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eCommerce website accessibility isn’t just about compliance. It’s about inclusivity, better user experience, and expanding your customer base. And this guide explores what accessibility is, key web accessibility standards, and an essential accessibility checklist to ensure your eCommerce store is accessible.
Suppose a customer visits your eCommerce store to purchase a product they’ve been eyeing for weeks. But instead of a smooth shopping experience, they encounter unreadable text, missing alternative image descriptions, and a checkout process that doesn’t work with their screen reader. Frustrated, they leave, taking their potential purchase with them.
This folks, is the reality for millions of users who struggle with inaccessible eCommerce websites every day. Website accessibility goes beyond compliance; it’s about creating a welcoming experience for everyone, improving usability, and ultimately reaching more customers.
Key Takeaways
- eCommerce website accessibility ensures an inclusive shopping experience, making your store easier to navigate for all users, including people with disabilities.
- Implementing a website accessibility checklist improves SEO, increases customer reach, and improves overall user experience.
- Prioritizing eCommerce web accessibility standards helps stores stay legally compliant, avoid lawsuits, and create a more welcoming space for diverse audiences.
All ready to explore essential web accessibility standards to ensure your online store is accessible to everyone?
Website accessibility ensures that all users, including people with disabilities, can navigate, understand, and interact with a website. It’s about removing barriers that might prevent someone from completing a purchase, reading product information, or even signing up for a newsletter.
And when it comes to eCommerce, website accessibility plays an even bigger role. A store not designed with accessibility in mind might unintentionally exclude millions of potential customers who use assistive technologies like screen readers, keyboard navigation, or voice commands. According to the CDC, 61 million adults in the U.S. alone live with a disability, meaning you could be missing out on a significant customer base.
Making your eCommerce website accessible means creating an inclusive, user-friendly shopping experience for all customers. And what is the best part about making your eCommerce store accessible? It doesn’t just help those with disabilities; instead, it improves usability for all! ✅
Now that we understand what web accessibility is and why it matters in eCommerce. Let’s briefly explore key website accessibility standards and principles you should know before diving into the eCommerce website accessibility checklist.
1. A11Y (Accessibility Numeronym)
A11Y is a numeronym for accessibility, where 11 represents the letters between A and Y in the word ‘AccessibilitY.’ This shorthand is used in the web development and accessibility community to discuss digital inclusion.
As we mentioned above, website accessibility is about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can easily navigate and interact with a website. A11Y is the umbrella term for all efforts toward this goal.
2. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)
WCAG is the global standard for website accessibility, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It provides structured accessibility guidelines to ensure digital content is usable by people with disabilities.
These guidelines help businesses create websites that are accessible to people with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments. Many legal accessibility standards, including ADA and European web laws, are based on WCAG compliance.
Websites should follow WCAG 2.1 or WCAG 2.2, focusing on:
➞ Providing alt texts for non-text content (images).
➞ Ensuring keyboard navigation for users who cannot use a mouse.
➞ Making content adaptable to different assistive technologies like screen readers.
3. ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
The ADA is a U.S. civil rights law prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public spaces, including digital platforms like websites and eCommerce stores.
Many businesses face lawsuits for having inaccessible websites. Ensuring compliance avoids legal risks and also expands your audience reach by making the website accessible to all users.
To meet ADA requirements, websites should:
➞ Follow WCAG guidelines to ensure accessibility.
➞ Implement clear, structured navigation that works for screen readers.
➞ Provide accessible customer support options (e.g., chatbots with text-to-speech, phone assistance).
4. WAI (Web Accessibility Initiative)
The Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) is a W3C-led project that develops accessibility standards, tools, and resources to help businesses create inclusive digital experiences.
WAI sets the foundation for global accessibility efforts, influencing laws and best practices worldwide. It provides resources for developers, designers, and content creators to build accessible websites from the ground up.
Businesses can improve accessibility by following WAI guidelines and using ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) techniques. These practices improve screen reader compatibility for interactive elements and enhance contrast, readability, and focus management for users with visual impairments.
5. Four Principles of Accessibility
For a website to be fully accessible, it must follow four fundamental principles:
➞ Perceivable: Content should be presented in multiple ways (text, audio, visuals) so that all users can recognize and process information.
