Best eCommerce Accessibility Tools

Accessibility tools are essential in ensuring that direct-to-consumer (DTC) websites and digital platforms are usable for everyone, including individuals with disabilities. These tools help in modifying websites to meet various accessibility standards, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). They serve to adapt content, design, and navigation to be more inclusive, covering aspects like screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, and color contrast adjustments.

The importance of these tools for DTC brands lies in broadening their reach and inclusivity. By making their websites accessible, brands not only comply with legal requirements but also cater to a wider audience, enhancing the user experience for all customers.

Two notable tools in this arena are UserWay and AccessiBe. UserWay is popular for its ease of integration and comprehensive suite of features that automatically correct many common accessibility issues. It's known for its widget that can be easily added to a website to instantly improve accessibility. AccessiBe, meanwhile, stands out for its AI-driven approach. Explore more below!

accessiBe
Friends Rate

accessiBe

accessiBe is a web Accessibility Solution for WCAG Compliance (web content accessibility guidelines). The accessibility interface is responsible for all the UI and design-related adjustments, while the AI-powered background process handles optimizations for screen-reader and for keyboard navigation

Operations
Operations
used by
196
brands
UserWay
Friends Rate

UserWay

UserWay's Accessibility Technology is a popular AI-powered accessibility compliance solution that ensures your website provides a digital experience that meets and exceeds WCAG 2.1 AA requirements, as required by the ADA and other governmental and regulatory bodies.

Operations
Operations
used by
47
brands
Termly
Friends Rate

Termly

Termly’s compliance suite can help you stay up to date and compliant with privacy laws like the GDPR, CCPA, ePrivacy Regulation, and more.

CX & Support
CX & Support
used by
27
brands
Cookie Consent by Osano
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Cookie Consent by Osano

Osano

Osano is an easy-to-use data privacy platform that instantly helps your website become compliant with laws such as GDPR and CCPA. Osano works to keep you out of trouble and monitors all of the vendors you share data with – so you don’t have to.

Security
Security
used by
27
brands
iubenda
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iubenda

iubenda helps with the legal requirements, so you can focus on the business. Attorney-level solutions to make your websites and apps compliant with the law across multiple countries and legislations.

Security
Security
used by
27
brands
Axeptio
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Axeptio

Axeptio is a GDPR and CCPA ready consent widget for cookies and personal data processing.

Operations
Operations
used by
19
brands
AudioEye
Friends Rate

AudioEye

AudioEye's team of experts and next-level AI technology can quickly make your website WCAG / ADA compliant.

Platform
Platform
used by
14
brands
Easy GDPR
Friends Rate

Easy GDPR

Easy GDPR protects your store from audits and data breaches. Installing Easy GDPR gives you a Multi-language EU Cookie Bar, private data modify page and delete page for customers, private data access and export page for customers, and more.

Security
Security
used by
9
brands
Accessibility

accessiBe

Compliance solution for Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
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Learn More About The Best eCommerce Accessibility Tools

What Are eCommerce Accessibility Tools?

eCommerce accessibility tools have emerged as critical components of the technology stacks for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands. These tools are designed to ensure that online shopping experiences are accessible to individuals with disabilities, such as those with visual impairments or mobility challenges. They play a pivotal role in creating an inclusive digital environment and are essential for D2C brands to use in their tech stacks to reach a broader audience, enhance user experience, and comply with legal requirements.

Key components and features of eCommerce accessibility tools include features like screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation support, alternative text for images, and adjustable font sizes and color contrasts. These tools enable D2C brands to make their websites and apps accessible to a wider range of users, improving usability for those with disabilities. Additionally, they often provide compliance reports and audits to help brands ensure they meet accessibility standards and avoid legal risks.

Integration with various other tools in a D2C brand's technology stack is beneficial for a cohesive online presence. eCommerce accessibility tools can be integrated with marketing tools to ensure that promotional materials and campaigns are also accessible, enhancing brand reputation and customer engagement. Integration with analytics tools allows brands to track the accessibility performance of their digital assets and make data-driven improvements. Moreover, subscription tools can use accessibility data to tailor offerings to a wider audience, while reviews tools can encourage users to provide feedback on accessibility features, fostering continuous improvement. The advantage of seamless integration across the tech stack is a more inclusive and user-friendly online shopping experience, ultimately increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

What Key Features of Accessibility Tools Matter To D2C Brands?

When it comes to accessibility tools for direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands, several key features are crucial to ensure that online shopping experiences are inclusive and accommodating for all users, including those with disabilities. Here are the key features that matter to D2C brands:

Screen Reader Compatibility: Accessibility tools must support screen readers and provide text-to-speech capabilities. This feature allows visually impaired users to navigate websites and apps by audibly interpreting on-screen content.

Keyboard Navigation Support: D2C brands should prioritize tools that enable efficient keyboard navigation. This allows users who cannot use a mouse or touchscreen to navigate the website or app using only their keyboard, ensuring they can access all interactive elements and features.

Alternative Text (Alt Text) for Images: Images on the website or app should include descriptive alt text. Accessibility tools should enable D2C brands to add alt text to images, allowing visually impaired users to understand the content and context of images through screen readers.

Adjustable Font Sizes and Colors: Users with visual impairments may require larger fonts or specific color contrasts to improve readability. Accessibility tools should provide options for users to adjust font sizes and color schemes to suit their preferences.

Focus Indicators: Clear and visible focus indicators are essential for keyboard users. Accessibility tools should highlight the currently selected or focused element to guide users through the interface without confusion.

