News

Why Web Accessibility Is Important For Your Business [+6 Tips]

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 14:31:52 GMT

If you’re in the web design business, you know that having an accessible website is now more important than ever. And web design clients expect their agency (you) to be in charge of it.

But digital accessibility isn’t a piece of cake.

You have to take multiple things into consideration.

And that’s what we’ll delve into in this post.

Buckle up, and let’s learn about website accessibility.

WHAT IS WEB ACCESSIBILITY?

The first thing to clear up: what does accessibility mean?

Simply put, website accessibility is making sure everyone can access and use a website, no matter their disabilities.

An accessible website can be used by people with all types of disabilities:

Those with visual impairments or color blindness
Those with auditory disabilities
Those who must navigate by voice
Those with cognitive disabilities,
Those with temporary disabilities
Those who need to use screen readers or other assistive technologies.

According to the World Wide Web Consortium (WCG) an accessible website must be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust for these users.

In the US, accessibility requirements are listed in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which “prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in the activities of places of public accommodations.”

In a nutshell: Web accessibility is equal access and usability of a website, no matter the user’s disabilities.

WHY IS WEB ACCESSIBILITY IMPORTANT

Of course, the first reason why one should create an accessible website is to ensure their website isn’t discriminatory towards people with disabilities.

But it also comes with a number of other perks.

If everyone can access and use your clients’ web pages, that means:

More traffic: a larger audience can access the websites. (26% of adults in the United States have some type of disability.)

More sales and conversions: Since the site gets more traffic, it gets more conversions too.

Better search engine optimization (SEO): More traffic, a better bounce rate, all sends positive feedback to search engines.

Better user experience: Accessible content and accessible design is user-friendly, so it’s easier to navigate and understand for everyone.

No legal accessibility issues: Needless to say, you don’t want to be sued for owning a website that doesn’t comply with accessibility regulations.

HOW CAN I MAKE A WEBSITE ACCESSIBLE?

To make a website accessible, the widely accepted standard is the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). The Web Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web Consortium developed WCAG with the goal of creating a shared accessibility standard for the web. There are two versions of WCAG applied currently: WCAG 2.0 and 2.1. WCAG 2.0 was published in 2008 and became an ISO standard in 2012. WCAG 2.1 was published in 2018.

There are a few accessibility solutions to keep in mind so that your website may be compliant.

Here are some easy web accessibility tips that should help you get started:

Correctly structuring your page using different headings (H1, H2, H3).

Adding alternative text (alt text) to your images so that the visually impaired can know what’s portrayed.

Providing text transcripts and closed captions for audio and video content: podcasts, videos, webinars.

Having a keyboard navigation so that all functionality is available from a keyboard and the use of a mouse or trackpad isn’t required.

Using Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA); a set of HTML attributes that define ways to make Web content and Web applications more accessible to people with disabilities.

Providing good color contrast so that users that have a hard time perceiving text can see your website content better. You can use tools such as TPGi’s free color contrast checker tool or ColorZilla to determine if the color contrast is sufficient.

There are also numerous resources you can consult to help make compliant websites, such as:

US DOJ Guidance on Accessibility and the ADA

WCAG 2.0

W3C WAI: Introduction to Web Accessibility

Consider a Commercial for Your Automotive Shop

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 20:04:00 GMT

Our customer KG Truck and Auto recently had an amazing commercial filmed for their shop! It showcases their personalities and proudly shows off their services as well! You can watch the commercial HERE . Be sure to check it out and consider a commercial for your automotive shop.

Did You Apply For The Payroll Protection Program? If So, Here's an Update!

Fri, 22 May 2020 16:46:00 GMT

The Payroll Protection Program was a wonderful program created with funding provided by the CARES Act to assist small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. This program provided small businesses with a forgivable loan to help them keep workers employed and pay their payroll for an eight week time period during the pandemic. The SBA recently released the application that borrowers can fill out to file for loan forgiveness.

