DIY or Hire a Pro?

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DIY vs. Hire a Web Designer

Is it time to consider hiring a web designer?

Business owners need a website

New business owners and entrepreneurs know they need a website but often struggle with how to obtain one. Should they attempt to design and build a website themselves using one of the popular platforms out there? The platforms claim it's easy to do, but the real deal is you need a lot of time, patience, and design and some tech skills to succeed.

Consider hiring a professional web designer

An alternative approach is to budget for hiring a web designer. You will still have to provide content but a designer will work with you to ensure the website meets all your needs. A web designer will customize the design and structure of the website so that it is uniquely styled to your business with the features you need for your business.

Ready to find out more?

Drop us a line today for a free quote!

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Accessibility Matters: Why Websites Must Prioritize Inclusivity

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Get your website optimized with a focus on accessibility

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What is Accessibility on Websites?

The internet is now integrated into our everyday lives. We use it for work, fun, and entertainment as well as for accessing the news and other information. Most of us take it for granted. However, it's crucial to realize that there are many web users (up to 13% of the population) who have some difficulty accessing the internet because of their disabilities.

Accessibility on websites refers to website design that ensures people with disabilities can interact with the images and written content sufficiently. Accessibility  includes individuals with vision or hearing loss, color blindness, and ADHD and other neurological issues. Prioritizing accessibility isn't just a moral obligation; it's a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. Legal rulings include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) established by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

Compelling Reasons why Website Accessibility is Significant

Every individual, regardless of their abilities, should have equal access to information and services online.

By making websites accessible, we encourage inclusivity and ensure that nobody is left behind in the digital realm. It's about creating an internet that is for everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive limitations.

Legal Compliance

Failure to make websites accessible may lead to lawsuits, fines, and damage to reputation. Ensuring accessibility mitigates legal risks and also demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices.

Expanded Audience Reach

By designing websites with accessibility in mind, businesses and content creators can reach a broader audience. People with disabilities constitute a significant portion of the global population. Catering to their needs can potentially attract new customers, clients, or users.

Improved User Experience

Accessibility features often enhance the user experience for everyone, not just those with disabilities. For instance, captions in videos benefit users in noisy environments or those who prefer muted content. Clear and concise website navigation aids all users in finding information quickly. Designing for accessibility promotes user-friendly interfaces. This leads to higher satisfaction and engagement levels across the board.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Many accessibility practices align with SEO best practices. Using descriptive alt text for images, creating logical headings, and providing subtitles for videos all help boost SEO. Search engines prioritize websites that offer a seamless user experience, which includes accessibility features. Investing in accessibility can improve a website's search engine ranking and visibility.

Ethical Responsibility

Beyond legal obligations and business advantages, ensuring accessibility is the right thing to do. Denying people with disabilities equal access to online resources perpetuates discrimination and exclusion. Embracing accessibility reflects a commitment to equality, diversity, and human rights.

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Accessibility is not merely an option but a necessity in today's digital landscape.

Building inclusive websites is not without its challenges. However, the benefits far outweigh the efforts required. By prioritizing accessibility, we create a more equitable and humane online environment where everyone can participate, contribute, and thrive. Let's strive to make the web a place where diversity is celebrated, barriers are removed, and opportunities are accessible to all.

Talk to Leslie at Digital Creek about accessible web design for your new or existing website.

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