Whether you are constructing a new building for your company or have been working out of the same location for years, every business owner must consider how to make his or her site accessible to as many people as possible. After all, many of your customers may require certain accomodations to be able to purchase your products or services. Consider several tips that may help you connect with a greater number of consumers.
1. Install Automated Doors
If your budget allows it, automated doors are often a worthwhile investment. Being able to easily enter your building may make many people feel more comfortable stopping by to shop in person. On top of that, doors that automatically open may make it easier for other customers and even employees to transport merchandise in and out of the store. As you plan the layout of your entrance, be sure to consider automated door safety compliance issues.
2. Modify Traditional Doors
There are a few adjustments you can make to manual doors to make them accessible if automated doors are out of your price range. For one, it’s important to keep doors as light as possible. In fact, the Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that accessible doors open with five pounds of force or less. You may also need to widen doorways and lower thresholds.
3. Establish Multiple Lines of Communication
Not all accessibility issues have to do with physically entering your shop. Because many of your customers may not be familiar with the latests apps and other technologies, it is a good idea to provide several ways in which patrons can contact you. For example, rather than requiring your website’s visitors to communicate with you via an online chat, provide a phone number and email address that people can use to reach out.
4. Expand Your Services
A final tip to keep in mind is that many businesses have been implementing new accomodations such as curbside pickup and delivery. In order to remain competitive in your industry, you may need to consider adding these sorts of options to your regular services.
Increasing your company’s accessibility is not always easy, but there are many new technologies that may assist you in this endeavor. By adjusting your entryways and finding new ways to interact with customers of all backgrounds, you may be able to connect with a whole new scope of consumers. Thus, the initial investment of time and resources these modifications may require will more than pay off in the long run.
