

If you’re ready to make your website more accessible, we’re here to help with website accessibility consulting and strategy, accessibility content writing, accessibility design, and other digital solutions that fit your needs.

‍

Citations

  1. Retail TouchPoints. (2024, August 12). The cost of inaccessibility: Businesses lose more than $6.9 billion annually. Retrieved from https://www.retailtouchpoints.com
  2. World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). (n.d.). Writing for web accessibility. Retrieved from https://www.w3.org
  3. UsableNet. (n.d.). WSJ exposes the high costs of inaccessible websites: Key insights. Retrieved from https://blog.usablenet.com
  4. Corporate Compliance Insights. (n.d.). The cost of website inaccessibility. Retrieved from https://www.corporatecomplianceinsights.com
  5. Digital.gov. (n.d.). Best practices for writing for accessible web. Retrieved from https://digital.gov
  6. AllAccessible. (n.d.). How to write accessible web content: Best practices. Retrieved from https://www.allaccessible.org
  7. Texthelp. (n.d.). Accessible UX: Digital accessibility guide. Retrieved from https://www.texthelp.com‍
  8. Wired Impact. (n.d.). Accessible content tips. Retrieved from https://wiredimpact.com