Improve Website Accessibility: EAA Compliance Checklist for SMBs
In today's digital world, a professional online presence is essential for every SMB. But what about the accessibility of that presence? A website that isn't accessible to everyone excludes a significant portion of your potential customers. This is not only socially undesirable but can also have legal and financial consequences. With the upcoming European Accessibility Act (EAA), this topic is more urgent than ever. In this article, we delve deeper into what website accessibility entails, why it's so important for SMBs, and offer a practical checklist to make your website EAA-proof.
Why is website accessibility crucial for SMBs?
For many SMBs, the term 'website accessibility' might feel like an extra burden, a complex technical challenge on top of daily operations. However, the opposite is true. An accessible website is an investment that pays off in multiple ways.
If you want to compare options before you launch, review our accessible website pricing and accessible website examples.
1. Social responsibility and inclusion
Approximately 15% of the world's population experiences some form of disability. These are people with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. An inaccessible website means this group cannot access your products, services, or information. By making your website accessible, you demonstrate corporate social responsibility and contribute to a more inclusive society. This strengthens your brand image and loyalty.
2. Legal compliance: The European Accessibility Act (EAA)
The European Accessibility Act will come into force in June 2025 and mandates a wide range of products and services – including websites and mobile applications – to be accessible. Although the EAA primarily targets larger companies and public institutions, the legislation may impact smaller businesses in the future, depending on national implementations and interpretations. Moreover, it creates an expectation among consumers. Already, lawsuits have been filed in various countries against companies with inaccessible websites. Prevention is better than cure.
3. Increased reach and potential customers
An accessible website is by definition more usable for everyone. Blind and visually impaired people use screen readers, people with motor impairments navigate with the keyboard, and people with cognitive impairments benefit from clear language and a clear structure. But even people without disabilities benefit from a well-structured, fast-loading, and easy-to-navigate website. Think of the elderly, people in a noisy environment, or someone who has temporarily broken an arm. By embracing accessibility, you open your business to a much broader audience.
4. Improved SEO and user experience (UX)
Many accessibility guidelines overlap with best practices for search engine optimization (SEO) and user experience (UX). Think of clear headings (H1, H2, H3), alt-text for images, transcripts for videos, a logical page structure, and fast loading times. Search engines like Google value websites that offer a good user experience and reward this with a higher ranking. An accessible website is therefore often also an SEO-friendly website. A smart website platform like SiteBirds helps you with this by integrating SEO features as standard.
EAA Compliance Checklist for SMBs
Improving your website's accessibility doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. Here's a practical checklist, based on the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, which form the basis for the EAA.
1. Perceivable: Can everyone perceive your content?
- Text alternatives for non-text content: Provide 'alt' text for all images, buttons, and other visual elements that describe their function or content.
- Captions and transcripts: Offer captions for all videos and transcripts for audio content.
- Adaptable presentation: Ensure that content can be presented without loss of information or structure, for example, by allowing text sizes to be adjusted.
- Sufficient contrast: Use sufficient contrast between text and background colors (minimum 4.5:1 for normal text).
2. Operable: Can everyone operate your website?
- Keyboard navigation: Ensure that all website functionalities can be fully operated with just a keyboard, without a mouse.
- Enough time: Give users enough time to complete tasks, for example, by adjusting timeouts.
- Avoid flashing: Avoid content that flashes more than three times per second, to prevent epileptic seizures.
- Clear navigation: Ensure a consistent and clear navigation structure, with logical headings and links.
3. Understandable: Is your content and interface understandable?
- Readable and understandable text: Use simple language, avoid jargon, and structure texts with clear paragraphs and headings.
- Predictable functionality: Ensure that the website functions consistently. Buttons should always do what is expected.
- Input assistance: Provide clear instructions and error messages for forms, and help users prevent or correct errors.
4. Robust: Does your website work with diverse technologies?
- Compatibility with technologies: Ensure your website works well with various browsers, operating systems, and assistive technologies (such as screen readers).
- Valid code: Use valid HTML and CSS to maximize compatibility.
How SiteBirds helps you with accessibility
As a smart website platform, SiteBirds is designed with modern standards in mind, including aspects that contribute to accessibility. While full EAA compliance depends on the content you post, SiteBirds provides a solid foundation:
- Responsive design: Websites built with SiteBirds are automatically responsive, meaning they work well on any device and screen size, an important aspect for accessibility.
- Clear structure: The platform encourages the use of clear headings (H1, H2, H3) and a logical page structure, which improves readability and navigation.
- SEO optimization: Many SEO features, such as the ability to add alt-text to images, directly contribute to accessibility.
- Fast loading times: SiteBirds optimizes websites for fast loading times, which improves the user experience for everyone, including people with limited internet access or older devices.
Start checking your website today. It's not only good for your business but also for society.
Frequently asked questions about website accessibility and EAA
What is the difference between WCAG and EAA?
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) are international guidelines for web accessibility, developed by the W3C. The EAA (European Accessibility Act) is EU legislation that refers to these WCAG guidelines as the technical standard that products and services must meet. WCAG is the how, EAA is the what (as legislation).
Does my SMB website need to be EAA compliant now?
The EAA comes into force in June 2025. While the direct obligation initially applies mainly to larger companies and public institutions, it is highly recommended to start improving accessibility now. This prevents problems in the future, expands your reach, and strengthens your brand image. Furthermore, national legislation may extend the EAA to SMBs.
What are the consequences if my website is not accessible?
Consequences can range from reputational damage and loss of potential customers to legal claims and fines, depending on applicable legislation and the severity of the inaccessibility. An inaccessible website excludes a large group of people, which is both ethically and commercially irresponsible.
Can SiteBirds make my existing website accessible?
SiteBirds provides an excellent foundation for an accessible website. You can easily migrate your existing website to our AI platform. Our AI creates a copy in just 2 minutes, after which you can optimize the content yourself according to accessibility guidelines, supported by SiteBirds' structure and functionalities. This includes adding alt-text, improving contrasts, and using clear headings.
Ready to make your website accessible?
An accessible website is no longer an option, but a necessity. It not only demonstrates your social commitment but also opens new doors for your business. With SiteBirds, you can quickly and easily create a professional online presence that lays the foundation for accessibility. And the best part? You can start today!
Discover how SiteBirds puts your business on autopilot and helps you with a professional, accessible website. Start for free now:
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