Do U.S.-Based Companies Need to Make Their Website ADA Compliant? Understanding the Legalities and the Growing Importance

In an increasingly digital world, a company’s website is often the primary point of contact between businesses and consumers. But just as physical stores and services are required by law to be accessible to people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), so too are websites. The question many businesses are asking: Do U.S.-based companies have to make their websites ADA-compliant?

The short answer is: Yes, U.S.-based companies with websites are generally required to ensure that their websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities. Let’s break down why this is the case, explore the legal requirements, and discuss the implications of not complying with accessibility standards.

Understanding ADA Compliance for Websites

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990 to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities in public spaces. The law primarily focused on physical accommodations like ramps, accessible bathrooms, and elevators in buildings. However, as the internet became integral to daily life and business, questions arose about whether ADA compliance extended to websites.

Though the ADA was enacted long before the internet became a major commercial and communication platform, U.S. courts have interpreted the law’s scope to apply to websites. This interpretation is primarily focused on businesses and organizations that provide goods, services, or information to the public (i.e., public accommodations). A website that is inaccessible to individuals with disabilities can be seen as a barrier to equal access, similar to inaccessible physical locations.

Key Aspects of ADA Compliance for Websites:

• Equal Access: A website must be navigable by individuals with various disabilities, including those who are blind, deaf, or have mobility impairments.
• Accessible Design: Websites need to follow accessibility guidelines, such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which ensure that content is usable by all people, regardless of their abilities.

The Legal Landscape: Is Your Website at Risk?

The legal requirement to make a website ADA-compliant stems from Title III of the ADA, which states that places of public accommodation must be accessible to people with disabilities. While the ADA does not specifically mention websites, courts have consistently ruled that websites are considered public accommodations in today’s digital-first society. As such, businesses are expected to comply with ADA accessibility standards, especially when they offer goods, services, or information to the public online.

Key Legal Cases:

Over the past decade, there has been a significant rise in the number of lawsuits involving website accessibility under the ADA. For example:

• Domino’s Pizza (2019): The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case involving Domino’s Pizza, allowing a lower court ruling that found the company’s website inaccessible to people with disabilities to stand. This case marked a pivotal moment, reinforcing the idea that ADA compliance extends to websites.
• Target Corp. (2006): Target was one of the first high-profile cases where a company was sued for not making its website accessible. Target ultimately settled, agreeing to make its website more accessible and to pay damages.

In 2021, nearly 3,500 website accessibility-related lawsuits were filed, according to UsableNet, a web accessibility consulting firm. This marks a significant increase from previous years, with 2020 seeing over 2,200 lawsuits. The trend shows that accessibility lawsuits are becoming more frequent, especially as people with disabilities increasingly rely on websites for daily tasks such as shopping, banking, and accessing information.

Why Accessibility Matters: Statistics and Implications

For businesses, the legal imperative is clear. But beyond compliance, accessibility also offers significant benefits. Here are some compelling statistics to consider:

1. 1 in 4 U.S. Adults Has a Disability: According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 26% of U.S. adults have a disability. That’s a sizable portion of the population that could face barriers when navigating an inaccessible website. By improving website accessibility, businesses can better serve a larger portion of potential customers.
2. Increased Legal Risks: As mentioned earlier, the number of website accessibility lawsuits has surged. In 2020, website accessibility lawsuits increased by 23% from the previous year. Failure to comply with ADA requirements opens businesses up to the risk of expensive legal battles, settlements, and damage to their reputation.
3. Impact on Brand Reputation: According to a survey by WebAIM, an accessibility advocacy group, 71% of respondents with disabilities reported that they were less likely to return to a website that wasn’t accessible. Companies that prioritize accessibility not only reduce the risk of lawsuits but also demonstrate social responsibility and inclusivity—two values that resonate strongly with consumers today.
4. Business Opportunity: A well-designed, accessible website can provide significant business opportunities. Research by Forrester shows that companies that make their websites accessible can see an increase in customer engagement and, ultimately, sales. Accessibility improvements can help businesses tap into underserved markets, including people with disabilities and aging populations who may require special accommodations.

