As I am sure you are already aware, the internet changes daily and attaining a long lasting strong search engine ranking is a job that requires attention to detail.

Regularly adding to your site's content is still the main factor if you wish to receive traffic from the Googles of this world, but now there is a new element that you have to consider.

Historically, web accessibility has been a legal obligation and more importantly a moral obligation. Unfortunately, many of the large organisations have not taken this responsibility seriously. A study completed by Nomensa in March 2006 found that 75% of the FTSE 100 companies it tested did not meet the minimum requirements of the Disability Discriminations Act.

This may all be about to change as the world's number one search engine is taking its responsibility for shaping the web very seriously indeed. Google is currently developing a search product that provides results based upon how accessible a website is for blind and visually impaired users.

Google Accessible Search will force both large and SME companies to re-think their online strategy if accessibility has previously been an afterthought. Even if a company does not fear legal action, the potential impact of lost revenue as a result of dropping down the search engines will ensure company directors and web developers take measures to provide a web site accessible to all members of the community.

The Accessible Search FAQ offers more information on the reasons behind the new technology.

Web accessibility should always be taken into consideration. Unfortunately, legal and moral obligations have not been taken seriously enough by a large portion of companies worldwide. Imagine the impact across the globe if Google incorporates this into the algorithm of the standard Google search engine. It would only be a matter of time before other search engines follow suit.

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