If you are a business owner, you need to understand how important it is to keep up with your website’s accessibility. The online world is constantly evolving, so your website needs to be updated and changed with the state of the internet. This same premise goes for your website accessibility.
In particular, those in the lodging industry need to stay vigilant since their service is in constant demand. Think about it, everyone around the world needs a place to stay when traveling. More often than not, they are looking for somewhere cozy and comforting. Therefore, businesses in the lodging industry need to ensure that their websites are both welcoming and accommodating to everyone seeking a place to stay.
Website Accessibility…What is it?
In short, Website Accessibility ensures that anyone around the world, regardless of any disabilities that they might have, can access and navigate your website. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) define requirements for designers and developers to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. It defines three levels of conformance: Level A, Level AA, and Level AAA. Here at InsideOut Solutions, we target Level AA, the standard conformance level that websites should aim for.
Now, you might be wondering what sorts of things determine whether or not a website is accessible. Some of the most prominent examples include:
• Color Contrast
◦ Elements on your website need to include labels rather than simple color-coating to ensure that those with a visual impairment based on color can differentiate one element from another. Additionally, the text and its background must be distinguishable to ensure its readability.
• Text Size
◦ The text size on your website needs to be large enough to accommodate for those who have a hard time reading small script and may need help to be able to read it.
• Labels
◦ Labels must be included throughout your website to ensure that individuals with a visual impairment can hear each element read out to them by automated tools.
• Alt Tags
◦ Much like labels, alt tags must be included on all images throughout your website to ensure that those who have a visual impairment can read an explanation of each image through automated tools.
How do I know if my website accessibility is up to date?
When was the last time you looked into your website’s accessibility? If it was more than six months ago, you should be looking back into it. As a baseline, your accessibility should be updated at least every six months. The best way to ensure that your website is up-to-date and protected is to have your accessibility coded in.
We’ve got you covered!
Here at InsideOut Solutions, we offer services that include coding your accessibility directly into your website. While there are widgets and tools you can buy to track this kind of stuff, nothing beats having a team of caring professionals who put their time and effort into ensuring that your website is protected.
If you have any questions about your website’s accessibility, we’d be happy to review your site and get back to you with a quote! We test your site using a series of industry-standard tools during the review. The result of the review includes reports indicating what adjustments must be made and an estimate of the billable time to make your website compliant.
A full review of your site only costs $100, and then we can give you a personalized quote based on your needs. If you have any additional questions about your website or your online marketing in general, please reach out to us! We’d love to help!