06/09/2023
In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for any business. This is especially true for eCommerce businesses, as they rely on their websites to generate sales and drive revenue. However, many eCommerce websites overlook the importance of site accessibility when it comes to SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
Site accessibility refers to the ability of all users, including those with disabilities, to access and navigate a website. While site accessibility is primarily focused on improving the user experience for people with disabilities, it also has significant implications for SEO. In this article, we will explore the importance of site accessibility in eCommerce SEO and how it can impact the success of your online store.
Why is Site Accessibility Important for eCommerce SEO?
1. Improved User Experience: When your website is accessible to all users, it enhances the overall user experience. Users with disabilities, such as visual impairments or mobility issues, can navigate your site more easily if it is designed with accessibility in mind. This leads to higher customer satisfaction and increased conversions, which are key metrics for eCommerce success.
2. Compliance with Web Standards: Creating an accessible website ensures that your site complies with web standards and guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Search engines like Google consider accessibility as a ranking factor, and having an accessible website can improve your search engine rankings and visibility.
3. Expanded Target Audience: By making your website accessible, you are opening your doors to a larger audience. People with disabilities make up a significant portion of the population, and neglecting their needs means missing out on potential customers. By ensuring your website is accessible, you can tap into this market and increase your customer base.
4. Positive Brand Image: An accessible website reflects positively on your brand and shows that you care about all users, including those with disabilities. This can enhance your brand image and reputation, leading to increased customer loyalty and advocacy.
How to Improve Site Accessibility for eCommerce SEO
Now that we understand the importance of site accessibility in eCommerce SEO, let's explore some strategies to improve accessibility on your website:
1. Use Alt Text for Images
Alt text, or alternative text, is a description that is added to an image's HTML tag. It is used to provide a textual alternative to visual content for users who are unable to see the images. Including descriptive alt text for all images on your eCommerce website not only improves accessibility but also helps with SEO. Search engines can't interpret images, so alt text helps them understand what the image is about and improves the overall relevance of your content.
2. Provide Transcripts for Videos and Audio Content
If your eCommerce website includes videos or audio content, it's important to provide transcripts for these media files. Transcripts allow users with hearing impairments to read the content instead of relying on audio. Additionally, search engines can index the text in transcripts, which can improve the visibility of your content in search results.
3. Ensure Keyboard Navigation
Many users with disabilities rely on keyboard navigation to navigate websites. It's important to ensure that your eCommerce website can be navigated using only a keyboard. This includes using the "tab" key to move between links and interactive elements, as well as providing clear visual indications of the currently focused element. Keyboard navigation not only improves accessibility but also helps with SEO, as search engines use crawlers that navigate websites similarly to keyboards.
4. Use Semantic HTML
Semantic HTML refers to using HTML tags that best describe the content they contain. For example, using the <h1>
tag for headings, <p>
tag for paragraphs, and <ul>
and <li>
tags for lists. By using semantic HTML, you make your website more accessible to screen readers and other assistive technologies, as they can understand the structure and hierarchy of your content.
Conclusion
Site accessibility is a crucial aspect of eCommerce SEO that should not be overlooked. By making your website accessible, you can improve the user experience, comply with web standards, expand your target audience, and enhance your brand image. Implementing accessibility strategies such as using alt text for images, providing transcripts for media content, ensuring keyboard navigation, and using semantic HTML can make a significant difference in the accessibility and SEO of your eCommerce website. Remember, an accessible website is not only beneficial for users with disabilities but also for your overall SEO efforts and the success of your online store.
Contact us
Spanning 8 cities worldwide and with partners in 100 more, we’re your local yet global agency.
Fancy a coffee, virtual or physical? It’s on us – let’s connect!