_**Updated 5/30/24**_

The State of Colorado has enacted the Information Technology Law (HB21-1110) in accordance with its commitment to equal access to information and services for all its residents. This law is aimed at ensuring that state and local government websites meet the requisite accessibility standards. This summary encapsulates the salient points of the law and the necessary steps government organizations should take to comply with its provisions.

The law mandates that all state agencies and political subdivisions make their websites accessible to individuals with disabilities, making sure that every Coloradan, regardless of their physical abilities, can access information and services provided by the government. The law takes its cue from the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), a set of international standards widely recognized in the digital industry. It requires all state and local government sites to meet as a minimum standard of accessibility WCAG 2.1 AA, helping to ensure that digital content is accessible to all.

All State agencies and local governments must be compliant with state standards by July 1, 2024. However, a recent extension provides a one-year grace period until July 1, 2025, for agencies who can demonstrate good faith efforts toward compliance.

**Steps To Meeting ADA Standards**

Colorado state and local government organizations need to take several critical steps:

1. **Conduct an Audit:** State and local government organizations should conduct an audit of their current websites and digital platforms to evaluate the level of accessibility. This audit should be thorough and cover all aspects of the site, including images, text, forms, and multimedia content.
 
2. **Identify and Plan:** Based on the audit, organizations should identify areas that need improvement and develop a plan to address the identified shortcomings. The plan should be comprehensive, detailing the changes to be made, the timeline for these changes, and the person or team responsible for implementation.
 
3. **Implement the Plan:** Organizations need to implement the plan. This may necessitate hiring or consulting with experts in digital accessibility and training staff on how to create and maintain accessible digital content.

4. **Monitor and Maintain:** Once the plan has been implemented, accessibility compliance work has only just begun. It is crucial to monitor and maintain the accessibility of the site on an ongoing basis. Changes in content, technology, and user needs will necessitate ongoing adjustments. Regular audits should be conducted to ensure continued compliance with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.

**In Conclusion**

The Accessibility Law for Colorado State and Local Government is a vital step towards digital inclusion for all Colorado citizens. Government organizations should take active steps not just to comply with the law but also to ensure that their services are accessible to all Coloradans, affirming their commitment to equality and inclusivity.

**How Can Fruition Assist its Partners with Meeting Accessibility (ADA) Compliance Requirements?**

Fruition has extensive experience helping our clients’ websites meet Accessibility (ADA) Compliance requirements and is positioned to assist Colorado State and Local Government partners in meeting and exceeding these standards.

Our services are designed to bring your website's code and theme layer into compliance with ADA WCAG 2.2 AA requirements. We can work with you to determine the necessary effort to strive towards accessibility compliance, regardless of whether your website is in the building stage, newly launched, or already existing. While we do not provide legal advice, our services are tailored to align your digital presence with the highest standards of accessibility and inclusivity.

**Fruition Offers Two Levels of Accessibility Services for New and Existing Websites:**

**Accessibility Services For New Websites**

- **Basic Service:** Automated Scans and Remediation. As part of a new website build project, we will conduct automated scans and tests for compliance with WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility using third-party software. All issues revealed by the scans that violate WCAG 2.2 A & AA best practices will be remediated by our team before site launch. This service focuses on code, templates, and assets that are controllable within the building of the website but does not include UI/Design accessibility testing, or testing of third-party embeds, migrated content, or PDFs. It's important to note that the basic service approach does not guarantee that a website will be ADA-compliant at launch.

- **Premium Service:** Manual Review/Live User Testing and Remediations. Automated ADA compliance scans generally flag only 25% to 30% of the WCAG 2.2 A & AA guidelines. The remaining guidelines can only be tested via manual user testing using various screen readers and other accessibility tools. Premium service includes a manual review of a specified number of templates/components, review, feedback, verification, and consulting during Design, Development, and QA, and user testing upon completion of the site. Additionally, we provide conformance documentation and an Accessibility Statement.

**Accessibility Services For Existing Websites**
In addition to the New Website Build ADA compliance services, Fruition also offers Accessibility (ADA) Compliance services for existing websites, and/or post-launch to ensure your website remains compliant as your website evolves along with the ever-changing ADA standards. As your site is frequently updated with new content, images, alt-tags, menu, and link structures, it's important to maintain compliance.