WCAG: The Gold Standard for Web Accessibility

The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), are the recognized international standards for website accessibility. While WCAG guidelines themselves are not legally binding, they have been widely adopted as a benchmark for ADA compliance in court rulings and settlement agreements.

Some core WCAG principles include:

• Perceivable: Make sure information and user interface components are presented in ways that users can perceive, such as providing text alternatives for images.
• Operable: Ensure that users can interact with all elements using a keyboard or other assistive devices.
• Understandable: Content must be easy to read and understand, with consistent navigation and clear instructions.
• Robust: Make sure content works across a variety of devices and platforms, with compatibility for assistive technologies.

How to Ensure Your Website Is ADA-Compliant

To ensure your website is ADA-compliant, here are some practical steps businesses can take:

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit: Use automated tools like WAVE, Axe, or Google Lighthouse to identify accessibility issues. Manual testing with assistive technology (such as screen readers) is also critical.
2. Follow WCAG Guidelines: Design your website with WCAG principles in mind, including providing alternative text for images, ensuring sufficient contrast, and making all interactive elements accessible.
3. Regular Testing: Web accessibility is not a one-time fix. Regular audits are necessary to ensure compliance, especially as websites evolve.
4. Consult with Accessibility Experts: If needed, hire an accessibility consultant or developer to ensure your website meets legal and functional requirements.

Conclusion: Protect Your Business and Customers

In conclusion, making your website ADA-compliant is not just a legal requirement but also a way to create a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for all visitors. With lawsuits on the rise and a growing number of people relying on the internet for essential services, accessibility is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a must.

By ensuring your website meets ADA standards, you protect your business from legal risks, enhance your brand’s reputation, and open the door to a broader customer base. In today’s digital age, accessibility is essential to fostering equality and ensuring that no one is left behind.

By taking proactive steps toward ADA compliance, businesses not only reduce the risk of costly legal action but also demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity, providing a better experience for all users—no matter their abilities.

Contact Us Today to learn more about how we can help you navigate website accessibility and help your business grow.

Disclaimer:  For informational purposes only, nothing in this article should be construed as legal advise.  Please consult a legal professional on your unique business situation.

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Written by:  Shakir Miller
Kraken Media LLC

As a leading SEO agency, Kraken Media has worked with numerous dental practices and understands the unique challenges they face in their online marketing efforts. With the advent of the internet, dental practices have increasingly recognized the importance of establishing an online presence to attract and retain new patients. While many dental practices focus on traditional SEO tactics, locally focused SEO has proven to be the most effective strategy for dental practices. In this guide, we will explain why locally focused SEO is the best for dental practices and provide you with insights and tips on how to implement it.

Section 1: The Benefits of Locally Focused SEO for Dental Practices

1.1 Higher Visibility and Brand Awareness

One of the primary benefits of locally focused SEO is that it increases the visibility and brand awareness of dental practices within their target geographic area. By optimizing their website with locally relevant keywords, dental practices can rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) for users searching within their area. This increased visibility helps dental practices to establish their brand and attract potential patients who are actively searching for dental services in their area.

1.2 More Targeted Traffic

Another key benefit of locally focused SEO is that it generates more targeted traffic. Unlike raw web traffic that may come from all over the world, locally focused SEO targets users within a specific geographic area who are more likely to be interested in the services offered by dental practices in their area. By attracting more targeted traffic, dental practices can increase the likelihood of converting website traffic into new patients.

1.3 Improved Conversion Rates

Locally focused SEO can also improve conversion rates for dental practices. When dental practices target users in their local area, they are targeting potential patients who are more likely to convert into paying customers. Additionally, targeting users with locally relevant keywords helps to establish trust and credibility, making potential patients more likely to choose a practice in their area.

Section 2: The Role of Keywords in Locally Focused SEO for Dental Practices

2.1 Identifying the Right Keywords

The success of locally focused SEO for dental practices relies heavily on using the right keywords. Identifying the most effective dental SEO keywords requires research and analysis of search trends within a practice’s target geographic area. Keywords should be selected based on their relevance to dental services and the likelihood of driving traffic from users searching for dental services within the practice’s target area.

