Have you ever wondered how accessible your website is? If you haven’t thought about it yet, you’re probably not alone. Accessibility is not only an important issue and an ethical obligation in the real world, but also on the Internet. Even if we tend to overlook it there.

But with the Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG) , which comes into force in mid-2025, accessible websites will become mandatory. This means that the issue can no longer be ignored. But why is this important and what does it have to do with search engine optimization (SEO)?

Simply put, accessibility improves the user experience not only for potential customers with disabilities, but for all of your customers. This, in turn, also increases your visibility in search engines.

We will discuss later whether your company website is affected by the BFSG and how you can make it barrier-free.

What is Internet accessibility?
Accessibility on the Internet means that your website is accessible and usable by all users, regardless of their physical or technical limitations. This means that people with visual, hearing, movement or cognitive impairments can also use your company website without any problems.

On the one hand, this includes technical measures such as a clearly defined structure of the content, the use of alt text for images and ensuring keyboard navigation. On the other hand, it also includes easily understandable language and the design of the website. Accessibility is not only required by law, but also offers advantages for the user experience and search engine optimization, which we will discuss later.

Is my website affected by the Accessibility Act?
Do you have more than ten employees? *
Yes OR No

Benefits of Accessibility for SEO
Accessibility does much more than just meet legal requirements – it can significantly strengthen your company’s digital presence. Here are some of the key benefits of optimizing your website for search engines in detail:

Improved user experience
An accessible website is more user-friendly because it uses easy-to-understand language and a clear structure, among other things. This in turn leads to a longer dwell time and lower bounce rates.

When users can easily navigate your website and consume content without any problems, they stay longer and interact more with your site. They are also more likely to use your product or service.

This also sends positive signals to search engines like Google, which use user signals to rank your website in search results.

Better crawlability and indexing
Accessible websites are often better for more than just people. A simple structure and clear heading hierarchies, alt texts and descriptive link texts make it easier for search engines to crawl content and include it in their search index.

Accessible SEO Freelancer in Hyderabad therefore not only helps all your customers, but also the algorithms to better understand your website and position it as best as possible in the search results.

Increasing reach and target groups
Accessibility allows you to reach a wider audience, including people with disabilities. In 2020, about 12.5% ​​of the German population lived with a permanent impairment .

According to recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), a total of 16% of the world’s population is affected by a severe disability . These figures show that this is a significant market, especially if your company also operates internationally.

Improved mobile usability
Many accessible SEO measures, such as adjusting font sizes and optimizing color contrasts, also improve the mobile use of your website.

Since a large proportion of access to the Internet today is via mobile devices , this is an important advantage that can have a positive effect on your website in the search results. At least Google has been placing particular emphasis on the mobile version of a website for years with mobile-first indexing.

Positive effects on brand perception
Companies that prioritize accessibility demonstrate social responsibility and commitment to all users. This can strengthen your company’s image and portray your brand in a positive light. A strong, inclusive brand attracts more customers and improves customer loyalty.

In addition, the ability to use the website easily and independently is particularly valuable for many people with disabilities. It should therefore not be underestimated that your company will certainly be recommended to others if your website is barrier-free.

Legal certainty and future security
By implementing appropriate measures early on, you not only avoid legal risks and possible fines, but also make your website future-proof. As accessibility requirements are becoming more stringent in many countries, as a company that acts proactively, you are better prepared for future legal changes.

Implementing accessibility on your website
Implementing accessibility on your website is a strategic process that requires both technical and content adjustments. Here are some key steps to consider:

Technical solutions
Keyboard navigation: Your website should be fully keyboard navigable. This includes using “Tab” and other keyboard shortcuts to navigate through content.

Alt text for images: Make sure that all images on your website have descriptive alt text. This not only helps users with visual impairments, but also in the event that the images fail to load, because this way users know what they should actually see.

Tools and resources
Checking tools: Use tools like WAVE or Lighthouse to check your website for accessibility. These tools will help you identify and fix existing barriers.

Training and awareness: Regularly train your team on accessibility best practices. This will ensure that everyone involved understands the importance and techniques.
Continuous review and adjustment

Regular audits: Conduct accessibility tests regularly to ensure that your website meets current standards and does not create new barriers.

User feedback: Ask your users for feedback on your website’s accessibility. This can provide valuable insights and help you make continuous improvements.

Implementing accessibility requires continuous effort, but it is rewarded with improved user experiences, increased visibility in search engines and regulatory compliance. Invest in accessible SEO and make your website future-proof and inclusive.