An Update from Our Team

Thu, 19 Mar 2020 19:07:00 GMT

Here at JASPER Websites, you are not just a client. I've been in many of your shops across the nation. My team has built relationships with you as well over the years, and we want you to know that we stand READY to help you. Our “Disaster Plan” is in play and we can access our files from anywhere, so our team is ready and standing by!

We have several ideas and solutions for your issues!

We are Nashville Strong

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 18:54:00 GMT

We are heartbroken to hear about the tornados that have affected Nashville and the surrounding areas. This hits close to home for several on our team here as we have family and friends in the area as well as a love for this beautiful city. Our team purchased these shirts from Shop Local KY to show our support. 100% of proceeds went to the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund. Our thoughts and prayers are still with this beautiful city and those affected by the tragedy.

Merry Christmas from our Jasper Websites Team!

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 16:10:00 GMT

Our team at Jasper Websites wants to take this time to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas! We hope that you have an enjoyable holiday and safe travels to and from all your holiday parties. We will be out of office on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but we'll be back on Thursday, December 26th. Thank you to our customers for another great year, you all are awesome!

Interview with Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 20:14:00 GMT

Marion Miller, our CEO and owner here at Complete Marketing Resources, Inc. and JASPER Websites by CMR had the privilege to sit down with Tim Thomas for the Hopkins County Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight. During the brief interview, you can hear Marion reflect on why she started this company and how it got to where it is today. Of course, there was a lot of talk about our new building as well and the plans for it going forward. Exciting things are happening around here, be sure to listen to the interview so you can hear all about it!

"Waddilling" Into Our New Office

Sun, 18 Aug 2019 10:37:00 GMT

We have officially moved into Waddill School! The Morton House treated us well but we are so excited to start our new journey at Waddill. The move was a bit early as we wanted to commemorate the August 14th purchase date of the facility two years ago.

Get one of these? IGNORE IT!

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 14:51:00 GMT

We get calls and emails all the time from customers when they receive these notifications....IGNORE THEM! It is easy to see why many get nervous and why so very many go ahead and fill them out - sending the fees in. DOMAIN NAME EXPIRATION NOTICE would make you stop reading and when you see your URL address and a date, you are automatically going to think it needs to be handled. You're too busy to remember when you last paid for that www.com address you own. Makes perfect sense.

When we point out the bottom of the 2nd paragraph where it states in BOLD " This notice is not a bill , it is rather an easy means of payment should you decide to switch your domain name registration to..." they take are no longer worried and have avoided a high cost and company that clearly does not have their best interest in mind. Having us here and available with a simple phone call or email to be able to check things like the IDNS "domain expiration notice" letters is just one of the many things we do here at JASPERwebsites.com to keep your costs down and provide customer service. There are so many programs out there that are taking advantage of our shops and if you have a question on a program you question, simply get in touch and we will let you know what we find out as well as post it here for our other clients to see.

We focus on keeping your internet marketing running smoothly so you can focus on running your business! *Team JASPERwebsites!

Google Started Mobile First Indexing - What does that mean??

Wed, 20 Jun 2018 12:07:00 GMT

First batch of Mobile First Indexing by Google started March 26, 2018 and the fourth batch of notices went through May 27, 2018. Notifications that websites have been moved over to the mobile-first index which means the Googlebot will now use the "Mobile Version" of your website for indexing and ranking. Goggle's crawling, indexing, and ranking systems had been using your desktop website information for anyone searching by desktop to return search results which can differ for those who have an alternative "mobile version" for mobile visitors. Typically you will notice this when you see View Desktop Version or View Full Website Link on the bottom of your mobile view. You also note that your website address reflect the letter m in front of it when viewing it on a mobile device.

What does that mean for those who do not have a responsive website or have an "mobile version" of their website? How does that affect you?
1. Those searching by desktop will still get your desktop website version - those searching mobile will still get your mobile version.
2. The search results, ranking and information however will be based on the information gained from using the information on your MOBILE Website version.
3. There will be ONE index vs. two previously if you had two versions of your website.
4. If you do not have a responsive website that is fully mobile just the desktop do not worry, this is only about how they gather information not how you rank. Ranking is still about content - content - content first then other factors such as how your business looks online as a whole and is your website responsive (i.e. mobile friendly) as well as how fast it loads.