2.2 Implementing Keywords on Your Website

Once the most effective keywords have been identified, they should be incorporated into the content and metadata of the dental practice’s website. This includes using keywords in page titles, meta descriptions, header tags, and throughout the website’s content. By including locally relevant keywords on their website, dental practices can increase their chances of ranking higher in SERPs for users searching for dental services in their area.

Section 3: Locally Focused SEO vs. Raw Web Traffic: Which is Better for Dental Practices?

3.1 The Limitations of Raw Web Traffic

While raw web traffic may increase overall website traffic, it does not necessarily result in new patients for dental practices. Raw web traffic may come from users who are outside of the practice’s geographic area, or who are not actively searching for dental services. As a result, dental practices may receive more traffic, but fewer conversions.

3.2 The Benefits of Locally Focused SEO

Locally focused SEO, on the other hand, targets potential patients within the practice’s geographic area who are actively searching for dental services. This targeted approach increases the likelihood of converting website traffic into new patients, resulting in a higher return on investment for dental practices.

3.3 The Results: Locally Focused SEO Generates More Leads

At Kraken Media, we have seen firsthand how locally focused SEO generates more leads for dental practices than raw web traffic. Our client statistics show that dental practices in Florida, specifically in Tampa, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Central Florida, have seen more leads generated through locally focused SEO than raw web traffic. This is due to the fact that users searching for dental services in their area are more likely to convert into new patients, resulting in a higher ROI for dental practices.

Section 4: Dental SEO Pricing and How to Choose the Best Dental SEO Company

4.1 Understanding Dental SEO Pricing

Dental SEO pricing can vary widely depending on the scope of the project, the level of competition within the target geographic area, and the experience and expertise of the SEO company. Some companies may offer fixed pricing packages, while others may offer customized pricing based on the specific needs of the dental practice.  Click here to learn more about SEO as it relates to your web page, landing pages, and social media management.

4.2 Choosing the Best Dental SEO Company

When choosing a dental SEO company, it is important to consider their level of experience and expertise in working with dental practices. Look for a company with a proven track record of success in increasing visibility and generating leads for dental practices. Additionally, look for a company that offers customized pricing packages that fit the specific needs and budget of the dental practice.  Kraken Media is a premiere SEO agency specializing in medical and dental practices in Central Florida.

Section 5: Conclusion

In conclusion, locally focused SEO is the best strategy for dental practices looking to increase their visibility and generate more leads. By targeting users within their geographic area with locally relevant keywords, dental practices can attract potential patients who are more likely to convert into new customers. At Kraken Media, we specialize in providing customized, results-driven SEO services to dental practices in Florida and beyond. Contact Us Today to learn more about how we can help your dental practice grow.

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Written by:  S. Miller
Kraken Media LLC

So, Black Owned Web Design Companies…

Introduction: As a black-owned SEO agency, we understand the unique challenges that come with improving visibility and search rankings for our clients. One important factor in any SEO strategy is building backlinks to a website. Backlinks, or links from other websites to your own, act as “votes” of credibility and authority in the eyes of search engines. However, building backlinks can be difficult, especially for black-owned businesses that may not have the same access to networks and resources as larger, established companies. In this blog post, we’ll share some tactics and best practices for building backlinks for black-owned websites.  If you need more help there are always Black owned web design companies out there to help.  Here’s your tips:

