In today's digital landscape, accessibility is more important than ever. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public spaces, including websites. For marketing agencies, ensuring ADA compliance for clients' websites is not just a legal requirement—it’s a business imperative that enhances user experience, broadens audience reach, and builds brand trust.

What Is ADA Compliance for Websites?

ADA compliance refers to adhering to accessibility guidelines that make digital content usable for individuals with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. Marketing agencies play a crucial role in helping their clients meet these standards by implementing best practices and ensuring websites are designed and developed with accessibility in mind.

The Legal and Ethical Implications

In recent years, businesses across industries have faced lawsuits for non-compliance with ADA standards. Brands that fail to provide accessible content may face legal action, financial penalties, and negative publicity. But beyond legal risks, accessibility is an ethical commitment to inclusivity. By making websites accessible, Coalmarch helps our clients serve all audiences fairly and equitably.

It’s important to note that while ADA regulations cover a broad range of public accessibility considerations, Coalmarch’s responsibility and expertise specifically focus on website ADA compliance. We ensure your digital presence meets key accessibility standards—an essential part of a comprehensive accessibility strategy.

How Marketing Agencies Ensure ADA Compliance

Coalmarch practices a comprehensive approach to ADA compliance on our clients' websites to achieve the best results and offer an exceptional user experience for all users, including:

Website + Platform Design and Development Best Practices

• Use the Google Lighthouse accessibility tool to identify issues.
• Ensure proper color contrast for readability.
• Use alt text for images to assist visually impaired users.
• Implement keyboard-friendly navigation.

ADA compliance is a standard part of the Coalmarch website platform, ensuring accessibility isn’t treated as an add-on or afterthought—it’s a foundational element of our process.

Content and SEO Optimization

• Structure content with headers for screen readers.
• Avoid excessive use of complex design elements that hinder accessibility.
• Use clear and simple language to improve readability.

Ongoing Monitoring and Compliance Maintenance

• Regularly update and test websites to ensure continued accessibility.
• Train clients on best practices for maintaining accessibility.
• Provide support and updates as ADA guidelines evolve.

How ADA Compliance Benefits Our Clients

Expands Audience Reach

Making websites accessible allows businesses to engage with a broader audience, including the 61 million adults in the U.S. living with disabilities.

Enhances Brand Reputation

Companies that prioritize accessibility demonstrate social responsibility, which builds trust and loyalty among consumers.

Improves SEO and Performance

Many ADA-friendly practices, such as using alt text and clear headings, also improve search engine optimization (SEO), making websites more discoverable.

Reduces Legal Risk

Staying compliant minimizes the likelihood of lawsuits and financial penalties associated with accessibility violations.

How to Get Started with ADA Compliance

Marketing agencies should take a proactive approach by incorporating accessibility into their website development and content strategies from the start. Conducting regular audits, training teams on best practices, and using ADA-compliant tools like Lighthouse ensures clients’ websites remain accessible.

By prioritizing accessibility from the ground up, Coalmarch helps clients not only comply with legal standards but also create more inclusive, user-friendly digital experiences. In an increasingly digital world, ensuring equal access is not just a responsibility—it’s a competitive advantage.

Is your website ADA-compliant? Now is the time to take action and make accessibility a core part of your digital strategy.