How Accessibility Drives Brand Loyalty (and Profits)—Maxwell Ivey | Ep 117

Building a brand is about more than compliance and checklists—it's about genuine communication, connection, and creating a welcoming experience for everyone. In this episode, I sit down with Maxwell Ivey, known as The Blind Blogger, a serial entrepreneur, author, speaker, and accessibility consultant with over 15 years of expertise. We dive deep into inclusive design, alt text, accessible tools, and the business benefits of accessibility. You’ll learn how adopting accessible practices enhances user experience, strengthens your brand, and boosts organic traffic—plus how AI is reshaping accessibility (for better and worse). Whether you’re a founder or a designer, this episode will shift how you think about accessibility and inclusion.Connect with Maxwell IveyWebsite: https://theaccessibilityadvantage.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwellivey/Join the Wisdom Journey NewsletterWant insights, practical lessons, and behind-the-scenes updates delivered straight to your inbox? Join my newsletter to stay connected and level up your creator journey:https://wisdom.beehiiv.comTimestamp Chapters00:00 Redefining Accessibility: From Compliance to Connection01:04 Why Business Owners Must See Accessibility as Self-Interest03:21 How Alt Text Impacts SEO and User Experience05:08 Accessibility Improvements Help All Users06:02 Accessibility as True Collaboration, Not Just Guidelines08:49 Why Empathy and Conversation Matter in Inclusive Design12:18 Real-World Accessibility Gaps: Booking, Email, and Platforms14:15 Calendly’s Accessible Front End vs. Back End15:26 The Fragility of Accessibility in Evolving Platforms17:23 Businesses Building for the Majority and Missing the 5%18:08 How Accessibility Features Like Dark Mode Improve UX20:30 Boosting Brand Loyalty Through Accessibility22:00 Social Consciousness and Inclusive Brands23:33 AI’s Double-Edged Role in Accessibility25:11 Practical AI Use Cases to Enhance Accessibility28:19 How AI Prompts Improve Shopping and Booking Experiences31:25 Concerns About AI and the Future of Work for People with Disabilities34:32 The Risk of AI Reducing Accessibility Job Opportunities36:46 Why Brands Need Accessibility Experts at the AI Table38:01 Connect with Maxwell Ivey and The Accessibility Advantage