1. Leverage Social Media: Social media is a powerful tool for building backlinks and driving traffic to a website. By creating valuable and shareable content, you can attract attention and engagement from a wider audience. Consider starting a blog or creating videos, infographics, or other types of content that can be easily shared across social media platforms. This will not only increase brand awareness but also increase the chances of getting backlinks from other sites.
2. Guest Blogging: Another way to build backlinks is by guest blogging on other websites. This can be a great opportunity to reach a new audience and gain visibility for your brand. Look for websites that are relevant to your industry or niche and reach out to the site owner to inquire about guest blogging opportunities. It’s important to create high-quality content that will be useful to the website’s readers and also include a link back to your website in your author bio.
3. Build Relationships: Networking and building relationships is essential in any industry, and SEO is no exception. Building relationships with other websites and businesses can be a great way to earn backlinks naturally. Attend conferences, join online communities, and engage with others in your industry to create opportunities for backlink building.
4. Get Listed in Online Directories: Online directories such as Google My Business and Yelp can be great for getting more visibility for your black-owned business. Make sure to claim your listing, add all the information about your business such as your website and hours, and ask your customers to leave reviews. This will not only help you get more visibility but also increase the chances of getting backlinks from directories.
5. Creating Quality Content: The most important thing to remember when building backlinks is that quality is key. Search engines like Google use backlinks as a way to gauge the credibility and authority of a website, and links from low-quality or spammy sites can actually hurt your search rankings. Focus on creating high-quality, valuable content that will attract natural backlinks from other websites.

Conclusion: Building backlinks for black-owned websites can be challenging, but with the right tactics and best practices in place, it is possible to improve visibility and search rankings. By leveraging social media, guest blogging, building relationships, getting listed in online directories, and creating quality content, you can earn valuable backlinks that will help boost your website’s authority and search rankings. As a black-owned SEO agency, we stand ready to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of digital marketing and SEO.  Have questions, or need help?  Contact Us!

As a business owner, you know that your brand is your most valuable asset. It’s what sets you apart from your competitors and helps you connect with your target audience. So when it comes to creating visual content that represents your brand, it’s crucial to invest in a high quality videographer or production company.

So What Makes A High Quality Videographer?

But why is a top-notch videographer so important? Here are a few key reasons:

1. Professionalism. A skilled videographer brings a level of professionalism to your brand that can’t be achieved with amateur or low-quality video. From their equipment and lighting to their editing skills and attention to detail, a high quality videographer will ensure that your brand is represented in the best possible light.
2. Engagement. A well-produced video has the power to engage and captivate your audience in a way that text or static images simply can’t. Whether it’s a promotional video for your product or service, a video testimonial from a satisfied customer, or a behind-the-scenes look at your company, a high quality videographer can help you create compelling content that draws in viewers and keeps them engaged.
3. Flexibility. A professional videographer has the skills and experience to adapt to different environments and situations, ensuring that your brand is represented consistently no matter where your video is viewed. Whether it’s on a large screen at an event or on a small smartphone screen, a high quality videographer knows how to create videos that look great no matter the platform.
4. Value for money. While it may seem like a significant investment upfront, hiring a high quality videographer can actually save you money in the long run. Amateur or low-quality videos can actually do more harm than good, resulting in a loss of credibility and potentially damaging your brand’s reputation. Investing in a professional videographer ensures that your visual content is top-notch and adds value to your brand.

In short, a high quality videographer is an investment that pays off. By choosing a professional who understands your brand and knows how to effectively represent it through video, you can create content that engages and captivates your audience, helping you stand out from the competition and build your brand’s reputation.

In today’s digital age, video is an increasingly important tool in the world of politics. Campaign videos can be used to reach voters, promote a candidate’s platform, and differentiate them from their opponents. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how to make a campaign video and the importance of video in politics.

Goals of making a campaign video

First and foremost, it’s important to determine the goals and message of your campaign video. What do you want to accomplish with the video? Who is your target audience? What do you want them to know about your candidate? Answering these questions will help guide the content and tone of your video.

Next, it’s important to have a solid script. The script should be concise and to the point, highlighting the key points of your candidate’s platform and what sets them apart from their opponents. It’s also important to consider the tone of the script. Do you want the video to be serious and informative, or more lighthearted and humorous? The tone of the script should align with the goals and message of your campaign.

Once you have a script, it’s time to start filming. Depending on the resources available, you may want to hire a professional videographer or use a smartphone to film. It’s important to have good lighting and sound, as well as a visually appealing background. If you’re using a smartphone, consider using a tripod to keep the camera steady.

When filming, it’s important to get a variety of shots to keep the video interesting. This can include close-ups of the candidate speaking, b-roll footage of them interacting with voters, and shots of them giving a speech or participating in an event. Make sure to get a variety of angles and perspectives, as well as different lengths of shots (e.g. long shots, medium shots, close-ups).