SEO How to WIN Readers & GOOGLE

Fri, 10 Nov 2017 14:35:00 GMT

CONTENT IS KING.....first rule of winning the top spot on Google! That being said, it has to be relevant to your business and the good news is that now more than ever before it is easier. A few years ago, you had to add keywords and force-feed the information. Now the "robots" can understand natural sentence structure like never before and Google anticipates that by 2020 more than 40% of all search will be verbal! Also, more than 50 Billion mobile devices will be in the hands of your consumers! Get ready!

For you that is a WIN-WIN because marketing will be easier than ever before and more cost effective as you can pivot in minutes to attract customers IF YOU ARE READY. Now, there are more factors at play as Google has become quite complex in their rankings as their customers have evolved, however, if you look at how you utilize search it will make more sense to you. SEO will always be shrouded in mystery but at the base it is all based on simple cornerstones. Take a look.

Verizon moving email to AOL

Fri, 01 Sep 2017 18:46:00 GMT

Starting February 2017, Verizon began to shift away from focusing on email service for it's customers. Focusing on providing their other services (tv, phone, and internet) in a stronger capacity, Verizon has partnered with AOL in order to continue providing email services while focusing resources on other pursuits. This change is coming free of charge to all current customers with a current verizon.net email address that is being moved to AOL. The email change will not affect any other Verizon services. If you currently have a verizon.net email address, you'll still have the option to keep that same address going forward, alternatively adopting the AOL address.

Adding an Administrator to Facebook

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 15:49:00 GMT

Easy steps to add an Administrator to Facebook - Watch this quick 90 Second Video! It's that EASY!! !

NEED MORE HELP CLICK HERE FOR STEPS

AutoInc Magazine Top 10 Automotive Website 2015

Tue, 04 Oct 2016 21:42:00 GMT

I am very proud to announce that my team has received national recognition earning Top 10 Automotive Website 2015 by ASA's AutoInc Magazine on the criteria of being mobile-friendly, having a call to action, first impression and visual design, objective and purpose, consumer friendliness, technical usage, credibility and social media presence with www.menkesauto.com for Menke's Auto Repair of Newburgh, IN. The website and award was featured in their November / December issue. *article information below.

What is a responsive website?

Fri, 15 Jul 2016 17:02:00 GMT

As of 2015, an estimated 60% of the population worldwide access Internet via mobile phones and other handheld devices. The sale of PCs has been on a decline and will continue to dip lower every year. The sale of iPads, smart phones and tablet PC’s are on the up. Internet browsing is no longer restricted to a desktop, laptop and a computer screen. This fundamental shift requires a change from conventional web design techniques. Google changed it's algorithm publicly for the first time stating that responsive websites would receive priority ranking over non-responsive sites in handheld and smart device searches.

6 Website Mistakes That Could Turn Customers Away

Wed, 13 Jul 2016 15:18:00 GMT

May 2016 Ratchet+Wrench Magazine : Avoid these common missteps to create a more engaging site by Anna Zeck

It’s no secret that having a website is crucial today—but simply having one is not enough anymore, says Marion Miller. What might have worked five or even 10 years ago won’t work today, she says, and shop owners need to recognize that. “The way to get people online now is to have more information, better information and the newest information,” she says.

Steps to add Facebook Admin

Tue, 29 Mar 2016 20:54:00 GMT

5 Minutes! You want to add an administrator to your Business Facebook page but you are having issues! It's a common problem and frustrating but easy to fix.

Reasons we would need access

1. To set up your automatic feed from the new website news into Facebook
2. Make changes to graphics if you need them.
3. Enhance the listing if we need to.

