Website accessibility ensures that people with disabilities can use your website effectively. For roofing companies, accessibility isn't just about inclusivity — it affects SEO, legal compliance, and your reputation.
In Canada, accessibility regulations vary by province. Ontario's Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) requires websites to meet WCAG 2.0 standards. Other provinces are following with similar legislation.
Accessibility improvements often improve SEO. Alt text on images helps screen readers and improves image search rankings. Proper heading structure helps both assistive technology and search engines understand your content. Transcripts for videos benefit deaf users and improve video SEO.
Key accessibility features include: sufficient color contrast (ensure text is readable against backgrounds), keyboard navigation (all functions accessible without a mouse), descriptive link text (avoid 'click here'), form labels and error messages, and resizable text without loss of functionality.
Many roofing websites fail basic accessibility checks. Run your site through accessibility testing tools (WAVE, Lighthouse) to identify issues. Common problems include low contrast text, missing form labels, and images without alt text.
Accessibility improvements are relatively inexpensive to implement, particularly if caught early in a site redesign. They protect you from legal risk, improve your SEO, and demonstrate your commitment to serving all members of your community.