Equalweb Review
Equalweb was founded to solve a problem that many people may not even realize exists; the fact that over 15% of the population can’t access websites that haven’t been audited and updated to meet accessibility standards. With over 50% of the world’s population using the internet on a regular basis, that’s a lot of users that may not even be able to access and use your website.
Offering multiple plans and service levels, Equalweb makes it simple and straightforward to adjust and update your website to meet Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). Whether you need minimal adjustments or a complete website overhaul, Equalweb has a plan and service that will meet your business needs.
In our comprehensive Equalweb review, we’ll dive into pricing, features, and everything else you may need to know in order to make your web accessibility partner decision.
Pricing and Value
It’s difficult to discuss pricing because Equalweb does not publish its pricing directly on the website. Instead, it offers custom pricing based on your specific business needs and goals. While we can appreciate the fact that they don’t have a “one size fits all” pricing model, it can be difficult to commit to a service without being able to research the cost up front.
To make up for the lack of pricing displayed on the website, you can take advantage of a free demonstration and trial period for any of the three plan tiers. Rather than committing to the service or reaching out to the sales team directly, you can test out the software without any risks.
Reviewing the features that are included in each plan option, which you will see in the following section, it makes the most sense to go with the full widget option. This plan includes complete ADA and WCAG compliance, all of the available Equalweb features, and a full website audit and manual remediation to ensure compliance.
Features
The first plan option is a simple to use widget that allows users to adjust color, font and cursors, as well as highlight links and headers. It also includes image descriptions and a text reader. For more features, the next highest plan option also includes voice commands, direct email access to technical support, contrast error adjustments, eliminates advertisements, and allows for keyboard navigation.
For the highest level of WCAG compliance and automated adjustments, Equalweb’s highest-tier service is the way to go. In addition to all of the features mentioned previously, you’ll also get blinks blocking, screen reader adjustments, smart navigation, a WCAG 2.1 compliance platform, full ADA compliance, and a full web audit with manual remediation.
Setup Process
Setting up Equalweb is incredibly simple and takes just a few minutes. Even if you’re not technically inclined, the simple-to-follow instructions walk you through each step clearly and concisely. After signing up for your Equalweb account, simply insert one line of JavaScript code on your website. You’ll be given instructions on where in your site’s code to specifically insert Equalweb code.
The line of code does not extract, store, track, or save any information from your website. The code allows the team at Equalweb to access and adjust your site to make it compliant with accessibility regulations. By using both automated updates and adjustments as well as live, manual updates from a team of accessibility experts, Equalweb works hard to ensure that your site is accessible to all.
Even better, the team at Equalweb makes all accessibility adjustments without modifying any of your website coding, leaving your website intact and fully functional.
Customization and Design
Across all the various plan levels there are multiple options when it comes to customization and design. You’ll have full control over the entire look and feel of your website, and your back-end coding is never altered when you add the Equalweb code to your site.
You’ll also be able to adjust and customize your Equalweb toolbar that shows up on your website. When you visit the Equalweb website, you’ll be able to test out all the accessibility tools that will be available on your site after you sign up.
The tools are easily accessible a in pop-out sidebar that can be hidden and revealed at any time. The accessibility features can be activated with just a click, allowing you to see just how effective Equaleweb’s software is.
You can customize and design the icon that users will need to select in order to bring up the accessibility options on your website, as well as the format and layout of the pop-out menu itself. Equalweb makes it simple to integrate an accessibility menu with your website branding and themes.
Customer Support
There are multiple ways to get in touch with the Equalweb team, whether you have sales and pricing questions or are having technical difficulties with implementing Equalweb on your website. After clicking the Contact Us page, you’ll be taken to a web form where you’ll have the option to enter your contact information and some general comments. This form is primarily used for sales information, so if you need technical support you may want to try another contact method.
There is a dedicated email contact listed on the page as well, which is a convenient option if you don’t need immediate assistance. The response and resolution may take a few business days, but if you don’t have time to call Equalweb for a resolution or don’t need something immediately, it’s a great way to keep in contact with a live support representative.
Finally, customers have the option to call Equalweb directly, which is the preferred method of contact for many questions and concerns. You’ll get to speak to a live representative that will answer your questions and resolve your concerns in real-time, meaning you won’t have to wait for a resolution.
The two highest plan options also include a direct email address for technical support, so if you anticipate needing technical support for implementing and managing your accessibility software, you may want to choose one of those two plan options to get access to that direct email address.
Summary
Accessibility is important for virtually every business in every industry. Not only does accessibility software from Equalweb allow users with disabilities to access your website without restrictions, it also sets your business apart from your competition. Not all businesses are putting a focus on accessibility, and while there is a long way to go in terms of internet accessibility for all, Equalweb is changing the way that businesses around the world approach accessibility issues.
The three plan options make Equalweb a great option for any business. From simple accessibility upgrades to complete compliance and adjustments to large websites, Equalweb’s plan options are strategically designed to help a wide range of businesses. While we do wish prices were published on the site, the free trial and potential for customized pricing depending on business size and needs are both very enticing.
Regardless of what plan you choose, you’re going to get a host of impressive accessibility features that are integrated directly into your site. Equalweb makes upgrading your website’s accessibility easier than ever, so now is the perfect time to get started on your site.
