If your business sells products, there's a good chance you're making at least some of your sales online. The e-commerce industry peaked during the pandemic, but growth is expected to continue, albeit at a slower pace.
When it comes to securing sustainable e-commerce success, the necessity of accessible design is undeniable. So in this article, we will explore the significance of accessible design in e-commerce and its impact on business growth.
E-commerce is currently growing at a rate of about 8% per year. That's nearly half the rate of growth in 2021, meaning that it's more important than ever to have a well-adapted approach to e-commerce to balance out your business strategy for sustained success.
Investing in accessible design yields a significant return on investment for e-commerce businesses. Inclusive platforms reach more people, increasing the potential for sales and revenue. And since accessible designs have better usability, that positive user experience can lead to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty, fostering repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals.
Being accessible can provide a competitive advantage for your business as more businesses move into the e-commerce space and competition increases. Especially at a time when digital accessibility lawsuits are on the rise, demonstrating a customer-centric commitment to inclusivity can boost your brand's reputation and attract a more diverse customer base.
Success in e-commerce relies on reaching customers and engaging them enough to become paying customers. And providing a smooth user experience is a big factor in this. If your digital storefront is difficult to use or navigate, prospective customers may give up and go elsewhere to find what they need. Following the principles of accessible design to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to your storefront will simultaneously provide a better experience to all users.
The most efficient way to ensure your storefront is accessible is to start planning before the design process even starts and to continuously evaluate accessibility throughout the design and development process, iterating and improving as needed.
Consider the following questions to help determine if you're on the right track:
Consider these questions to build a strong foundation for your digital storefront. Refer to digital accessibility standards, perform accessibility testing, and audit regularly to identify opportunities for improvement.
Though e-commerce growth may be slowing, that doesn't mean your business has to stagnate. Accessible design is essential to making digital storefronts usable for more people. Yet it's also one of the keys to success as an e-commerce company. It shows commitment to inclusivity, reaches more people and provides a better user experience for all customers.