Do you trust your own website?

Been thinking a lot about websites recently. Windows 10 was released yesterday (plan to get it for free) with a shiny new browser called Edge. Looking forward to seeing how it performs versus Chrome and Firefox (stopped using IE a while back, so this may bring me back into the fold).

Then I also pitched a brand on an AODA audit for a new website they have in the pipeline to check its accessibility level. Still a lot of sites out there that could be improved.

So that got me thinking about Herb Communications' website. Can I trust it not to scam people into nasty malware and other crap? Websites are usually the first impression that someone gets of your brand, so it's literally seconds to make it a positive one.

Luckily I heard about Is It Hacked? via the Solo PR Pro group I joined. Ran Herb Communications through it, held my breath ... and everything seems OK. Phew! (But it does come with a disclaimer, "Note: this site just checks for common problems, a pass from here doesn't guarantee your site isn't hacked." Well -- at least it's a start to get people thinking about this kind of thing.)

Many a time brands are content to create a great website, but then forget to keep it properly maintained and updated. Websites are organic and you should be able to change anything you want, on the fly, instantly.

Keep it fresh and clean, evolve it over time, run it through some FREE checks such as the one above and get an idea of where you stand. It isn't the be-all and end-all of website maintenance but it keeps you on your toes and brings your own personal digital communications front of mind.

There's only so many hours in the day to help clients, but you have to help yourself first if you're to succeed.

John.

Ontario launches accessibility action plan

Hot off the news the other day that the province is encouraging business leaders to be accessibility champions, they announced today the release of a new action plan to build on the progress made since the introduction of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in 2005 and to achieve the goal of becoming accessible by 2025.

The press release states, "The AODA has transformed the lives of people with disabilities by establishing standards in key areas of daily life, including customer service, employment, information and communications, transportation and the design of public spaces."

"Information and communications." Very topical. I was at a business incubator yesterday and was extolling the virtues of getting up to speed now on accessible digital communications.

With just some initial planning, checks and balances in place, education and the willingness to enhance the way that your website looks, it will pay dividends and give you a head start on your competitors who may be waiting for the next date in the compliance timeline to get closer.

Just do a quick search for "AODA compliance" on Google, read up on the subject and contact us if we can help.

John.

Ontario's accessibility: it's not where you need to be, but where you want to be

On Friday the province announced that it's moving forward with an accessibility certification program that will encourage businesses to be leaders in accessibility. The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) would guide the program's requirements.

The part of the press release that caught my eye was, "This program would help leaders stand out in their sector or community and promote the economic advantages of accessibility. It would encourage businesses to go beyond the requirements of the law and make accessibility part of daily life."

Exactly! Forget where businesses think they need to be at this stage of the AODA timeline, but rather where they want to be. 

It's time to show willing and demonstrate that, yes, you do want to make your brand accessible to those who may have certain disabilities. From a digital communications stance, there's lots of ways that websites can be improved to cater for those needs.

Customers remember those brands that go the extra mile to ensure the information they provide is as accessible to as many people as possible. Why turn people off when you could be proactively positioning your brand as the most accessible in its field?

Two stats from the release to think about:

• One in seven Ontarians has a disability, a number that will increase to one in five by 2035
• People with disabilities and their families represent an economic market worth $25 billion in Canada

That's a huge opportunity to cater for those needs, now, before your competitors catch up.

Herb Communications thinks this is such an important topic we have a dedicated service offering to help brands get started. An accessibility audit is always a good first step, so please take a look and let us know if you need help or advice.

John.