- **Basic Service:** Automated ADA Scans. We recognize that ADA compliance is not a one-off task but an ongoing effort. We offer weekly, monthly, or quarterly Automated ADA scans as part of an ongoing engagement. The process includes an automated scan of the website to assess HTML pages, analysis of scan results, prioritizing remediations based on impact, and re-scanning to ensure the remediations are working. Again, automated scans will not ensure ADA compliance but will allow you to address readily identifiable gaps and work toward compliance.

- **Premium Service:** Manual Review ADA Audit. Recommended on a quarterly or bi-annual basis. As automated ADA compliance scans generally flag only 25% to 30% of the WCAG 2.2 A & AA guidelines, this service manually tests the remaining guidelines using various screen readers and other accessibility tools. The Manual Review Audit includes initial conformance documentation, proactive accessibility statement, automated and manual testing to WCAG 2.2AA, identification of issues, estimation of efforts to complete prioritized remediations, final round of automated & manual testing, QA review of remediated code implementation, meetings to review results, and final conformance documentation.

Alongside any effort you elect to undertake with Fruition with respect to ADA Compliance, we also recommend training your internal team members on ADA best practices for website management, designating an ADA officer responsible for managing ongoing efforts, and maintaining an ADA policy on your website.

Fruition understands the importance of ADA compliance and is committed to helping your organization meet and exceed the standards set by HB21-1110, ensuring a truly inclusive digital environment for all users.

If you need support in getting your site ADA compliant, Fruition is here to help. Contact us today to get started!

Source: [Colorado Information Technology Accessibility Law](https://oit.colorado.gov/accessibility-law)

Source: [HB24-1454 Grace Period Noncompliance Digital Accessibility](https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1454)

The State of Colorado has enacted the Information Technology Law (HB 18-1189) in accordance with its commitment to equal access to information and services for all its residents. This law is aimed at ensuring that state and local government websites meet the requisite accessibility standards. This summary encapsulates the salient points of the law and the necessary steps that government organizations should take to comply with its provisions.

ada-compliance-colorado-law.png

Colorado Accessibility Law: Compliance for State & Local Websites

Hi, I'm Jim Collins, CEO of [Fruition](https://fruition.net/). In balancing our business’ current needs and preparing it for the future,  we CEOs have our plates full of countless responsibilities, and it can seem like there are never enough hours in the day to get it all done. After 20 years of managing companies, I’ve learned that the key to success (and a manageable priority list) is focusing on what you’re really great at – and outsourcing the rest to experts. I’ve found that outsourcing [digital marketing](/services/digital-marketing) can be a game-changer for many CEOs. It can free up valuable time and substantially boost your company's ROI while allowing you to focus on what you do best – growing your business. But let's be honest – finding the right digital marketing partner can be challenging. To help you find an agency that cares about growing your business just as much as you do, I’m sharing some common hurdles of outsourcing digital marketing and practical strategies to help you confidently overcome them.

# Navigating Common Outsourcing Challenges
 
## Maintaining Control in Outsourced Marketing

One of the biggest challenges of outsourcing digital marketing is the fear of losing control over your brand's voice and strategy. After all, your business is your baby – how can you ensure your digital marketing agency has the same vision and care as you? This step can be scary, but with careful planning and structured communication, you can ensure your partner is on the same page and marketing goals are met. My best tips for helping you maintain control and achieve successful outcomes include: 

- **Establish Clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)**: Define specific KPIs that align with your business objectives. For example, if your goal is to increase website traffic, set a target, such as a 14% increase in monthly visitors over the next six months, be sure to communicate your goals clearly from the outset. Having quantifiable goals makes sure both parties are focused on the same outcomes. Since business objectives can change, make sure you discuss goals when choosing a partner and throughout your working relationship. At Fruition, we discuss goals at the outset of our partnership and on an ongoing basis to ensure we’re in sync with your in-house team.

- **Regular Check-Ins:** Establish a routine for regular check-ins with your digital marketing agency to review progress, discuss upcoming projects, and address emerging issues. Determine a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly meeting schedule that aligns with your business needs. These consistent touchpoints ensure you stay aligned, give you specified times to make adjustments, and proactively manage any challenges that may arise. 


- **Transparent Communication**: The right partner wants to grow your business and will be open to feedback if strategies are not aligned or are pushing toward top-line goals. At the same time, your outsourcing partner won’t be in day-to-day internal meetings and communications that may affect ongoing strategy and market trends. Encourage open dialogue to build trust and ensure everyone is informed about changes or updates. 


