How to Make Websites ADA Compliant: Why You Need to Prioritize ADA Compliance for Your eCommerce Store
Imagine getting hit with a $10,000 lawsuit because your website isn’t accessible enough.
That might sound far-fetched yet almost every week, there’s another story about an eCommerce store targeted by accessibility lawsuits. And these aren’t your typical concerned customers. They’re professional ‘trolls’ searching for any website that doesn’t meet ADA guidelines.
Now, none of my clients have ever faced an ADA lawsuit. Not because of luck, but because I stay on top of compliance regulations. And here’s what I’ve learned: no matter how hard you try, your site will never be 100% accessible.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t protect yourself.
Sure, as an agency, we 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 your team uploads product photos without alt-text (more on that later), or you install a new app that doesn’t play nice with accessibility guidelines. Heck, even Shopify’s themes aren’t always completely ADA-compliant.
The good news? As someone who’s helped dozens of businesses navigate ADA compliance, I know exactly how to best protect yourself from a lawsuit by ensuring ada website compliance.
Understanding ADA Compliance & Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
So, you’re likely wondering, ‘What exactly is 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 people with disabilities. This means adhering to website accessibility requirements to ensure compliance with the ADA and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
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. Following guidelines not only creates a better shopping experience for all your customers - it also protects you from those costly lawsuits we talked about.
In other words? Every customer has the right to shop at your store easily, in-person or online.
The Threat of Predatory Lawsuits
In recent years, there has been a surge in predatory ADA and website accessibility compliance lawsuits targeting websites that fail to meet web accessibility standards. These lawsuits often come from law firms or individual lawyers who spend their days hunting for non-compliant websites. Their goal? Pure profit.
And here’s the kicker: even if you win the lawsuit, you still lose. Legal fees alone can devastate a small business, not to mention the hit to your reputation.
Your best defense against these predatory practices is to prioritize ADA compliance, meet accessibility requirements, and take concrete steps to ensure accessibility and make your Shopify site accessible to the best of your ability.
So…How 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 website compliance (because when are legal requirements ever simple, right?). BUT there are changes you can start to make to improve your odds of compliance.
Let’s start with one of the most overlooked yet critical parts of the web accessibility initiative: alt-text.
By following these best practices, you can create accessible content that provides equal access to all users, ensuring your website is inclusive and compliant with ADA standards.
The Importance of Alt Text
Alt text, short for alternative text, is a written description of the images on your website. Screen readers, used by visually impaired website visitors, see alt text and then read this description aloud. Adding descriptive alt text to your images ensures that all users can understand your web content, even if they can't see the visuals.
Good alt-text isn't only about accessibility though. Search engines use these descriptions to understand your images better, which can boost your site's SEO rankings. Win-win!
If you haven't started yet, here's comprehensive guide on where to begin: add alt text to your product photos, banners, and blog images. Yes, even if you have a mountain of content to work through. Your store's accessibility starts here.
Need some guidelines about how to write alt-text? I’ve got you covered.
Alt Text Best Practices
Be descriptive but concise
Include key product details (color, style, numbers)
Skip ‘image of’ - screen readers already say this
Test it yourself by reading your alt text out loud
Other Key Areas of ADA Compliance
While alt text is a crucial aspect of an ADA-compliant website, website owners must also focus on several other areas to make their Shopify store more accessible:
Color Contrast: Your text and background colors need enough contrast so everyone can read your content easily. No light grey on white, please.
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 and search engines 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 indicates the destination of each link. Rather than vague phrases like “click here” or “learn more,” try “view size guide” or “shop winter collection.”
Zoom Capability: Ensure your site remains functional and readable when zoomed in up to 200% for website visitors with low vision.
Accessible Forms: Label all form fields clearly, provide step-by-step instructions, and ensure keyboard-only navigation works
Color Blindness Considerations: Use color blindness simulators to test your site’s color scheme and avoid relying solely on color to convey information.
The Benefits of ADA Compliance
Investing time and effort into making your Shopify store more ADA-compliant doesn’t just protect you legally – it’s good for business too:
Expanded Audience
By removing accessibility barriers, you open your doors to millions of potential customers with disabilities who couldn’t engage with your brand before.Improved SEO
Many web accessibility best practices, like alt text and header tags, also boost your search rankings leading to increased visibility and traffic.Enhanced User Experience
Web accessibility improvements benefit all users, not only those with disabilities. Clear navigation, readable text, and well-organized web content result in higher satisfaction and better conversion rates.
Start Protecting Your Store Today
In the fast-paced world of eCommerce, it's easy to prioritize design, marketing, and growth strategies while pushing accessibility to the bottom of your to-do list.
(By the way, accessibility isn't the only thing store owners often overlook. See what else might need your attention in 8 eCommerce Mistakes You Might Be Making Right Now.)
But here’s the reality: every day your Shopify store isn’t ADA compliant, you’re not just missing out on potential customers. You’re putting your business at risk of predatory lawsuits. By prioritizing accessibility, you show your commitment to your customers while setting your business up for long-term success in an increasingly diverse digital landscape.
Here’s where to start with ADA compliance:
Review your site’s current accessibility:
Alt text on all important images
Color contrast between text and backgrounds
Keyboard navigation through your entire site
Make necessary updates, starting with your highest-traffic pages
Stay informed about ADA compliance regulations
Need help making your store ADA-compliant? Web accessibility experts can provide the guidance and support you need to create an inclusive online presence - whether through a comprehensive audit or a full site redesign.
Remember: Building an ADA-compliant and accessible website isn’t just about meeting legal requirements or avoiding lawsuits. It’s about creating a better, more inclusive experience for everyone.
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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Cheers,
Laura
