Authority in the Wild #142 - The Billion-Person Market You're Ignoring w/ Maxwell Ivey
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Over 1 billion people globally have disabilities. 60 million in the US alone. And 95% of the internet is completely inaccessible to them.
Maxwell Ivey, digital accessibility advisor known as the Blind Blogger, breaks down why accessibility isn't just a compliance checkbox—it's a revenue driver, an SEO multiplier, and a gateway to the most loyal customer base you'll ever build.
In this episode, Maxwell reveals:
- Why accessibility features you use every day (like Dark Mode) were originally built for people with vision loss—and how that principle applies to every accessibility improvement you make
- The three business benefits of accessibility that have nothing to do with lawsuits: improved user experience for all users, higher search and AI bot rankings, and access to a massively underserved market
- Why companies with the biggest budgets are often the worst at accessibility—and how small-to-medium businesses can use this as a competitive advantage
- The real cost of accessibility work (hint: it's not what you think) and which tools can automate 50-70% of the work
- How to navigate a website with a screen reader—and why understanding this changes how you build everything
- The exact process Maxwell uses to audit websites and educate teams, from free checkers to hands-on consulting
- Why "client-first" and "accessibility-first" are the same strategy—and how this approach builds sustainable businesses that don't burn out chasing customers
Maxwell doesn't just talk compliance. He explains mechanisms. He reveals the invisible market dynamics at play. And he provides a clear roadmap for turning accessibility into a business asset, not a burden.
If you operate a website, build software, or run any digital business, this episode exposes a massive leverage point most competitors are ignoring.
🟪 Timestamps
(00:00) Introducing Maxwell Ivey
(01:32) Maxwell’s Insights on Business and Accessibility
(02:02) Challenges in Implementing Accessibility
(05:28) Improving User Experience Through Accessibility
(09:07) SEO and Market Reach Benefits
(23:26) Building an Accessibility-First Business
(36:13) Maxwell’s Approach to Helping Businesses
(42:13) Contact Maxwell Ivey
🟪 About the Guest
Maxwell Ivey is a digital accessibility advisor with nearly two decades of experience educating businesses about accessibility. Known as "The Blind Blogger," Maxwell specializes in helping small-to-medium businesses, nonprofits, and SaaS companies build accessible digital experiences that drive growth. He combines technical accessibility audits with team education and content strategy.
🟪 Connect with Maxwell Ivey
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwellivey/
- Email: maxwell@theaccessibilityadvantage.com
- Website: theaccessibilityadvantage.com
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Until Next Week,
Pura Vida!