➞ Operable: Navigation and interactions should be keyboard-friendly and accessible to those using assistive devices.
➞ Understandable: Content should be clear, readable, and logically structured.
➞ Robust: Websites should work across different technologies and assistive tools.
By integrating these accessibility concepts, businesses can create an inclusive, legally compliant, and user-friendly eCommerce experience.
In simpler terms? If your eCommerce store isn’t accessible, you’re creating obstacles that prevent people from shopping with you. And that’s the last thing any business wants.
Did you know? Over 71% of users with disabilities leave a site immediately if it’s inaccessible.
If you think website accessibility only benefits a small percentage of users, think again. Accessibility isn’t just for people with permanent disabilities—it’s for everyone!
According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability. That’s nearly 15% of the global population. A massive segment of potential customers might struggle to shop on inaccessible eCommerce websites.
But here’s where it gets interesting: eCommerce website accessibility doesn’t just help people with disabilities; it improves the shopping experience for all users.
Who can benefit from an accessible eCommerce website?
- People with visual impairments
- Individuals with mobility challenges
- People with hearing impairments
- Those with cognitive disabilities
- Anyone with a temporary impairment
- Mobile users in restrictive environments
The reality is, that accessibility makes your website better for all users. Even if someone doesn’t need accessibility features daily, they might in certain situations, like when using a phone one-handed, dealing with slow internet, or experiencing temporary vision, hearing, or mobility limitations.
Now, let’s take a look at the essential eCommerce website accessibility checklist that will help you ensure your site is compliant, navigable, and usable for all.
Now that we understand who benefits from website accessibility, let’s discuss the practical steps to make your eCommerce store more accessible.
When a user visits your store, they should be able to navigate, read, and interact with your content quickly, whether they’re using a keyboard, a screen reader, or any other assistive technology.
Here’s a website accessibility checklist with essential features that every eCommerce store should have:
Is Your Website Keyboard-Friendly with Clear Focus Indicators?
Many users rely on keyboard navigation instead of a mouse. Your website should allow seamless navigation using the Tab, Shift + Tab, Enter, and arrow keys. There should be visible focus indicators like a highlighted outline to show users where they are on the page when tabbing through content.
Pro Tip: Try navigating your website without using a mouse. Can you browse, select items, and check out smoothly? If not, it’s time to improve the keyboard accessibility.
Does Your Site Have Sufficient Color Contrast?
Not everyone can distinguish colors easily. Users with color blindness or low vision depend on high-contrast text and visuals to read content.
Maintain a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 between text and background. Avoid using color as the sole indicator; incorporate text labels or symbols for better eCommerce website accessibility.
Pro Tip: Instead of showing “error messages” in red text only, add an error icon “!” or text explanation to ensure clarity.
Are All Images Provided with Descriptive Alt Text?
Screen readers can’t interpret images or non-text content unless they have alt text. Alternative text provides a short, descriptive explanation of an image, helping users with visual impairments understand what’s being displayed.
Pro Tip: Write concise yet meaningful alt text like “Black running shoes with a cushioned sole” instead of just “black shoes.” Avoid phrases like “image of” or “picture of” as screen readers already identify it as an image.
Is Your Content Structured with Proper Headings?
A well-structured page isn’t just good for SEO; it’s essential for website accessibility. Users who use screen readers navigate content using headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.). If your headings aren’t structured properly, it can make browsing your site frustrating.
Pro Tip: Use H1 for the main title, followed by H2, H3, etc., to break up sections logically. Also, avoid using headings for just styling, they should always reflect the content structure.
Are Font Sizes and Styles Easily Readable?
Small, cluttered fonts are a nightmare for readability. Some users need larger text or high-contrast fonts to browse comfortably.
Pro Tip: Use a minimum 16px font size, allow text resizing up to 200% without losing functionality, and opt for clear sans-serif fonts for better readability.
Do Form Fields Have Clear and Descriptive Labels?
Forms are critical in eCommerce, especially for checkout and login pages. But if form fields aren’t labeled correctly, users with screen readers won’t know what to enter.
Pro Tip: Always use clear, visible labels like “Email Address” instead of “Enter Here” and avoid depending on just placeholder text, as it disappears when users start typing.
Are Captions or Transcripts Available for Multimedia?
