As e-commerce continues to grow, so does the importance of ensuring that online stores are accessible to everyone. Accessibility isn’t just a best practice—it’s also essential for legal compliance. If your Shopify store isn’t accessible to all users, you could be missing out on a significant audience and exposing your business to legal risks. At Acorn Strategy, we’re committed to helping you understand and navigate the importance of accessibility and compliance for your Shopify store.
The Importance of Accessibility in E-Commerce
Accessibility means creating a website that can be used by people with various disabilities, including visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive impairments. An accessible website ensures that all visitors have a seamless experience, regardless of their abilities. This inclusivity not only broadens your customer base but also shows that your brand values and respects all individuals.
Accessibility in e-commerce goes beyond ethical responsibility. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the U.S. and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in Canada have made website accessibility a legal requirement. Non-compliance can lead to fines, lawsuits, and damage to your brand’s reputation.
Key Elements of Web Accessibility
To make your Shopify store accessible, consider the following key elements:
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Text Alternatives for Images: Use descriptive alt text for images so that screen readers can convey visual content to visually impaired users.
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Keyboard Navigation: Ensure that your website can be navigated entirely by keyboard, as some users may not be able to use a mouse.
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Color Contrast: Use color schemes that provide sufficient contrast between text and background, making it easier for visually impaired users to read your content.
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Descriptive Links: Avoid vague link text such as “click here.” Instead, use descriptive text that tells users where the link will take them (e.g., “View our product catalog”).
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Consistent Layout: A predictable layout makes it easier for users with cognitive impairments to find information on your site.
How Shopify Supports Accessibility
Shopify offers a range of features to help merchants improve accessibility on their stores. Here are some ways Shopify supports accessibility and compliance:
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Accessible Themes: Shopify’s theme store offers many themes that meet WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) standards. Start with a theme that’s designed with accessibility in mind, then customize as needed.
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App Integrations: There are several apps available in the Shopify App Store designed to enhance accessibility. Look for apps that add features like text resizing, high contrast mode, or screen reader compatibility.
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Alt Text & ARIA Labels: Shopify allows merchants to add alt text to images and use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels for interactive elements, ensuring that screen readers can interpret your content.
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SEO-Friendly & Accessible Content: Shopify’s built-in SEO tools encourage practices that align with accessibility best practices. For instance, adding proper headings and metadata not only improves search engine ranking but also helps screen readers navigate your site.
Compliance with Accessibility Standards
To ensure your Shopify store is compliant, follow these widely recognized accessibility standards:
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WCAG: The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines are the global standard for website accessibility. WCAG outlines a series of success criteria for different levels of accessibility (A, AA, and AAA). Strive for at least AA compliance to meet most legal requirements.
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ADA: If you’re based in the U.S., your website should meet ADA requirements to avoid potential legal issues. ADA compliance includes the WCAG guidelines and other accessibility considerations specific to U.S. law.
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AODA: For Canadian businesses, the AODA sets standards for making websites accessible to people with disabilities. The AODA aligns closely with WCAG but has some additional requirements for Canadian websites.
Steps to Improve Accessibility on Your Shopify Store
Improving your site’s accessibility doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with these steps:
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Audit Your Site: Use tools like Shopify's accessibility checker or third-party platforms such as WAVE or Axe to identify areas of your site that need improvement.
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Optimize Images & Media: Add descriptive alt text to all images, and ensure that videos have captions or transcripts for users with hearing impairments.
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Enhance Navigation: Use clear headings, organize your content logically, and ensure that your site can be fully navigated using a keyboard.
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Implement Accessible Forms: Forms should be easy to use and include clear labels. Error messages should guide users to correct any mistakes, with field instructions where needed.
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Stay Up-to-Date: Accessibility standards evolve, so it’s essential to keep up with new guidelines and updates. Shopify regularly releases new features that can help improve accessibility, so stay informed on the latest updates.
Need Help? Partner with Acorn Strategy
Ensuring that your Shopify store is accessible and compliant with legal standards can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team at Acorn Strategy specializes in e-commerce accessibility and compliance, and we’re here to help you create an inclusive shopping experience for all customers.
Book a consultation today to learn how we can help you optimize your store for accessibility, improve customer satisfaction, and meet compliance standards. Let’s work together to make your e-commerce site a welcoming space for everyone.