Today, we’re diving into how design agencies can (and do!) leverage Stark to take client work to the next level. From designing better experiences to upselling services and more, let’s explore the possibilities together.

When your agency integrates Stark into your design and development process, you’re ensuring every digital product you create is accessible to your client’s users and customers of all abilities. Our end-to-end solution helps you identify and remediate accessibility issues in real-time, from the first designs to the live product – continuous monitoring included by default.

Imagine delivering a website or app that not only looks stunning but also functions flawlessly for all users – increasing business value for your client and, in turn, your agency.

Unlocking value, one client at a time

Let’s look into two distinctly different client scenarios based on what we’ve learned from agencies – big and small – using the Stark platform in their daily workflow.

1. Providing accessible designs, content, and products powered by Stark

Let’s face it, not every client is at the maturity level to fully embrace accessibility end-to-end across their entire company. As an agency, this is your chance to build client awareness by delivering accessible products and services by default, paired with the reporting to prove it. And with the upcoming regulatory deadlines, this is a great time to check in with your clients.

Here are a few tips to start with based on what we’ve learned from Stark customers:

• Add your client’s design system, design files, and URLs to your agency’s Stark projects for an initial audit and assessment. Then, share the results with your client, pointing them to the upcoming regulations and urgency to fix accessibility issues.

• Use Stark’s continuous monitoring to provide quarterly updates on designs, content, and web pages as a way to re-engage and offer your services; or even set up a recurring maintenance contract.

• Share ad-hoc reports with the client when they’re needed for internal or external compliance reporting

For the client, this setup doesn’t require any internal changes, and they can rely on your agency to deliver both accessibility compliant work as well as continuous reporting and consulting services.

2. Set up clients with their own end-to-end Stark solution

Then there are clients that have a higher level of accessibility maturity and/or want to have their end-to-end accessibility workflow in-house for security and efficiency reasons. They might be working with internal and external software and marketing teams as well as external contracts, so streamlining their accessibility compliance workflow with Stark will be widely beneficial.

As an agency, you have several ways to support these clients on their accessibility journey leveraging the Stark platform:

• Offer consulting to your client on regulatory requirements and efficiency gains with regards to an end-to-end solution.

• Lead the setup and manage the platform plus project workflows for your client as an admin on their Stark account.

• Use regular monthly or quarterly report and audit cycles to check in on progress and spaces for improvement, making sure that your client stays up-to-date and aware of the opportunities and risks around accessibility compliance.

Upselling accessibility services

Many clients may not initially realize the importance of accessibility in their projects. This is where you can introduce them to the world of accessibility and the compliance that comes with it for them – and upsell your services at the same time.

Stark provides you with concrete data and insights that demonstrate the value of accessibility improvements by presenting your clients with a compelling case for enhancing their digital products. From optimizing color choices on their athletic brand page or adding alt-text to their e-commerce shop, to ensuring proper heading structures in code, you can offer a range of accessibility services that add value to your projects.

Building trust and reputation

In the competitive world of design agencies, trust and differentiation is everything. Regardless of the type of company though, when you make accessibility a priority, you demonstrate your commitment to creating inclusive solutions. This commitment not only enhances your reputation, but also opens doors to new opportunities – especially since most public sector clients require their products to be accessible by default. And for your clients, accessible products and content increase customer satisfaction and in turn lifetime value.

With Stark, you can proudly showcase your dedication to accessibility on your agency’s website and marketing materials. By doing so, you attract clients who prioritize inclusivity and are willing to invest in it. This positions your agency as a leader in the industry and sets you apart from the competition.

And since the world of design, marketing, and software is constantly evolving, staying up-to-date is key to your agency’s success. Stark doesn’t just provide an end-to-end accessibility compliance platform; we also offer valuable educational resources. 

Our blog, webinars, library, and tutorials keep your team informed about the latest accessibility trends and best practices. As your agency continues to grow, you can rely on Stark to support your ongoing education and ensure that you remain at the forefront of the industry. So that you can serve your clients now and in the future with the latest and greatest accessibility embedded offerings.

Get started today and take your agency to the next level

Stark is more than just a platform; we see ourselves as a reliable partner in your agency’s journey to create exceptional digital experiences.

By integrating accessibility into your entire creative process, you can design better product experiences and content, build trust, upsell services, streamline collaboration, stay compliant, and foster continuous growth for your own as well as your clients’ business

Ready to get started? Head over to our free trial and take it for a spin. 

And if you’re interested in something more for your clients than what we currently offer, we’d love to hear from you, so please share your thoughts and feedback at support@getstark.co – or join the conversations in our Stark Slack Community, on LinkedIn, and on Twitter.