Any Long Term Contract? NO

Tue, 29 Mar 2016 15:16:00 GMT

We believe in customer service. If we can't keep you based on that, then we don't deserve to and with 30 days notice you can leave at any time with a copy of your website and any URL addresses we have bought for you! It's that easy! We will do what we can to keep your business and meet your needs and have gone above and beyond the call of duty in many instances without the fear of losing a client but simply because we felt it needed to be done to help the client as you will read in our testimonials. Here it is all about you and customer service. How does it work if you leave?

JASPER Coop - Facts & Details

Tue, 29 Mar 2016 15:05:00 GMT

It is our distinct honor to be Recommended by JASPER and we work every day to continue to earn their respect and that of our customers. Part of work is ensuring we help you with your coop.

Annually you earn JASPER coop based on sales. Those funds can be used (January 1 - December 31st of the next year) for advertising reimbursement paid to you by check or credit on your account from JASPER upon receipt of the invoice. We send your invoices in on your behalf for you!
- JASPER Website Program Approved for up to 100% Reimbursement for initial website design for any level of our website layouts which are a one-time cost and after which you own the website*. These we send in upon site launch.
- JASPER Hosting-SMART List Program Approved for up to 50% Reimbursement (maximum annual $1,000). Monthly hosting clients we send in January and if you pay in every 6 months or annually we send those invoices in at that time.

Funds do expire annually December 31st. New funds earned by sales the previous year become available January 1st. We are not paid by JASPER but simply process your bills on your behalf so that you do not have to. See JASPER Website Coop Link Here

Can you help with my email? YES

Tue, 29 Mar 2016 14:31:00 GMT

Yes. We offer 3 options. One a simple forward with a business email we create at the business URL to your personal email address giving the appearance of a business email address at $5 month | our CMR Program at $8/month/email or a Google Business Email Program all of which come will require a set up fee based on the time it takes to set up at your JASPER rate of $59/hour.
(Those who are note JASPER clients will pay our $89/hour rate, remember JASPER has negotiated your rate down for you)

Can I use my existing URL & Site Information. YES....if....

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:57:00 GMT

YES. If you own your URL or your website content then we will use it. There are some website design companies that copyright the content of your website so that you don't actually own any of the wording or the photos - only the logo if you have one in which case we certainly can not use that content.

What we can do. Is re-write the personal information and much of the standard information we already have and with our Basic Website Package at 60+ Pages you gain depth. The process of gaining your URL address if you don't own it yourself is:
1. Cancel your service after we get your site up and you like it.
2. Tell the provider that you do want your URL address (There may be a cost $0 to $100)
3. They will send you an authorization code and transfer document which you can use to put the URL into your own account or you can send to us.

Is Google Really Calling Me? NO

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:20:00 GMT

(Image is Google's New Logo 2015). Some of my clients are getting calls several times a week: “Update your free Google Listing…” It’s really frustrating for them because they have no idea if there is a real issue with their online listing with Google - they are simply running their business. Google is NOT Calling you! Especially with robo calls at all hours from blocked numbers! Google does not cold call customers.

It's no longer an option, you have to be online.

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 19:13:00 GMT

With the explosion of mobile search and local search it is no longer an option for you to put off getting your business listed online the right way. Simply put business has changed, marketing has changed, and your customer base has changed providing opportunity as well as challenges. Different and new can be intimidating, however, it really is EASIER - FASTER - LESS EXPENSIVE than traditional marketing has been which are all positive factors. Quite simply if you are not online, your customers are not finding you as that is where they are looking.

Do I own my URL address?

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 18:41:00 GMT

TYPICALLY NO. Here YES. We buy them for you and put them on auto-renewal. You pay us to do that for you. However, we are not the norm in the industry and it depends on your website provider. Most will charge you a large fee for the URL and / or to transfer it to you if you want it. YOU DO WANT IT.

a. You want to control it.
b. You do NOT want someone else owning it.
c. Find who your current website provider is by going to this page and entering in your url address to see who it is and when it expires: www.who.is