Since the introduction of websites in 1993, the medium of the website has undergone tremendous functional and design changes. Websites that focus on making their content accessible, customized to the user as well as provide means of communication between visitors and the host, resulting in the best experience for the customer and business. A functionally up to date website tracks better with search engines and customers as they produce more lead generations. In this article we will focus on how to make your website more welcoming for the impaired, as well as for the average user.
Without further ado, here is a short collection of functional trends to watch for in 2023:
Website Accessibility
Ensuring that there are no barriers that prevent access to the content of your website by people with physical disabilities, situational disabilities, and socio-economic restrictions on bandwidth and speed. These practices will allow everyone to enjoy the content of your website. Some implementations being employed by websites include:
Adjustable Font Size
Allowing users who are visually impaired to increase the size of the font to make content more readable. This also serves those who need reading glasses, and even dislexic readers. Recent studies show that larger font size may also be beneficial for individuals with down syndrome.
Keyboard Accessibility
The visually impaired have difficulty using the mouse due to its need for precision, making the keyboard their mode of navigation. Also individuals with motor disabilities, such as those with a tremor may have difficulty controlling the mouse.
Adding Focus Indicators For Keyboard Navigation
A visual indicator of where you are on the page not only makes keyboard navigation easier but also tells the user which elements are clickable.
Using Functional Alt Tags For Images
Most visually impaired individuals rely on a screen reader, a descriptive alt text allows an impaired user to become more immersed in the browsing experience. It also boosts SEO, as it allows search engine crawlers to pick up your images.
Creating Strong Color Contrast Between Text And Backgrounds
Makes the text more readable and provides less strain on the eyes. Also makes your website more accessible for the color blind.
Closed Captioning In Videos
Through the use of “transcription or translation of the dialogue, sound effects, relevant musical cues, and other relevant audio information”, you can create content that can also be enjoyed by the hearing impaired. Can also help viewers focus on the message and watch your content in sound-sensitive environments.
Site Search
Creates navigational ease for all users, improving the user experience as users can answer their own questions. Resulting in better lead conversion and providing data for the host as to what customers want.
Dark Mode
Puts less strain on the eyes when reading in the dark. Some users prefer dark mode even if they’re reading in the light. Altogether produces longer engagement with the content.
Personalized Customer Browsing Experience
Cookies
Track your website activity to provide you a tailor-made website experience. For instance, your favorite restaurant can use cookies to show you your favorite dish, or a ecommerce website can use your recent purchases to recommend complementary products. Can also be used to save your cart, your location or mailing and billing information.
Geolocation
Through asking users for their location, websites can provide dynamic localized content such as different prices, currencies, and shipping policies based on where the user is located. Delivering location-relevant content can foster trust, capture the attention of visitors and increase conversion.
User Account Creation
Used to identify users as is especially useful if your website lets visitors interact with each other and the content. Also allow visitors to customize the website to meet their preferences. Although it is used primarily in social media channels, it could also be used in e-commerce to allow users to create wish lists, generate recommended products based on their previous purchases and auto-billing and mailing forms.
Mediums Of Communication Between Host And Visitors
By creating mediums of communication between host and visitors, websites can ensure that they convert sales opportunities as well as improve their content.
AI Chatbots
Are available 24/7 and can respond to customers instantly, and can direct the visitor to help. Also allow the website host to collect data on frequently asked questions which can then be incorporated in future website updates.
Feedback Button
A feedback widget makes for a more engaging customer experience as it lets them share their insight and also shows your brand cares about their opinions. Rather than leaving negative reviews elsewhere they can contact you directly. This data can be used to further fine tune your product and services.
Online Lead Generation Forms
Enable visitors to cut to the chase, and initiate interaction with the website host. If integrated with a CRM system it can be used to ask the name, company, and email address at the first conversion and then ask for the phone number, title, company size, and company revenue fields at the next conversion opportunity.
The incorporation of these functions will vastly improve the user browsing experience as well aslead conversion for the service or product for the website host.
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