## Ensuring Data Security

When outsourcing, safeguarding your sensitive information is critical. To ensure our partners feel secure, we implement some of the following strategies to enhance data security and protect your business:

- **High-level Security Measures:** Choose outsourcing partners with a strong track record of implementing high-level security protocols. At Fruition, we prioritize the security of sensitive information like passwords and environment variables by employing best practices. Our tool, [Fruition Share](/blog/client-side-encrypted-password-sharing), exemplifies this commitment by safeguarding your data using AES-GCM encryption, ensuring it is encrypted before it leaves your browser.

<img style="width: 100%; height: auto"  src="https://s3.us-east-1.wasabisys.com/cdn.fruition.net/Fru_Share_border_ce00060739.png">



- **Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs):** NDAs are vital in protecting confidential information. This legal safeguard helps verify that sensitive data is not shared without permission. We have NDAs in place for all clients to ensure your sensitive information stays private.  

## Upholding Quality Standards

When you’re not doing the work yourself, maintaining high-quality standards can be a top concern. Here’s how you can see to it that your marketing efforts meet your expectations:

-  **Develop and Implement Comprehensive Quality Assurance Processes:** Establish detailed guidelines and checklists for your digital marketing campaigns. For instance, if you outsource [search engine optimization (SEO) services](/services/seo-services), create a quality checklist that includes keyword relevance, metatag accuracy, and adherence to search engine guidelines. If you’re not sure how to create this kind of process, talk to your prospective partners about their Quality Assurance process. For example, we have a standard procedure at Fruition to ensure SEO content aligns with keyword optimization, search visibility, and brand voice. 

- **Conduct Regular Reviews:** During regular check-ins, evaluate the performance and impact of your digital marketing initiatives. For instance, if you've outsourced your SEO efforts, use these sessions to review keyword rankings, traffic analytics, and conversion rates to ensure your objectives are met. Your digital agency may offer reporting to help you review their progress and success. At Fruition, we build **customized reports** to assist with these evaluations and keep us moving toward our KPIs.

<img style="width: 100%; height: auto"  src="https://s3.us-east-1.wasabisys.com/cdn.fruition.net/ES_All_Channel_Traffic_border_20e81b114f.png">




- **Establish Feedback Mechanisms:** Create systems for ongoing feedback between your team and your outsourcing partner to foster continuous improvement. One effective method is to hold a quarterly business review (QBR), where you can evaluate performance, identify successes and areas for improvement, and refine your strategic plan together. Unlike regular check-ins, the QBR focuses on discussing and enhancing the overall strategy for future growth.

## Building Trust

Establishing trust is essential for a successful partnership with your digital marketing agency. To build trust with a new partner, I recommend: 


- **Starting with Smaller Projects:** Initiate a few smaller campaigns to assess the agency's reliability and work ethic. For example, you might start by outsourcing a single pay-per-click (PPC) campaign to evaluate how they manage deadlines, creativity, and communication. This strategy enables you to gauge their capabilities without a significant upfront investment. Once you feel comfortable with the agency’s work and expertise, you can add other channels, like [SEO](/services/seo-services) and [content marketing](/services/content-marketing). 

- **Check References and Testimonials:** Review past client testimonials and consult references to assess the agency's credibility and track record. <a href="https://clutch.co/" target="_blank">Clutch</a> is a great resource for finding the right business partner. They verify each reviewer’s identity and work history to ensure you get real reviews from real clients. Here is an example review profile for <a href="https://clutch.co/profile/fruition#reviews/" target="_blank">Fruition</a>. Reading these reviews provides valuable insights into client experiences and outcomes, helping you assess the agency's strengths and reliability.

<img style="width: 100%; height: auto"  src="https://s3.us-east-1.wasabisys.com/cdn.fruition.net/Fru_Clutch_border_4e5f65394d.png">



- **Consider a Trial Period:** Initiate a trial period to assess the partnership before making a long-term commitment. Consider a six-month contract to determine how effectively the agency aligns with your marketing objectives and company culture. This trial phase provides a practical opportunity to test the waters. Generally, a trial period of at least six months enables you to move beyond the initial assessment & onboarding phase (the first three to four months) and evaluate month-over-month performance.


## Efficient Partnership Management

Managing your digital marketing partnerships effectively will make the outsourcing experience seamless, especially if you’re working with multiple vendors. Set yourself up for success by: 


- **Assigning a Dedicated Partnership Manager:** Designate someone within your team to act as the primary point of contact for the digital agency. This person will oversee the relationship and address any issues that arise. If you have a marketing manager on your team, have them liaise directly with the agency to ensure brand consistency across all digital platforms.