Once you’ve filmed all the footage you need, it’s time to start editing. This is where you’ll put together the final product, using the script as a guide. You’ll want to choose the best shots and arrange them in a way that tells a cohesive story. You’ll also want to add any graphics or special effects that you think will enhance the video. If you’re not skilled in video editing, you may want to hire a professional editor to do this for you.

So, why is video such an important tool in politics? For one, it allows candidates to reach a wide audience in a short amount of time. With the proliferation of social media and the ability to share videos online, campaign videos can quickly go viral and reach millions of people. Video is also a powerful way to connect with voters on an emotional level.

In today’s digital content marketplace, it’s important for businesses to be nimble and adaptable in order to stay competitive. Small video production companies have a unique advantage in this regard, as their size and structure allow them to be more flexible and responsive to the ever-changing landscape. In this blog post, we’ll delve into how small video production companies are more nimble in the digital content marketplace and how this can benefit their clients.

Small Video Production Companies

One of the main reasons small video production companies are more nimble is due to their size. Large companies often have a more rigid structure and bureaucracy, which can make it harder for them to pivot and adapt to new trends and technologies. Smaller companies, on the other hand, tend to have a flatter hierarchy and can make decisions more quickly. This allows them to be more responsive to changes in the marketplace and to quickly implement new strategies.

Another reason small video production companies are more nimble is due to their focus on specialization. Many small companies specialize in a particular area of video production, such as branded content or social media videos. This specialization allows them to become experts in their field and to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. It also allows them to offer a higher level of service and expertise to their clients.

Small video production companies are also able to be more nimble because they often have a closer relationship with their clients. Large companies may have multiple layers of management and decision-makers, which can make it harder for them to have a direct line of communication with their clients. Small video production companies, on the other hand, often have a more personal relationship with their clients and are able to quickly respond to their needs and requests.

In addition to being more nimble, small video production companies also have a number of other advantages. They often have lower overhead costs, which allows them to offer competitive pricing to their clients. They also tend to have a more flexible work schedule, which can be especially beneficial for clients who need a quick turnaround on their project.

In conclusion, small video production companies are more nimble in the digital content marketplace due to their size, specialization, and close relationship with their clients. This allows them to be more responsive to changes in the marketplace and to quickly implement new strategies. They also have lower overhead costs and a more flexible work schedule, which can be beneficial for clients. If you’re a business looking for a video production partner, consider working with a small video production company for a more nimble and personalized experience.

Diversity In Marketing

As society becomes more diverse and inclusive, it’s important for companies to prioritize diversity in their marketing efforts. One way to do this is by casting a diverse group of talent in videos for marketing campaigns. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the importance of diversity in marketing as it applies to casting talent for videos.

First and foremost, using diverse talent in marketing videos helps to accurately represent the world we live in. Our society is made up of people from all walks of life, with different cultures, races, and abilities. By using a diverse cast in marketing videos, it allows for a more realistic portrayal of the world and its inhabitants. This is especially important when trying to appeal to a diverse audience. If a brand is only showcasing a narrow range of people in their videos, it can alienate and turn off potential customers who don’t see themselves represented.

Another reason for using diverse talent in marketing videos is that it helps to break down stereotypes and biases. Stereotypes are oversimplified ideas about a particular group of people, and they can be harmful because they can lead to discrimination and prejudice. By showcasing a diverse group of people in marketing videos, it helps to challenge and dismantle these stereotypes. It shows that people from all backgrounds are capable of achieving success and happiness, and it helps to create a more inclusive and accepting society. This can be especially important for brands that are trying to appeal to a younger, more socially conscious audience.

Brand Reputation

Using diverse talent in marketing videos can also have a positive impact on a brand’s reputation. In today’s world, there is a growing push for inclusivity and representation. Consumers, especially younger ones, are more likely to support brands that align with their values and that make an effort to be inclusive. By using diverse talent in marketing videos, it shows that the brand values diversity and is committed to promoting a positive and accepting message. This can lead to a more positive brand image and can also help to attract and retain customers.

