Accessibility Isn’t Optional: Why Your Website and Brand Need to Work for Everyone

In a world where your website is often the first point of contact between your business and potential customers, accessibility is no longer just a “nice to have.” It’s essential.

At Gherkin Creative, we work with businesses and organisations across Essex to design websites and branding that don’t just look good, they work for everyone. Because the truth is: if your digital presence isn’t accessible, you’re unintentionally turning customers away.

So, what is website accessibility?

Accessibility means making your website usable by as many people as possible, including those with disabilities. That can mean:

• Designing pages that work with screen readers

• Ensuring colour combinations have enough contrast to be read clearly

• Making sure your site is fully functional via keyboard navigation

• Writing in plain English for better understanding

According to Mencap, one in five people in the UK has some kind of disability, with many facing barriers when accessing websites. That’s millions of potential customers who might not be able to engage with your business if your site isn’t built with them in mind.

"One in five people in the UK has some kind of disability, with many facing barriers when accessing websites."

This isn’t just a charity issue

It’s easy to assume that accessibility only applies to public services or large charities. But in reality, every business and brand has a responsibility (and a lot to gain) from being more inclusive.

Imagine if 20% of your potential customers couldn’t use your online store, read your services page, or fill out your contact form. That’s not just a missed opportunity, it’s a leak in your sales funnel.

And it's not just about the web. Accessibility should influence your entire brand, from the fonts you choose in your logo to the colours on your business cards. Accessible branding is recognisable, legible, and welcoming — to everyone.

The marketing benefits of getting it right

Accessible websites aren’t just more inclusive — they’re also:

• Better for SEO – search engines prioritise clear structure, good contrast, alt text, and fast-loading content

• More user-friendly – everyone benefits from intuitive design and simple navigation

• Brand building – showing you care about all users builds trust and credibility

• Futureproof – accessibility is increasingly a legal and commercial expectation

By investing in accessibility now, you're not only doing the right thing, you're positioning your business as thoughtful, progressive, and customer-first.

Where do you start?

You don’t need to rebuild everything overnight. At Gherkin Creative, we carry out accessibility audits for Essex-based businesses, identifying:

• Key issues on your current website

• Improvements for better visual clarity and readability

• Opportunities to make your brand more inclusive across digital and print

Then, we work with you to create a plan, whether that’s a few small tweaks or a full digital refresh.

Make your brand one everyone can access

Your website should work for every customer, not just the ones who fit a “standard” user profile. Accessible design isn’t just a compliance box to tick. It’s about extending your welcome to everyone, improving your visibility online, and giving your brand a real edge.

Want to talk accessibility for your website, brand, or digital marketing? Let’s chat.