EP234 Websites that Work: Accessibility, SEO, and Essentialism with Steph Sedgwick
Release Date: 04/02/2025
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info_outlineIn this insightful episode of ‘AI Literacy for Entrepreneurs’, host Susan Diaz sits down with Steph Sedgwick, founder of Clarity Web Design, to explore how good web design is evolving in the age of AI, accessibility, and changing SEO dynamics.
About Steph Sedgwick: Steph specializes in creating websites that genuinely perform - going far beyond aesthetic appeal to ensure they’re accessible, user-friendly, and strategically optimized. She highlights how designing for accessibility is not just inclusive but also excellent business strategy, significantly boosting organic traffic.
Key Discussion Points:
Good Web Design in 2025: Why visual aesthetics alone won’t cut it. Good design means functionality, accessibility, and essentialism - focusing intentionally on content that delivers clear, measurable value.
Accessibility as a Business Advantage: Steph shares startling statistics - 97% of websites aren't accessibility-friendly. She details how making your website accessible leads to dramatically improved user experience and organic search results (average 450% increase!)
Why Pretty Paperweights Don't Work: Websites need to serve practical purposes, not just look appealing. Learn why functionality and accessibility should be your priority.
AI and Web Design: Steph demystifies the hype around AI-generated websites. AI can enhance your workflow but can't replace human strategic insights or understanding of customer needs - yet.
SEO and AI: Practical advice on using AI to evaluate your web copy for readability and skimmability, ensuring your content appeals to both humans and search engines.
Steph’s Pro Tips for Entrepreneurs:
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Avoid "ego-driven" website designs. Your website should appeal to your target audience, not just reflect your personal preferences.
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Conduct regular checks on basic website functionality (responsive design, working links).
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Use AI wisely - especially for tasks like editing and improving clarity, rather than expecting fully autonomous website creation.
Time Stamps for Key Highlights in this Episode:
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01:27 - The importance of moving from "pretty paperweights" to functional web design
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02:32 - How accessibility boosts organic traffic by 450%
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06:29 - Defining “good design” in 2025
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11:21 - Why responsive design remains critical
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27:10 - AI-generated websites: myth vs. reality
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35:26 - Practical SEO tips using AI
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39:14 - How Steph personally leverages AI for productivity
Connect with Steph Sedgwick on LinkedIn.
Website: claritywebdesign.ca
Instagram: @claritywebdesign
Upcoming Roundtable Event: Steph host regular insightful roundtables. Her next one is "From Invisible to Unmissable: SEO and Accessibility Intersection", diving deeper into how to effectively blend SEO and accessibility for maximum business impact.
🎧 Listen now to elevate your website’s functionality and accessibility in an AI-driven world!
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Follow Susan Diaz on LinkedIn: Susan Diaz
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