E174. Why 30% of Your Potential Customers Can't Use Your Website

03/11/2025 26 min Temporada 1 Episodio 174

Listen "E174. Why 30% of Your Potential Customers Can't Use Your Website"

Episode Synopsis

Most business owners don't realise that 20-30% of website visitors struggle to use their sites due to accessibility barriers. This episode reveals how web accessibility isn't just about compliance—it's a strategic advantage that reaches more customers and improves your bottom line.Warren Wilansky, Founder of Plank Digital Agency with 25+ years experience, shares how one client saw donations increase by 100-200% after implementing accessible design principles. The surprising part? Building accessibility into your website from the planning stage costs roughly the same as a standard website.In this episode, you'll learn:Why 20-30% of internet users face accessibility challenges (including everyone over 50)Common accessibility barriers and simple fixes for business websitesThe Ethical Web Collective framework: accessibility, privacy, security, responsible development, and environmental impactThree immediate, low-cost improvements you can make todayHow to test your website using Google Lighthouse (free tool)Why image optimisation helps both accessibility and the environmentThe surprising environmental impact of websites and AIWarren explains that accessibility works like building a ramp during house construction rather than retrofitting later—it's part of the process when done properly. He recommends starting with three simple changes: optimise images (reduce file sizes from 4MB to 100-500KB), ensure responsible coding standards, and implement accessibility principles that make websites faster for everyone.These improvements benefit all users by creating faster, more efficient websites that rank better in search engines and provide better experiences.About the Guest:Warren Wilansky is President and Founder of Plank, a digital agency established in 1998 specialising in websites for arts, cultural, and nonprofit organisations. Connect with Warren at plank.co

More episodes of the podcast Tech Your Business