If you have product videos or tutorials, add captions or subtitles for users who are deaf or hard of hearing. This also benefits people who watch videos without sound (like in public spaces).
Pro Tip: Provide accurate, synchronized captions and transcripts for all audio and video content to ensure website accessibility.
Does Your Site Use Descriptive Link Texts?
Generic phrases like “Click here” or “Read more” are confusing for screen reader users. Instead, links should describe exactly what users can expect when they click.
Pro Tip: Use clear, descriptive link text like “Read our return policy” instead of “Click here,” ensuring eCommerce website accessibility for screen readers and better user experience.
Is Your Website Fully Responsive Across All Devices?
Accessibility isn’t just about disabilities; it’s also about device compatibility. Users may be shopping from a desktop, mobile, tablet, or assistive technology.
Ensure your eCommerce store is mobile-friendly with responsive design and easily tappable buttons and links for easy touchscreen navigation.
Needless to say, a truly accessible eCommerce website creates a frictionless shopping experience for every customer, leading to higher engagement, lower bounce rates, and more conversions.
And the best part of having an accessible eCommerce store? It doesn’t just help users. It also improves your SEO, broadens audience reach, and ensures compliance with legal standards.
Benefits of implementing web accessibility in eCommerce
Making your eCommerce website accessible isn’t just about ticking boxes! It’s about creating an inclusive shopping experience that benefits both customers and businesses.
1️⃣ Avoid lawsuits and penalties: Implementing web accessibility standards protects your business from legal risks in the future.
2️⃣ Build an inclusive brand: Prioritizing eCommerce website accessibility shows that you care about diversity and inclusion, making your brand more trustworthy and reputable.
3️⃣ Higher search rankings and visibility: Search engines reward accessible websites. Google prioritizes pages that provide a better user experience, and many accessibility best practices overlap with SEO best practices.
4️⃣ Increased traffic and audience reach: Accessibility features make your store easier to use for a wider audience, which means more visitors, more engagement, and more sales.
5️⃣ Revenue growth: People with disabilities have a global spending power of over $8 trillion. Yet, many businesses fail to recognize the potential revenue they’re missing by excluding this audience.
6️⃣ Great accessibility leads to better usability—period.
So, what does good accessibility look like in action? Let’s explore some brands that are leading the way in making their digital experiences more inclusive.
Many top brands are setting the standard for accessible eCommerce experiences, proving that inclusivity isn’t just an obligation but a competitive advantage. By prioritizing website accessibility, these brands are improving usability for all customers.
Apple
Apple has long been a leader in designing technology that works for everyone, and this extends to their eCommerce experience. Their online store is built with accessibility in mind, ensuring that all customers can browse, compare, and purchase products.
One of Apple’s standout accessibility features is VoiceOver, a built-in screen reader that allows visually impaired users to navigate product pages using spoken descriptions and gestures. Additionally, Apple introduced a door detection tool on iPhones and iPads, which helps users detect entrances and read any text on door signs.
What web accessibility tips can you learn from Apple? Their focus on high-contrast visuals, large touch targets, and intuitive navigation makes their website one of the most accessible in the industry.
Google has consistently improved accessibility across its products, ensuring users of all abilities can engage with online content. Their most impressive innovation is Guided Frames, which helps blind and visually impaired users take better selfies by providing audio cues and vibrations to position their faces correctly.
Also, Google’s Live Caption feature generates real-time captions for any video or audio content, improving website accessibility for all.
What accessibility tips can you learn from Google? Google prioritizes readability and navigation by offering high-contrast themes and adjustable font sizes. They’ve also optimized Google Search to favor accessible websites, meaning businesses that invest in accessibility rank higher in search results.
Microsoft
Microsoft is continually expanding its efforts to make online experiences more inclusive. One of their most significant contributions is automatic video captioning on LinkedIn, ensuring all can fully engage with video content.
Another key feature is Microsoft’s AI-powered alt-text generator, which automatically creates descriptions for images uploaded to its platforms.
Microsoft also integrates an Accessibility Checker in its Office products, helping businesses identify and fix accessibility issues on their websites.
What web accessibility tips can you learn from Microsoft? Prioritize video captions, alt text, and accessibility audits to create an inclusive online experience.
So, Why Do These Web Accessibility Best Examples Matter?
