At the Miner Agency, we know that launching a successful campaign starts with strategic research. A crucial part of that research is understanding who your audience is – and what they need.
When businesses define their target audience, they often overlook a major group. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that 26 percent of the American population has a disability. If your brand isn’t built with accessibility in mind, you could be missing out on more than a quarter of your potential audience.
This blog is going to be your step-by-step guide to launching a successful business that’s built to include everyone.
Step 1: Make Your Website Accessible
Your website is often the first stop for customers, so it needs to be built with accessibility in mind. It’s where people learn about your services, products, and values – so first impressions matter.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is your website easy to navigate on desktop AND mobile?
- Is it written in clear, simple language?
- Can users listen to content or use screen readers?
- Are your graphics readable with strong contrast?
- Is the layout clean and not too overwhelming?
Step 2: Keep Your Content Clear and Easy to Scan
One common mistake is leaving out alt text for images, charts, and other visuals. Alt text is a short, written description that helps screen readers explain what’s on the page. This helps those with screen readers, ADHD, and dyslexia, and even boosts the overall search engine optimization of the site!
Alt text is a short, written description that helps screen readers explain what’s on the page.
Want to improve your site’s SEO? Read our tips here.
Break up long text with headings, icons, or images – and always include alt text.
Step 3: Make Your Social Media More Accessible
If someone doesn’t land on your website first, there’s a good chance they’ll find you on social media. Here are a few easy ways to make your social content more accessible:
- Capitalize each word in your hashtags (#ThisIsHelpful)
- Add helpful captions to photos and videos
- Include closed captions on all social content (videos)
Accessibility is a process. You might not get it perfect at first, and that’s okay. What matters most is your commitment to learning and proving – together with your team.
Launching your business? Explore our Small Business Tool Kit and follow us on social @themineragency for real-world marketing and PR tips.