It’s important to note that diversity extends beyond just race and ethnicity. It also includes diversity in age, gender, and ability. By using a diverse cast in marketing videos, it helps to represent and include people from all walks of life. This is especially important in today’s society, where there is a growing push for inclusivity and representation. By using diverse talent in marketing videos, it helps to promote a positive and accepting message to the audience.

In conclusion, using diverse talent in marketing videos is crucial for a successful campaign. It helps to accurately represent the world we live in, it breaks down stereotypes and biases, and it can also have a positive impact on a brand’s reputation. By showcasing a diverse group of people in marketing videos, it helps to create a more inclusive and accepting society and can also help to attract and retain customers. It’s important for brands to prioritize diversity in their marketing efforts and to make an effort to use diverse talent in their productions.

Are you looking to gather customer testimonials for your business but don’t know where to start? 77% of clients and customers read online reviews. Writing a testimonial script can help ensure that you get the most valuable and authentic feedback from your customers. In this post, we will go over the steps for writing a successful testimonial script and provide some tips for making the most of customer testimonials for your business.

Step 1: Define the Purpose of Your Testimonial

Before you start writing your testimonial script, it’s important to define the purpose of the testimonial. Are you looking to gather feedback on a specific product or service? Do you want to highlight the overall customer experience? Understanding the focus of the testimonial will help guide the questions you ask and the direction of the conversation.

Step 2: Choose the Right Customers

Not all customers will be willing or able to provide a testimonial, so it’s important to choose the right ones. Look for customers who have had a particularly positive experience with your business and who are willing to speak on camera or have their words featured on your website.

Step 3: Write a Testimonial Script or Outline

Once you have identified the purpose of the testimonial and chosen the right customers, it’s time to start writing your script or outline. Start by introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of the testimonial. Then, ask open-ended questions that will encourage the customer to share their experience in their own words. Some examples might include:

“Can you tell me about your experience with our product/service?”
“How has our product/service helped you or your business?”
“What sets us apart from other companies in our industry?”
It’s important to let the customer speak for themselves as much as possible, rather than leading them with specific responses. However, you can provide some structure by including follow-up questions or prompts based on their initial responses.

Step 4: Conduct the Interview

Once you have your script or outline prepared, it’s time to conduct the interview. If you’re meeting in person, make sure to choose a quiet location with good lighting and minimal distractions. If you’re conducting the interview over the phone or via video call, test your equipment beforehand to ensure good audio and video quality.

During the interview, be sure to listen attentively and take notes. You may need to ask follow-up questions or clarify points, but try to let the customer do most of the talking.

Step 5: Edit and Refine

After the interview, review your notes and transcribe the key points. Then, edit and refine the testimonial to ensure that it flows naturally and accurately reflects the customer’s experience. It’s important to keep the testimonial authentic, so be sure to keep the customer’s own words and tone as much as possible.

Step 6: Get Approval and Publish

Before you publish the testimonial, be sure to get approval from the customer. They may want to review the final version or make any necessary changes. Once you have their approval, you can publish the testimonial on your website, social media channels, or other marketing materials.

Tips for Making the Most of Writing a Testimonial Script:

• Use customer testimonials in different formats: In addition to featuring written testimonials on your website, consider using video testimonials on your social media channels or as part of a sales pitch. This can help bring the customer’s words to life and make them more relatable to your audience.
• Highlight specific benefits: Rather than just listing general praises, try to highlight specific benefits or results that customers have experienced as a result of using your product or service. This can help potential customers envision how your business can meet their needs.
• Testimonials from industry experts or influencers: If you have customers who are well-known in their industry or have a large social media following, consider featuring their testimonials prominently on your website or marketing materials. This can help lend credibility to your business and potentially reach a wider audience.
• Use testimonials throughout the customer journey: Don’t just save testimonials for the sales page of your website. Consider including them in email campaigns, on social media, or as part of a customer onboarding process to reinforce the value of your product or service.
• Get permission to use the testimonial: Always be sure to get permission from your customers before using their words as a testimonial. This not only ensures that you are respecting their wishes, but it can also help avoid any potential legal issues.