deckerdevs thought nuggets

Why Choose Automation Over Custom Site Overhauls for Web Accessibility

Written by Rachel Fox | Sep 30, 2024 12:00:00 PM

When it comes to making your website accessible, there are two main paths: painstakingly coding custom accessibility solutions for each page or opting for an automated service like accessiBe. While custom coding can seem like a good idea, it’s often time-consuming, expensive, and overwhelming for both developers and clients—especially for large sites with thousands of pages.

 

At DeckerDevs, we’ve partnered with accessiBe to offer a seamless, cost-effective alternative that takes the headache out of making your site accessible for all users. Let’s break down why automated services like accessiBe are a smarter, more efficient choice than a custom-coded overhaul.

 

The Costs: Custom vs. Automated Accessibility

Custom-coded website accessibility involves building and testing widgets for each individual page—making it a massive investment of both time and money. For large websites, this could mean tens of thousands of dollars (if not more) spent on accessibility, with no guarantee of future-proofing. Every time your site updates or expands, those custom solutions may need to be revisited, adding ongoing costs.

On the other hand, accessiBe offers an AI-powered solution at a fraction of the cost. For a low annual fee, accessiBe provides accessibility compliance without the financial burden of a full site overhaul. Plus, with U.S. tax credits of up to $5,000 for making your site accessible, the cost becomes even lower, making it a no-brainer for businesses of all sizes.

 

The Time Factor: Custom Coding Takes Time, Automation Delivers Results Quickly

When it comes to implementation, custom coding for accessibility isn’t just expensive—it’s also time-consuming. Each page must be individually analyzed and adjusted, which can take weeks or even months depending on the size of your site. Meanwhile, every moment your site remains non-compliant, your business is at risk of lawsuits and fines.

In contrast, accessiBe offers fast and easy implementation with no disruption to your business. By adding a simple JavaScript code to your site, accessiBe’s accessWidget scans and analyzes your website, automatically making adjustments to ensure compliance within 48 hours. That means you can go from vulnerable to fully accessible in just two days—without sacrificing your team’s time or delaying your website's functionality.

Improved Website Performance

Making your website accessible isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits—it’s also great for your bottom line. Accessible websites are structured with clean code and optimized for SEO, which means search engines like Google are more likely to rank them higher in search results. According to a study by Semrush, 73% of accessible websites saw growth in organic traffic, and over 60% experienced an increase in overall engagement.

Better still, an accessible site improves the user experience for all visitors, not just those with disabilities. Clean design, clear navigation, and optimized content make your site easier to use, boosting conversion rates and reducing bounce rates. So, accessibility doesn’t just protect your business—it also enhances your website’s performance and increases your reach.

 

Tap Into a Growing Market: 15% of the Global Population Has a Disability

By making your website accessible, you’re opening the door to a vast audience that many businesses unintentionally ignore. 15% of the global population—or roughly 1 billion people—live with some form of disability. According to research from The Valuable 500, this group represents an $8 trillion market opportunity.

Ignoring this demographic not only limits your potential audience but also sends the wrong message about your brand’s values. Accessible websites expand your customer base, allowing you to tap into a market with significant spending power while also showing that your business prioritizes inclusivity and customer experience.

 

Protect Your Brand and Mitigate Legal Risks

With ADA lawsuits on the rise, web accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about protecting your brand from costly legal consequences. In 2022, over 100,000 businesses received demand letters for failing to meet accessibility standards, and fines for non-compliance can reach as high as $150,000.

By using accessiBe, you not only ensure your site meets ADA and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards, but you also position your brand as a socially responsible leader. Businesses that prioritize accessibility build trust and loyalty with their customers, and an official accessibility statement on your site shows your commitment to inclusivity.

 

Simple, Fast, and Effective: accessiBe’s Advantage

For businesses looking for a solution that doesn’t break the bank or consume months of development time, accessiBe is the clear choice. Here’s why:

  • Affordable: Starting at a low annual fee, affordable for the smallest website owner, plus options for larger sites; accessiBe is significantly more cost-effective than custom-built solutions.
  • Fast Implementation: A simple, 2-minute JavaScript installation is all it takes to get started, with full compliance achieved within 48 hours.
  • SEO Benefits: Accessible websites see improved performance across search engines, driving more traffic and engagement.
  • Legal Protection: With lawsuits on the rise, staying compliant protects your business from fines and reputational damage.

Ready to Make Your Site Accessible?

At DeckerDevs, we’re all about making complex solutions simple, effective, and scalable. That’s why we’ve partnered with accessiBe—to take the stress out of web accessibility for businesses like yours. Don’t waste time and money on a painstaking custom overhaul when you can achieve full compliance with accessiBe’s automated, AI-driven solutions.

Want to learn more? Contact us today to see how easy it is to make your website accessible for all.