Accessible website: How Müller Bakery gained new customers

The internet is constantly evolving, and with it, the requirements for a barrier-free website increase. Especially in Germany, the topic becomes even more relevant due to the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG). But what does this concretely mean for small businesses?

An impressive story shows how Müller Bakery, a traditional family business, made its website accessible. In doing so, it fulfilled the new legal requirements, complied with regulations, and gained new customers at the same time.

The challenge: Legal requirements and technical hurdles

For many years, Bäckerei Müller was an integral part of the local community. It always delighted its customers with fresh baked goods and excellent service. However, the website was not always up to date. When the Barrier-Free Strengthening Act (BFSG) was enacted, the question arose of how the company could adapt its online presence.

“We had never thought about how important an accessible website could be,” says owner Max Müller. “But when we heard about the new legal requirements, we knew we had to take action.”

The biggest challenge was to modify the existing technical structures of the website to make them accessible to everyone. Accessibility in the digital world means not only that people with visual or hearing impairments can access information. It also involves the use of keyboard commands, text readability, and the usability of interactive elements.

The solution: collaboration with a full-service agency

Max Müller decided to collaborate with an experienced online marketing agency specializing in accessible websites. “We knew we needed help to make our website legally compliant and more user-friendly,” Müller explains. The agency took on the task and conducted a thorough analysis of the existing website. An important step was implementing tools such as screen reader compatibility and contrast enhancements for people with visual impairments.

Additionally, it was ensured that all content was accessible via keyboard commands. The navigation of the website was optimized to make it more intuitive and user-friendly. “The process was technically demanding,” recalls the project manager of the agency. “However, it was very rewarding to see how each adjustment made the website more accessible and usable for a broader target audience.”

The successes: new customers and positive feedback

After the transition, Bäckerei Müller was not only prepared for the new legal requirements but also able to make its offerings accessible to a larger audience. Particularly remarkable was the response from people with disabilities, who could now easily use the website and place online orders.

“We have received more orders from people with limited mobility, who now find it easier to order our products. Older customers who have difficulty using smartphones and computers also suddenly find it much easier to access our website,” explains Max Müller.

The new accessible website not only helped Müller Bakery meet legal requirements, but also enabled it to serve a previously untapped market. The bakery saw a significant increase in online orders and positive customer reviews.

Conclusion: Accessibility as a factor for success

The story of Müller Bakery shows how important it is for companies to optimize the accessibility of their websites. The technical challenges may seem daunting at first, but the benefits—both in terms of compliance with legal requirements and expanding the customer base—are clear.

For companies that want to make their website accessible, a full-service agency like Media Beats GmbH offers valuable support. We help you design your online presence not only to meet legal requirements but also to increase your reach and attract new customers.

Take action now and make your website accessible – for an inclusive future. Contact us today to learn more about our accessible web design solutions.