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Introduction - WCAG 2.2 and online stores
WCAG 2.2 (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is an international set of standards that ensure the accessibility of digital content for all users, including people with disabilities.
Every e-commerce (except micro-enterprises) must implement new legal requirements in their store.
For online stores, this means the need to adapt:
- interface,
- visual elements,
- store logic,
- purchasing process.
This should be done in such a way that everyone can fully benefit from the offer – regardless of vision, hearing, manual skills or type of device used.
Lack of compliance = risk:
Legal
EAA (European Accessibility Act) imposes an accessibility obligation from 2025. Financial penalties in Poland up to PLN 10,000.
Business
exclusion of customers who cannot make purchases.
Image
negative perception of the brand as exclusive and loss of reputation as an inclusive company. Lawsuits from users with disabilities may also arise.
Implementation = benefits:
Expanding the customer base
Digital availability opens access to a significant group of customers. More than 15% of the population are people with various types of disabilities. Additionally, older people, users of mobile devices in difficult conditions and people with temporary limitations also benefit.
Greater conversion
Research shows that a store that meets WCAG requirements can see an increase in conversions by up to 20%. Better navigation, clearer forms and intuitive interfaces improve the experience for all users.
SEO improvement
Many accessibility practices overlap with good SEO practices, including: semantic HTML improves the understanding of content by search engine robots, a clear structure of headings facilitates indexing, alternative texts for images provide additional context.
The image of a friendly and responsible company
Companies perceived as inclusive gain customer loyalty and positive PR. In an era of growing awareness of social responsibility, accessibility is becoming an important element of a brand's image.
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Why implementing WCAG 2.2 is important for e-commerce
Online stores as e-commerce platforms must be appropriately adapted to meet current legal requirements:
- EAA (European Accessibility Act) - an EU directive that from 2025 requires the accessibility of, among others, online stores.
- WCAG 2.2 - technical guidelines that define how a store should be designed to meet EAA requirements.
Implementing WCAG 2.2 in your online store should not be viewed as a cost – it is a strategic investment. By implementing WCAG correctly, you not only meet legal requirements, but also… you gain greater reach, higher conversion and customer loyalty.
Implementation of WCAG 2.2 in online stores
WCAG 2.2 implementation is the process of making changes to the store so that it complies with accessibility standards (AA level).
- having a supplier account and profile in the system,
- preparing data in the required format,
- daily publication of data or its confirmation,
- automation of the entire reporting process.
Perceptibility
(Perceivable) – visual accessibility:
- increasing contrasts,
- legible fonts and appropriate text size.
Functionality
(Operable) – navigational accessibility:
- full operation of the store from the keyboard,
- clear and logical menu structure.
Understandability
(Understandable) – content availability:
- alternative descriptions for graphics (products, banners),
- appropriate descriptions for button and form labels.
Robustness/Compatibility
(Robust) – technological availability:
- compatibility with screen readers,
- elimination of HTML errors affecting accessibility.
Purchase process:
- forms friendly to people with disabilities,
- shopping cart and payments available to all users.
Effect?
After implementing all the above changes, your online store will be WCAG 2.2 compliant, ready for legal requirements and friendly to all customers.
Don't wait for the first complaint or inspection
Prepare your website and avoid problems
The most common accessibility problems in online stores before implementation
Even modern online stores, created on popular platforms or ready-made themes, often contain errors that prevent full access for users with disabilities. These problems are not always visible at first glance – and yet they have a real impact on the shopping experience and regulatory compliance.
Before implementing WCAG 2.2, you often experience:
- Low contrast of buttons (e.g. "Add to cart").
- No alternative descriptions for product images.
- Unlabeled icons or buttons (e.g. shopping cart, search engine).
- Incorrect order of elements in keyboard navigation.
- No support for screen readers in the purchase process.
- Incorrect operation of the store on mobile devices in enlarged font mode.
These oversights may seem insignificant on the surface, but it only takes one of them to prevent someone using assistive technology from completing a purchase. That’s why comprehensive implementation of WCAG 2.2 is not just a technical fix, but a real support for accessibility and business.
71% leave the website if they encounter a barrier in using it, e.g. lack of contrast, illegible button, adding to cart option not working
source: wonderful.io
Effects of implementing WCAG 2.2 in e-commerce
56% of people with disabilities choose an accessible store, even if the price is higher (source: reciteme.com). This means not only no legal consequences, but also concrete profit for your store.
- Legal compliance - meeting EAA and WCAG 2.2 requirements.
- Greater conversion - every user can make a purchase without any problems.
- Better image - the brand becomes inclusive.
- SEO optimization - improved page and code structure.
- Fewer abandoned carts - no barriers = smooth purchasing process.
Implementing accessibility is not a cost, but an investment: in legal security, customer comfort and sales efficiency. The sooner the store is available, the sooner you will see the benefits - not only in numbers, but also in user opinions.
Process and stages of implementing WCAG 2.2 in Evostudio
At Evostudio, we focus on transparency, specificity and good communication. We implement digital accessibility (WCAG 2.2 + EAA) in simple, clear steps:
Contact
write to us via the form or e-mail biuro@evostudio.pl. You can also call +48 505 114 030. We will respond quickly and ask for basic information: what website it is, who will decide on implementation, how much time we have to make the changes.
Consultation and establishing the rules of cooperation
we clarify the scope, goals, priorities and method of action. If necessary, we verify the website initially to adapt the process to the technology and capabilities.
Implementation implementation
we act: step by step, according to plan. At the end, you receive documentation, a change report and optional training for your team.
We are in touch at every stage – we do not leave you with a list of recommendations without support.
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