Captioning and Transcripts: For video content, captioning and transcripts should be supported by the tools. This ensures that users who are deaf or hard of hearing can access the content.

Forms and Input Field Accessibility: Accessibility tools should help D2C brands ensure that all forms and input fields are labeled correctly, have appropriate error messaging, and follow best practices for form accessibility.

ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) Support: ARIA attributes are essential for enhancing the accessibility of dynamic and interactive web elements, such as pop-up menus, sliders, and accordions. Accessibility tools should assist in implementing ARIA roles and attributes correctly.

Compliance Reporting and Audits: Comprehensive accessibility tools should offer reporting and auditing features. This allows D2C brands to assess their website or app's compliance with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and identify areas that need improvement.

User Testing and Feedback: Some accessibility tools facilitate user testing with individuals who have disabilities, gathering feedback to improve the overall accessibility of the digital platform.

Seamless Integration: Accessibility tools should seamlessly integrate with the D2C brand's existing technology stack, including the website, mobile apps, and content management systems. This ensures consistent accessibility across all digital channels.

What Are The Best eCommerce Accessibility Tools?

Selecting the best eCommerce accessibility providers for your direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand involves assessing your specific needs, budget, and platform requirements. Here are some reputable eCommerce accessibility providers that have gained recognition for their services:

Deque Systems: Deque is a leading provider of web accessibility solutions. They offer a range of tools and services, including axe, a popular accessibility testing and remediation tool. Deque specializes in helping organizations achieve and maintain digital accessibility compliance.

UserWay: UserWay provides an AI-powered web accessibility solution that enhances website and app accessibility. Their widget allows users to customize their browsing experience based on their individual needs, including adjusting fonts, contrast, and enabling keyboard navigation.

AccessiBe: AccessiBe is known for its automated web accessibility solution that utilizes AI to make websites compliant with accessibility standards like WCAG. It provides a user-friendly interface for individuals with disabilities to adjust settings and enhance their browsing experience.

A11Y: A11Y is an accessibility testing and consulting company that offers a variety of services to help organizations identify and remediate accessibility issues on their websites and apps. They provide manual testing and audits for compliance with accessibility standards.

Allyable: Allyable offers a comprehensive web accessibility solution designed to improve the accessibility of websites and apps. Their platform includes automated scanning, remediation recommendations, and ongoing monitoring.

Tenon: Tenon specializes in accessibility testing and remediation services. They offer tools and services to help D2C brands identify and fix accessibility issues, ensuring their digital properties are compliant and user-friendly.

axe DevTools by Deque: axe DevTools is a browser extension that integrates with popular web development tools like Chrome DevTools. It provides real-time accessibility testing and recommendations, making it a valuable tool for developers working on eCommerce websites.

Siteimprove: Siteimprove offers a suite of digital marketing and accessibility tools, including automated accessibility testing. Their platform helps organizations identify and address accessibility issues while also optimizing content for SEO and digital marketing.

AudioEye: AudioEye is an accessibility platform that combines automated testing, manual auditing, and ongoing monitoring to ensure websites and apps are accessible. They also provide a user-friendly interface for individuals with disabilities to adjust settings.

Before selecting an eCommerce accessibility provider, it's important to thoroughly evaluate their offerings, consider your specific requirements, and assess the scalability of their solutions. Additionally, inquire about their compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG and seek references or case studies to gauge their effectiveness in making digital properties accessible to all users.

Why Do Direct-To-Consumer Brands Need Accessibility Tools?

Direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands need accessibility tools for several compelling reasons:

Legal Compliance: Many countries, including the United States and members of the European Union, have enacted laws and regulations that require digital properties to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. Failure to comply with these accessibility standards can result in legal repercussions, including fines and lawsuits. Accessibility tools help D2C brands ensure they meet these legal requirements and avoid potential litigation.

Wider Audience Reach: Accessibility tools enable D2C brands to reach a broader and more diverse audience. Approximately 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. By making their websites and apps accessible, D2C brands can tap into this sizable market segment, potentially increasing their customer base and revenue.

Enhanced User Experience: Accessibility tools improve the overall user experience for all customers, not just those with disabilities. Features like keyboard navigation, clear headings, and well-structured content make websites and apps more user-friendly, resulting in higher customer satisfaction and better retention rates.

Inclusivity and Brand Reputation: Prioritizing accessibility demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and social responsibility. D2C brands that make their digital properties accessible are more likely to be seen as ethical and inclusive, enhancing their brand reputation and loyalty among customers and stakeholders.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Search engines like Google consider accessibility factors when ranking websites. Websites that are well-structured and meet accessibility standards tend to perform better in search results. This can lead to increased organic traffic and better visibility for D2C brands.

Competitive Advantage: As accessibility becomes a standard expectation for digital experiences, D2C brands that invest in accessibility gain a competitive edge. They differentiate themselves in the market by providing an inclusive and user-friendly experience, potentially attracting more customers and outperforming competitors.

Customer Retention: Inaccessible websites and apps can frustrate users and drive them away. By implementing accessibility tools, D2C brands can retain more customers, reduce bounce rates, and increase conversion rates, resulting in higher customer lifetime value.

Legal Clarity for Employees: Accessibility tools provide guidance and support for content creators, developers, and designers. They help teams understand how to create accessible content and ensure consistent compliance with accessibility standards, reducing the risk of unintentional violations.

Accessibility tools are essential for D2C brands to meet legal requirements, expand their customer base, improve user experience, enhance brand reputation, and gain a competitive advantage. Prioritizing accessibility not only benefits individuals with disabilities but also benefits the brand's overall success and sustainability in the digital marketplace.