Website Design, Marketing and Inspiration Blog

The Importance of Accessibility in Mortgage Broker Web Design

March 19, 2025

In today’s digital-first world, having a functional and visually appealing website is essential for mortgage brokers. However, one critical factor often overlooked is accessibility. An accessible website ensures everyone, including individuals with disabilities, can explore and engage with your site. By prioritizing accessibility, mortgage brokers not only fulfill legal requirements but also cultivate a more inclusive user experience, reach a broader audience, and promote trust.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why accessibility is crucial in web design for mortgage brokers and provide actionable tips to make your website more accessible.

Why Accessibility Matters for Mortgage Brokers

Legal Compliance

Several countries have laws mandating websites to meet specific accessibility standards. For example:

• In Canada, the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) aims to create a barrier-free country by 2040.
• In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to digital spaces, including websites.

Non-compliance can result in lawsuits, fines, or reputational damage. Ensuring your website adheres to accessibility guidelines, like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), helps you stay compliant.

Inclusive User Experience

Around 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability. An accessible website ensures all users, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments, can interact with your content seamlessly.

Mortgage information can be complex, and it is essential to ensure everyone can access tools like mortgage calculators or application forms.

Improved SEO

Accessibility features such as alt text for images and adequately structured headings often overlap with SEO best practices. A more accessible website is more likely to improve rankings in search engine results, attracting more organic traffic to your site.

Broader Audience Reach

An accessible website allows you to serve a more diverse audience, including aging populations facing mobility or vision challenges. By accommodating their needs, you position your business as inclusive and forward-thinking.

Key Accessibility Features for Mortgage Broker Websites

Keyboard Navigation

Make sure all website functions can be executed using a keyboard alone, as some users cannot operate a mouse. Navigation menus, forms, and interactive elements should be accessible via the Tab key.

Screen Reader Compatibility

Use semantic HTML and proper ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) labels to help screen readers interpret your site’s content accurately. For example:

• Use descriptive alt text for images.
• Label form fields clearly (e.g., “Name” or “Email Address”).

Colour Contrast

Ensure adequate contrast between text and background colours to make content readable for users with visual impairments or colour blindness. Tools like the WCAG Contrast Checker can help you evaluate your site’s contrast levels.

Accessible Forms

Mortgage applications and inquiry forms should:

• Include clear labels and instructions.
• Ensure error messages are clear and easy to understand.
• Provide sufficient spacing for users to click or tap fields without difficulty.

Responsive Design

A mobile-responsive design is vital for accessibility, as a significant number of users rely on mobile devices to access websites. Ensure your site adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes and orientations.

Descriptive Links

Avoid vague link text like “Click here.” Instead, use descriptive text like “Learn more about our mortgage options.” This allows users to understand where the link will lead them.

Benefits of Prioritizing Accessibility

Enhanced Reputation

Committing to inclusivity can strengthen your reputation as a professional and socially responsible mortgage broker.

Increased Conversions

By removing barriers for users with disabilities, you create a seamless experience that encourages more visitors to engage with your site and convert into leads.

Future-Proofing Your Website

As technology evolves, accessibility standards are becoming stricter. Building an accessible website helps you stay ahead of the curve and avoid costly redesigns later.

Competitive Advantage

Many mortgage brokers overlook accessibility, allowing you to stand out by catering to a broader audience.

How Roar Solutions Can Help

At Roar Solutions, we understand the unique needs of mortgage brokers and the importance of accessibility in web design. Our custom-built websites are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring compliance with standards like WCAG while delivering a professional and user-friendly experience.

We can help you:

• Audit your current website for accessibility issues.
• Implement accessibility features tailored to your audience.
• Stay updated on evolving legal requirements and best practices.

Final Thoughts

Accessibility isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s crucial to offering exceptional customer service and ensuring your website reaches its full potential. By prioritizing accessibility, mortgage brokers can create an inclusive experience, attract a broader audience, and build lasting trust with their clients.

Ready to make your mortgage broker website accessible and inclusive? Contact Roar Solutions today to get started!