Accessible websites mandatory from 2025 - Evernine supports B2B companies in implementing the legal requirements
From June 2025, companies that offer products or services via the internet will have to ensure the accessibility of their websites. Many companies, especially SMEs, are unclear about what specific measures they need to implement now. This is where Evernine can help with a customised package. As an experienced full-service agency and communications consultancy, we determine the current requirements in terms of accessibility and also offer optional further measures for optimisation.
According to figures from the Federal Statistical Office, 7.9 million people with a severe disability were living in Germany at the end of 2023. This corresponds to around nine per cent of the total population. Giving these people access to digital content, services and products is the aim of the Barrier-Free Accessibility Strengthening Act (BFSG). The BFSG implements the EU directive of the European Accessibility Act.
The provisions of the Act will apply in Germany from 28 June 2025. From this date, companies that offer services in digital commerce must ensure that their products and services comply with accessibility regulations. This affects both IT hardware products and digital content. Medium-sized companies in particular will be faced with the challenge of adapting their websites and contact forms in line with the new regulations. Non-compliance can result in high fines.
With these concrete measures for accessible websites
Companies need to take action now and ensure the accessibility of their websites. By doing so, they not only avoid penalties imposed by the BFSG, but also gain access to millions of potential customers. After all, people without disabilities also benefit from accessibility when content is easier to access and understand, making websites more user-friendly. In fact, companies can significantly increase traffic to their websites in this way. Search engines also rate accessibility positively.
Five concrete steps that companies can take to improve accessibility include
1. Images and icons: All images and icons should have alt text added that describes the content or purpose and can be read by screen readers. Relevant keywords in these texts increase visibility in search engines. Interactive elements such as links and buttons should be clearly labelled.
2. Language and font: Simple and clear language makes content understandable for all users, including foreign speakers. In addition, they should have the option to adjust font sizes as required. All contact forms should be easily accessible and understandable, for example through descriptive labels and notes. Sufficiently high contrasts between text and background significantly improve readability.
3. Captchas and time limits: Alternative methods to traditional captchas should be used that are accessible and solvable for all users. Time limits for reading important information or error messages should be avoided.
4. Logical structures: The navigation of web content should be simple and consistent so that it can also be operated without a mouse. A logical sequence of headings (H1, H2, H3) clarifies the structure of the page, which is also relevant for SEO.
5. Switchable animations and videos: Users should be able to switch off animations and videos with strong flickering to protect people with epilepsy.
A customised package for B2B companies
As an experienced full-service agency and communications consultancy, Evernine supports medium-sized B2B companies in implementing these measures for website accessibility with a customised package. In an initial analysis phase plus a subsequent workshop, we determine the current needs, develop a targeted action plan and also take over the implementation of the identified measures.
In addition, companies benefit from further optional modules for the comprehensive optimisation of their websites, which go far beyond mere accessibility. A central element of this optimisation is UX design (user experience design), which is crucial to the success of a website. Evernine sees UX design as a holistic discipline that aims to enable users to interact with the website in an intuitive, pleasant and efficient way. This includes the design of appealing and user-friendly interfaces as well as the analysis and optimisation of user paths to ensure that visitors reach their goals quickly and easily. By integrating best practices and using state-of-the-art tools, Evernine ensures that websites are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also achieve measurable success. You can find an overview of our references, including in the area of website optimisation, here.
In addition to UX design, Evernine also supports companies in optimising SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and LeadGen (Lead Generation), which leads to increased visibility and more effective customer acquisition. The services include all common platforms such as WordPress, Hubspot or Typo3. In this way, Evernine ensures that websites comply with legal requirements, offer a positive user experience for all visitors and generate sustainable business as a digital flagship.
Accessibility as a win-win-win
The accessibility of products, services, digital content and websites is an ethical and, from 2025, a legal obligation. This is a challenge for medium-sized companies. However, it also offers them the opportunity to directly carry out holistic optimisations as part of the accessible redesign of their website. This allows them to reach a broader target group and improve their own SEO ranking. In the end, companies, users and society as a whole benefit equally.
‘Many companies are unsure about the provisions of the BFSG. With our customised package, we offer you the security of knowing that your websites comply with the accessibility requirements,’ says Alexander Roth, Co-Managing Director of Evernine. ‘You also have the option of working with us to carry out further optimisations to your websites in the areas of UX design, SEO and LeadGen. Evernine will support you as a competent partner from analysis and planning to implementation throughout the entire course of the project,’ Roth continues.
Do you need more information on the requirements that the law on website accessibility now places on you, or would you like to start your optimisation project with Evernine directly? Get in touch with us!