Why Brand Reputation Is Now Tied To Accessibility
For many businesses, there is one thing even more important than revenue.
Their brand.
Years ago, we were asked to create a standalone website for a global company. It was part of a collaborative project with one of our agency partners, and the brief was clear. Stick to the brand guidelines without deviation.
We did exactly that. Almost.
A small design choice was made. A soft curve on a panel instead of a hard corner. Unknowingly, the design used a branding style that had not yet been officially released.
The consequences?
The UK Head of the company was summoned to fly to the Corporate Headquarters in Europe to explain how this anomaly had occurred. A journey made in person, just to account for a visual detail that had appeared online before its official launch.
That Was Just A Corner
Now imagine what happens when a website is found to be non compliant under the European Accessibility Act, which applies to every business who has customers in Europe, regardless of where the company it based. It is fully enacted in just 37 days.
The potential damage to brand reputation is far greater. Regulatory fines can make the headlines. Disgruntled users can share their experience online. A single post or media mention can affect how your organisation is seen.
Once that happens, you are no longer in control of your brand. The story is being told for you.
Accessible Web Design Is Brand Protection
At Access by Design, we work with businesses of all sizes to ensure their websites are accessible and compliant. We begin with testing by disabled users, followed by a full accessibility audit to identify where your site may be at risk.
From there, we provide a compliant Accessibility Statement to give your organisation immediate protection. We then support you with a clear plan that moves you towards full accessibility compliance over time.
This is not just about avoiding fines. It is about investing in accessible web design that reflects your brand values and reaches everyone.
Because accessibility is not just a legal issue. It is a brand issue.
Protect your brand. Avoid fines. Do the right thing.
