If you’re interested in starting a business but don’t have space or cash for inventory, a Shopify store is a real possibility. However, you want your store to work for any who visit it, and that means working to stay compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. You may need to add numbers to items for those with limited color vision, or update navigation markings to make sure your store is consistent.
Review Product Descriptions
Depending on what you’re selling, do your best to update product descriptions so all your items are consistently marked. For example, you may need to list:
- items per packet
- color
- dimensions
- weight
- price per packet
To make sure that someone with reading challenges can review your products and make an informed choice, consider using Shopify accessibility tools such as Audioeye to help make your online store ADA compliant.
Customer Support
Another way to confirm Shopify ADA compliance is to offer an online chat service. It’s critically important to remember that many folks who are trying to shop online are facing a world of frustrations, particularly the elderly. Having someone they can talk to will reduce cart abandonment and build loyalty.
Use In-store Upselling
The holiday season is upon us, and many are gift-shopping. For best results, offer shoppers the chance to treat themselves during the checkout. If your customer is buying fun socks in different sizes, offer them a discount on slippers or another form of self-care for busy holiday shoppers. Treats from scented lotion to bubble bath can catch the eye of a holiday shopper.
Add Video
If product descriptions are too long or the font is small, a video option can make choosing a bit easier. Give clients multiple options to get to know your products. If you’re selling silk scarves, post a video of different ways to wear them. If you’re selling gloves and purses, post a color wheel tutorial to help people make the best color choices. Make sure the color wheel is numbered and consider adding A, B and C distinctions. For example, Red is 1 and Yellow is 2, but Red Orange is 1A, Orange is 1B and Yellow Orange is 1C. Color variations can be worrisome to someone who isn’t good at judging colors, particularly if they’re buying a gift.
Keep the Name Simple
If you’re selling legwear, start with Legwear and pair the name with a second description. For example, Legwear – Tights is a different garment than Legwear – Hose. Don’t get too complicated when naming products. Make it easy for searchers to find your items and make the best choice this holiday season.
Online shopping is second-nature for many, but a Shopify store owner who wants to stand out will make holiday shopping easy for the digitally challenged. Put together promotions and display pages that are user-friendly for the visually impaired and those who struggle to discern customers. Once they trust your promotional material, you’ll enjoy repeat business.
