How to Choose the Right Accessibility Partner for Your Agency

Navigating the Path to the Perfect Accessibility Partner

Running an agency that offers web design, development, or digital marketing services means that your clients rely on you for expert guidance, including in the critical area of web accessibility. Whether you’re searching for an accessibility provider for the first time or considering a transition from your current one, selecting the right partner is vital to your agency’s success. This blog will walk you through the essential factors to consider, helping you make an informed choice that aligns with your business goals.

At tabnav, we’ve spent years perfecting the art of web accessibility, and we’re here to share that knowledge with you. Often, agencies get caught up in surface-level aspects like pricing or aesthetics without digging deeper into what truly makes an accessibility partner effective. This blog aims to equip you with the insights needed to choose a partner that not only meets your needs but also ensures your clients’ websites are truly accessible.

Identifying Effective Accessibility Software vs. Ineffective Solutions

Make sure the software you choose is regularly updated and can adapt to evolving standards. Tools that rely too much on automation without manual customization can miss critical issues. Look for a balance of automated checks and manual oversight to ensure comprehensive compliance.

For a deeper dive into evaluating accessibility software, check out our blog "Are Accessibility Widgets Enough?" where we explore this topic in detail. By making informed decisions, you can ensure that the tools you recommend or use truly meet your clients’ needs.

Get What You Need Before You Commit

In the relatively small web accessibility industry, finding a provider that offers comprehensive solutions can be challenging. While larger accessibility firms may serve a wide range of clients—from small B2B businesses like local bakeries to large B2B2C agencies managing multiple client websites—their services may not always align with your specific needs.

For B2B clients, the focus is often on providing accessibility solutions tailored to a single website. However, if you’re running an agency that operates in a B2B2C environment, your needs go beyond just website accessibility. You’re also managing client invoicing, onboarding, commissions, and special pricing structures. These additional layers of complexity mean that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t cut it.

Having a partnership manager from the accessibility provider’s team might sound ideal, but it’s only effective if their core solutions and dashboard are flexible enough to integrate seamlessly with your agency’s workflow. Before committing, it’s crucial to ensure that the provider’s tools and services are not just robust but also adaptable to the unique demands of your agency.

Partnership vs. Affiliate: Understanding the Difference and Opportunities

When collaborating with an external accessibility provider, it’s essential to understand the distinctions between a partnership and an affiliate relationship. Knowing your preferred level of involvement with your clients and what you hope to achieve from the collaboration will help you choose the right model.

Partnership: In a partnership, you take full responsibility for managing your client’s website accessibility. This means you handle all aspects of the service, from invoicing to ongoing support, and pay the accessibility provider directly for their solutions. This setup is ideal if you want to maintain direct control over your client relationships, offering tailored services and the ability to adjust or expand offerings as needed.

Affiliate: In an affiliate relationship, you refer your clients to purchase services directly from the accessibility provider through an affiliate link. Your clients may benefit from special pricing, while you earn a commission on each transaction. You’ll have access to an affiliate dashboard to track referrals and earnings. This model works well if you prefer a more hands-off approach, focusing on recommending services without being involved in their ongoing management.

Ultimately, the choice between a partnership and an affiliate relationship depends on how involved you want to be in managing your clients’ accessibility needs. A partnership offers more control and direct engagement, making it ideal for agencies that provide comprehensive services. On the other hand, the affiliate model is a good fit if you’re looking for a simpler, commission-based approach without the need for direct oversight. Understanding these dynamics will help you select the model that best aligns with your business goals.

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Considering White Label Options: Pros and Cons

When exploring white label options for accessibility services, it's important to carefully weigh both the advantages and potential drawbacks.

10 Key Considerations When Partnering with an Accessibility Provider

When selecting an accessibility partner, it’s essential to ensure that they meet all of your agency’s needs. Here are ten crucial points to consider:

1. Quality of Service

   Make sure the solution genuinely enhances accessibility rather than just looking good on the surface. Some solutions can actually make your client's website less accessible, so don't settle for a cheap offer that could worsen the situation.

2. Onboarding New Clients

   Many companies aren’t equipped to serve agencies that require flexible dashboards for managing client needs. It’s essential to find a provider that automates processes like client onboarding and service cancellation, reducing the need for constant manual interaction.

3. Invoicing

   Managing client additions and removals can complicate invoicing and renewals. A good accessibility provider understands the fast-paced nature of agency work and offers tools that help you seamlessly merge accounts and automate invoicing, keeping your expenses in check.

4. Pricing

   Pay close attention to the pricing structure, especially if the solution involves recurring revenue. Moving clients to another provider later can be costly, so it’s crucial to consider long-term implications. Working with your provider on a flexible pricing model can prevent future headaches.

5. Price Stability

   Make sure there are no sudden pricing changes or hidden fees that could impact your business during your subscription period.

6. Trust

   Ensure the provider won’t contact your clients behind your back. This has happened to many of our partners with their former providers. It’s crucial to verify the provider’s reputation online to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

7. Closing Your Account

   Understand the process for leaving the provider if necessary. Some companies make it difficult to switch by imposing strict renewal terms. Ensure you know what’s required to cancel your service, such as providing a 30-day notice.

8. Client Management Dashboard

   A centralized dashboard that allows you to manage client sites, design software according to your client’s preferences, handle invoicing, and track accessibility compliance levels is essential for efficient operations.

9. Affiliate Dashboard

   If you refer clients to the provider, make sure they offer a system to track referrals and commissions effectively.

10. Commission Structure

    Choose a provider that offers ongoing commissions, not just for the first year. Ensure they show you at least five issues that their widget has fixed on your site and verify that there are no bugs or issues during implementation.

The key to choosing the right accessibility partner lies in finding a company that values a win-win approach and is committed to a long-term, collaborative relationship. Such a partnership ensures that both you and your clients benefit, creating a foundation for ongoing success.

By carefully considering the factors discussed in this blog, you’ll be well-equipped to select an accessibility partner that truly aligns with your agency’s goals and meets the unique needs of your clients. The right partner will help you achieve compliance and enhance the overall user experience.

If you’re ready to move forward or need guidance, our team of web accessibility experts is here to help.Contact us today for a free consultation and secure the best solutions for your agency’s needs.