WCAG 2.2 Web Accessibility: Why Being Inclusive Boosts SEO and Reduces Legal Risk

The web ought to be available to all people. But when sites aren't built right, folks who have trouble seeing, hearing, thinking clearly, or moving easily can’t take part in what you offer - so they just leave.

In 2026, following WCAG rules — especially version 2.2 — is not just about doing the right thing. It affects your legal safety, Google rankings, and how users experience your website. With more people browsing on mobile and relying on screen readers, accessibility matters more than ever.

Laws like the ADA continue to evolve, and in Canada, AODA compliance is mandatory. Ignoring accessibility rules can lead to penalties of up to $100,000 per day. At ITSPROWEBSITE, accessibility is built into every website from day one.

1. The Business Case: Why Inclusivity Is Profitable

Accessible websites do more than prevent lawsuits. They directly improve SEO, user experience, and customer trust.

Direct SEO Benefits

Many accessibility improvements also match SEO best practices. Studies show that accessible websites can see up to 12% more organic traffic.

• Semantic HTML helps screen readers and search engines understand page structure
• Alt text improves image search visibility and supports visually impaired users
• Better navigation increases time on site and reduces bounce rates

Expanded Market Reach and Reputation

Accessible websites reach millions of users who rely on assistive tools. Around 73% of users prefer brands with simple, easy-to-use websites.

2. The New Standard: Key WCAG 2.2 Requirements

WCAG 2.2 is based on four principles: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable, and Robust (POUR).

The new updates focus heavily on mobile usability and cognitive accessibility.

• Visible focus indicators when navigating with a keyboard
• Clickable elements must be at least 24x24 pixels on mobile
• Simple login processes without complex memory or puzzle challenges

3. Small Business Accessibility Checklist (Level AA)

These steps address the most common accessibility issues and help achieve WCAG 2.2 Level AA compliance.

Design and Visuals

• Use high-contrast colors with at least a 4.5:1 ratio
• Add alt text to important images
• Provide captions and transcripts for videos

Operability

• Ensure full keyboard navigation using Tab and Enter
• Avoid flashing or blinking elements

Structure and Code

• Use proper heading hierarchy (H1, H2, H3)
• Label all form fields clearly and visibly
• Avoid placeholder-only form instructions

Conclusion: Proactive Design Is Cheaper Than Retrofitting

Fixing accessibility problems after launch costs far more than building correctly from the start. WCAG compliance is not a one-time task. It is a long-term commitment to better design.

At ITSPROWEBSITE, accessibility is standard practice, not an add-on. We build clean layouts, keyboard-friendly navigation, and accessible code into every project from the beginning.

Ready to build a website that follows WCAG rules, ranks well on Google, and works for everyone? Talk to our web experts today.