When most people think about building or running an online store, they focus on design, features, and marketing. But there’s one area that often gets overlooked and it can make a big difference in how people experience your site: accessibility.
Simply put, accessibility means making sure your website works well for everyone, including people with disabilities. That could include someone who relies on a screen reader, someone with limited vision or mobility, or someone who navigates the web in a non-traditional way.
Why It Matters
1. Accessibility is about inclusion.
Your store should welcome every potential customer. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 4 U.S. adults live with a disability. That means millions of people could struggle to use your website if accessibility isn’t considered.
2. It improves user experience for everyone.
Designing with accessibility in mind often leads to cleaner navigation, better contrast, easier forms, and faster page load times. These benefits help all users, not just those with disabilities.
3. It protects your business.
Web accessibility lawsuits are on the rise. In 2023 alone, over 4,000 digital accessibility lawsuits were filed in the U.S., according to UsableNet. Accessibility isn’t just a “nice to have”, it’s quickly becoming a legal and customer expectation.
4. It can improve SEO.
Many accessibility best practices like adding alt text to images and using clear heading structures also help your site perform better in search engines. These techniques make your content easier for search engines to interpret and index, while also improving the overall user experience.
In fact, a study by AccessibilityChecker.org, in collaboration with BuiltWith and Semrush, tracked hundreds of websites before and after accessibility updates. On average, those sites saw a 12% boost in overall traffic within three months of making the changes.
Simple Things You Can Start With
- Use readable fonts and high-contrast colors
- Add text descriptions (alt text) to images
- Make sure buttons and links are clearly labeled
- Use headings to organize content clearly
- Test your site using keyboard-only navigation
Final Thoughts
Before selling your first item, make your business legit. Register your business name with your state or local government. Apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) if you’re in the U.S., which you’ll need for taxes, payroll, and opening a business bank account.
You’ll also need a business license or resale certificate, depending on your location and product type. Don’t skip this step — skipping the legal groundwork now could lead to tax headaches or fines later. Consider speaking with a CPA or small business attorney for personalized guidance.
Build a Strong, Memorable Brand
Accessibility isn’t just for big businesses with deep pockets. In fact, starting small and making gradual improvements is often the best approach. As a store owner, your goal is to serve as many customers as possible. Making your site accessible is a smart, respectful, and forward-thinking way to do exactly that.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress and making the web a little more usable for everyone.