Most business owners don’t realise that 20-30% of website visitors struggle to use their sites due to accessibility barriers. Warren Wilansky, Founder of Plank Digital Agency with 25+ years experience, explains how web accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about reaching more customers and improving your bottom line.
Warren shares how one theatre client saw donations increase by 100-200% after implementing accessible design principles. The surprising part? Building accessibility into your website from the planning stage costs roughly the same as a standard website, with no significant additional expense.
Key Topics Covered:
Why web accessibility matters for 20-30% of all internet users (including people over 50)
Common accessibility barriers on business websites and how to fix them
The business case beyond legal compliance: increased donations, sales, and user engagement
Warren’s Ethical Web Collective framework: accessibility, privacy, Security, responsible development, and environmental impact
Three immediate, low-cost improvements any business can make today
How to test your website accessibility using Google Lighthouse (free tool)
Why optimising images and videos helps both accessibility and the environment
The surprising environmental impact of websites and AI tools
The Reality of Website Accessibility:
Warren explains that accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought. When you design with accessibility in mind from the start—considering colour contrast, screen readers, motion sensitivity, and bandwidth limitations—it becomes part of your process rather than an expensive retrofit. This is similar to building a ramp into a house during construction rather than adding it later.
For business owners ready to improve their websites, Warren recommends starting with three simple changes: optimise your images before uploading (reduce file sizes from 4MB to 100-500KB), ensure your development team follows responsible coding standards, and use proper accessibility principles that help websites load faster. These improvements benefit everyone—not just users with disabilities—by creating faster, more efficient websites that rank better in search engines.
About Warren Wilansky:
Warren Wilansky is the President and Founder of Plank, a digital agency established in 1998 that specialises in building websites for arts, cultural, and nonprofit organisations. He created the Ethical Web Collective framework, which focuses on accessibility and inclusion, privacy and security, responsible development, and environmental impact. Warren works primarily with museums, theatres, and educational institutions to create inclusive digital experiences.
Connect with Warren:
Website: plank.co
Subscribe to Tech Your Business for practical Technology advice that helps you grow your business. We publish new episodes every week covering everything from web development to AI implementation, Cybersecurity to digital marketing—all explained in simple terms for business owners.
#WebAccessibility #EthicalWebDesign #BusinessGrowth
The ‘Tech Your Business’ podcast is your go-to resource for all things tech, business, and Growth. Brought to you by Target ICT Ltd, a leading provider of innovative tech solutions and consulting services dedicated to empowering businesses to reach new heights.
Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes on leveraging technology for business growth. Visit our website for additional resources and information!
Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to stay updated on the latest episodes. Join us on this exciting journey as we explore the world of technology and its impact on businesses like yours.
Listen to the podcast on:
Apple podcasts:
Spotify:
Pandora:
https://www.pandora.com/podcast/tech-your-business/PC:1001069052
Connect with us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/targetict
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/targetict
Twitter: https://twitter.com/targetict
More from Us:
– Target ICT Ltd – We make tech easy and accessible for businesses: https://targetict.co.uk
– Instant Setters – Get an AI assistant for your business phone calls: https://instantsetters.com
– Green Tech Pulse Podcast – Discover the latest in green technology: https://greentechpulse.com
– IXBRLify – Turn your financial reports into XBRL format quickly: https://ixbrlify.com
– Shortage Jobs – Find jobs that offer work visas: https://shortagejobs.com
#TechYourBusiness