These brands prove that prioritizing eCommerce website accessibility isn’t just about compliance but about delivering a superior user experience. Whether it’s screen reader compatibility, high-contrast visuals, or easy keyboard navigation, these changes can have a massive impact on customer engagement, loyalty, and sales.
No matter the size of your business, you can apply the same principles to your WooCommerce store to create an inclusive shopping experience that benefits everyone.
Now, let’s look into some practical steps you can take to enhance eCommerce website accessibility.
Improving eCommerce website accessibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking a proactive approach, you can make your store more inclusive, user-friendly, and legally compliant while boosting customer engagement and conversions.
To get started on eCommerce website accessibility:
𝟭. Find accessibility issues with automated and manual checks: The first step to making your eCommerce website more accessible is figuring out what’s wrong. Automated tools like WebYes can quickly scan your site for issues like poor color contrast, missing alt text, and non-descriptive link issues.
Pro Tip: Consider hiring accessibility experts or users with disabilities to test your website for real-world usability.
𝟮. Keep monitoring and stay on top of accessibility: Fixing accessibility issues once isn’t enough. Every time you add new pages, update content, or tweak your site’s design, new issues can pop up. That’s why regular monitoring is key.
WebYes can help you keep an eye on things by running continuous accessibility checks, so you can catch and fix problems. This ensures WCAG compliance while creating a better, more inclusive shopping experience for all.
𝟯. Engage with users for feedback: One way to improve eCommerce website accessibility is by listening to people who use these features every day. Getting feedback can help uncover real-world usability challenges that automated tools might miss.
Pro Tip: Consider joining accessibility-focused communities and forums where users discuss their pain points.
𝟰. Stay updated with accessibility standards: Website accessibility is not a one-time task; it’s an ongoing commitment. As standards and best practices evolve, keeping up with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) updates becomes necessary for your store to remain compliant.
By taking these steps, you’re not just making your eCommerce store accessible. You’re making it better for everyone. But eCommerce website accessibility isn’t just about adding tools or fixing errors; it’s about committing to an inclusive online space where all users feel welcome and valued.
Wrapping Up
At the end of the day, eCommerce website accessibility isn’t just about compliance; it’s about inclusion, better user experience, and business growth. When your eCommerce store is accessible, you’re not just accommodating people with disabilities; you’re creating a seamless shopping experience for everyone.
How does an accessible eCommerce store benefit?
- Reaches a wider audience
- Improves SEO and website performance
- Ensures compliance with WCAG, ADA, and other accessibility laws.
- Makes your store more user-friendly and welcoming.
You don’t have to overhaul your website overnight. By taking small, actionable steps, like adding alt text, improving color contrast, and enabling keyboard navigation, you’re already making a big difference.
That’s it! We have come to the end of this beginner’s guide to eCommerce website accessibility. Have any questions or insights on how to improve the web accessibility of your eCommerce store? Let us know in the comment below.
Prioritizing website accessibility in an eCommerce store isn’t just about meeting legal requirements. It enhances the shopping experience, expands customer reach, and drives long-term revenue growth.
However, while many businesses aim to create an accessible eCommerce website, they often overlook critical details that impact usability for people with disabilities. These missteps can lead to frustrating shopping experiences or even legal consequences.
Some of the most common accessibility mistakes include missing alt text for images, low color contrast, generic link text, lack of keyboard navigation, and videos without captions. These issues make it difficult for users with disabilities to navigate, understand, and interact with an eCommerce site, leading to frustration and lost sales.
You can improve your web accessibility by ensuring all images have descriptive alt text, maintain high color contrast, use meaningful link text, enable keyboard navigation with focus indicators, and provide captions or transcripts for multimedia content.
Regularly test and audit your site using accessibility tools like WebYes to keep it compliant with WCAG and ADA standards.
The four key types of web accessibility are:
➞ Perceptual accessibility: Ensures content is accessible to users with visual or hearing impairments through alt text, captions, and proper color contrast.
➞ Physical accessibility: Supports users with mobility impairments by enabling keyboard navigation, voice commands, and adaptive input methods.
➞ Cognitive accessibility: Helps individuals with learning disabilities by using clear navigation, simple language, and structured layouts.
➞ Technological accessibility: Ensures compatibility with assistive technologies and different devices following WCAG guidelines.
