Why You Need to Prioritize ADA Compliance for Your Shopify Store
So, here's the thing: as someone who's part of a Shopify agency community, I'm no stranger to hearing about ADA lawsuits.
It seems like every week, there's another story about a client getting targeted by some accessibility "troll" who's just out there looking for non-compliant websites to sue. It's a real problem, and it can be a huge headache for business owners.
Now, I've been pretty lucky so far - none of my clients have been hit with one of these lawsuits (knock on wood). BUT that doesn't mean I'm not keeping a close eye on all the legal stuff around ADA and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) compliance. It's always good to stay in the loop, you know?
And here's what I've learned: no matter how hard you try, your site is never going to be 100% accessible.
Sure, as an agency, we can do our part with things like color contrast and font sizes, but there are always going to be factors that are out of our control. Maybe the client makes some changes on their end, or they start using a Shopify app that doesn't play nice with web accessibility guidelines. Even Shopify itself can have some issues, since their themes don't always test for ADA or WCAG compliance. It's a tricky situation, but there are still ways to protect yourself and your business.
So…here are some things I’ve learned about ADA compliance and how you can best protect yourself from a lawsuit:
Understanding ADA Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets the standards for accessibility in both physical and digital spaces. Just as brick-and-mortar stores must provide accommodations like ramps and accessible bathrooms, your Shopify site needs to be accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide additional guidelines to ensure that websites are accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. By adhering to these standards, you create an inclusive online experience that caters to all website visitors and minimizes your risk of facing accessibility-related lawsuits.
The Threat of Predatory ADA Lawsuits
In recent years, there has been a surge in predatory ADA website compliance lawsuits targeting websites that fail to meet web accessibility standards. These lawsuits are often initiated by law firms or individual lawyers who actively seek out non-compliant websites to sue for financial gain.
These lawsuits can be costly and time-consuming for businesses, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Even if a lawsuit is ultimately dismissed, the legal fees and negative publicity can be devastating.
To protect your Shopify store from these predatory practices, it's essential to prioritize ADA compliance and take proactive steps to ensure your site meets web accessibility standards to the best of your ability.
So…How to Do You Make Your Shopify Site More ADA Compliant?
Good question! I’ll be honest with you, nothing is really clear cut when it comes to ADA compliance. BUT there are changes you can start to make to improve your odds of compliance.
For me, one of the most important changes that can be made (but is often times overlooked) is alt-text.
The Importance of Alt Text
Alt text, short for alternative text, is a written description of an image that is read aloud by screen readers used by visually impaired website visitors. By adding descriptive alt text to your images, you ensure that all users can understand your **web content**, even if they can't see the visuals.
Not only does alt text improve web accessibility, but it also benefits your SEO efforts. Search engines use alt text to better understand the content of your images, which can help your site rank higher in search results.
If you haven’t done so already, make sure to provide alt text for all relevant images on your site, including product photos, banners, and blog post images. Even if your site has tons of content, you should start making efforts to implement alt-text today.
Other Key Areas of ADA Compliance
While alt text is a crucial aspect of ADA compliance, there are several other areas to focus on when making your Shopify store more accessible:
Color Contrast: Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors to improve readability for website visitors with visual impairments.
Keyboard Accessibility: Make sure all interactive elements, such as forms and buttons, are accessible using only a keyboard.
Header Tags: Use header tags (H1, H2, H3, etc.) to structure your web content logically, making it easier for screen readers to navigate your site.
Video Captions and Transcripts: Provide captions and transcripts for video content to make it accessible to users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Descriptive Link Text: Use descriptive link text that clearly indicates the destination of each link, rather than vague phrases like "click here" or "learn more."
Zoom Capability: Ensure your site remains functional and readable when zoomed in up to 200% for website visitors with low vision.
Accessible Forms: Make sure form fields are properly labeled, have clear instructions, and can be navigated using only a keyboard.
Color Blindness Considerations: Use color blindness simulators to test your site's color scheme and avoid relying solely on color to convey information.
Other Key Areas of ADA Compliance
The Benefits of ADA Compliance
Investing time and effort into making your Shopify store more ADA compliant offers numerous benefits for your business outside of legal protection too:
Expanded Audience: By removing accessibility barriers, you open your doors to millions of potential customers with disabilities who may have previously been unable to engage with your brand.
Improved SEO: Many web accessibility best practices, such as using alt text and header tags, also contribute to better search engine optimization, leading to increased visibility and traffic.
Enhanced User Experience: Web accessibility improvements benefit all users, not just those with disabilities. Clear navigation, readable text, and well-organized web content lead to higher satisfaction and better conversion rates.
Take Action Today
In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, it's easy to prioritize design, marketing, and growth strategies while overlooking the critical importance of web accessibility. However, failing to make your Shopify store ADA compliant not only excludes potential customers but also puts your business at risk of becoming a target for predatory lawsuits.
Start by reviewing your site for web accessibility issues, focusing on key areas like alt text, color contrast, and keyboard navigation. Implement the necessary changes and continue educating yourself on ADA website compliance requirements to ensure ongoing compliance.
If you need assistance with making your Shopify store more ADA compliant, consider reaching out to web accessibility experts who can provide guidance and support. Whether you need a comprehensive web accessibility audit or a full site redesign, partnering with experienced professionals can help you create an inclusive online presence that provides equal access to all website visitors and protects your business from legal threats.
Remember, building an ADA compliant website isn't just about meeting legal requirements or avoiding lawsuits – it's about creating a better, more inclusive experience for everyone. By prioritizing web accessibility, you demonstrate your commitment to your customers and set your business up for long-term success in an increasingly diverse digital landscape. Embrace the opportunity to make your web content accessible to all and provide equal access to your products and services.
Hi! If we haven't already met, I'm Laura! Founder of Dolgify and author of this little blog. I help small to mid-sized merchants build stores and stories their customers deserve. If you liked this post and want to learn more, here are a few ways you can connect with me:
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Until next time, keep building those amazing stores and stories. Your customers (and your bottom line) will thank you for it!
Cheers,
Laura