- **Contingency Plans:** Develop backup plans to address potential disruptions in your digital marketing operations. Different plans could involve identifying alternative agencies or having in-house resources ready during emergencies or if unforeseen issues with the partner arise.


## Understanding Billing, Retainers, and Monthly Deliverables

Understanding retainers and clearly defining monthly deliverables will help both you and your agency stay focused on doing the work that matters most. When interviewing different agencies, review the following items:

- **Clearly Define Monthly Deliverables:** At the outset, specify what the agency will deliver each month. This includes outlining specific tasks, expected outcomes, and timelines. For instance, if you're working on a content marketing strategy, detail the number of blog posts and any other content-related tasks included in the retainer. This clarity helps maintain focus and ensures both parties have a shared understanding of expectations.

- **Establish a Process for Adjusting Deliverables:** Develop a structured approach to managing any changes in monthly deliverables. If you decide to shift focus or add new elements to your marketing strategy, ask about their formal process for providing increased support and their timeline for dedicating additional resources to support your business. This might involve approvals from key stakeholders and possible adjustments to the retainer agreement through a change order process.

- **Conduct Regular Reviews:** Evaluate the retainer's performance during the monthly or quarterly business reviews. These reviews help guarantee that the agency meets its commitments and that the deliverables align with your marketing objectives. These conversations can also help you understand your agency’s different areas of expertise if you’re looking for increased digital marketing support.


## Safeguarding Intellectual Property 

Safeguarding your intellectual property (IP) keeps your business secure and ensures your brand image is consistent.  Be sure to clearly define IP ownership in the contract phase so you understand who owns the intellectual property created during your digital marketing projects. For example, if you hire a digital agency to develop a new brand logo or create unique content, certify that the contract explicitly states that your company retains ownership of these assets. This clarity prevents future disputes and confirms your brand elements remain under your control. At Fruition, IP ownership is a standard part of our contracts and can be modified to your comfort level. One of our clients, <a href="https://www.flydenver.com/" target="_blank"> Denver International Airport (DEN)</a>, meticulously outlined ownership details to protect its iconic branding elements.
To protect your brand image, perform periodic audits to verify IP agreement compliance. For example, if you’re working with multiple marketing partners, regularly review their use of your brand assets to ensure they align with your guidelines and contractual terms.

# Outsource Your Digital Marketing with Confidence

Listen, as a fellow CEO, I get it—outsourcing your digital marketing can seem daunting. But from one leader to another, let me share some advice: proactive planning is your best friend here. Keep those communication lines open, and make sure your contracts are rock solid. Before you dive in, take the time to seek out professional advice and do your homework. Trust me, a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your success. You've got this!

I understand the juggling act you face—leading your team, managing finances, and driving growth. With so much on your plate, avoiding roadblocks and maximizing ROI is critical. To help vet the right digital marketing agency for our team or another, I recommend using our checklist below; it could be an excellent resource for you.
If you have questions or need guidance, please [reach out](/contact). I'm here to offer my knowledge and help you navigate the complexities of managing a digital marketing partnership in today’s fast-paced world. I look forward to supporting your success!

# Outsourcing Your Digital Marketing: A Checklist for Choosing the Right Partner

<a class="btn btn-primary" style="font-size: 17px;" href="https://s3.us-east-1.wasabisys.com/cdn.fruition.net/Outsourcing_your_digital_marketing_checklist_9fcf5377dd.pdf">Download the checklist </a>



## Before Interviewing Partners:
-  Determine what channel(s) you’d like to outsource
-  Establish KPIs for each channel and your overarching business. Understanding both will help your partner work towards channel goals and larger business initiatives
-   Assign an internal partnership manager to spearhead agency conversations (during the contract phase and ongoing)
-  Decide what you want out of an agency partner. For example, do you want to own the strategy and have your agency execute your vision? Or are you looking for a strategic partner to own your marketing initiatives?

## While Interviewing Partners:

- Research reviews, references, and testimonials 
-  Ask your potential partner to sign an NDA before sharing business specifics 
-  Inquire about high-level security protocols, like password-sharing
-  Ask the agency about contract lengths and trial periods, if applicable 
-  Understand the agency’s approach to monthly retainers and deliverables
-   Ask the agency about reporting and their approach to measuring success 
-   Talk to the agency about their communication plan, including main points of contact, weekly/biweekly/monthly meetings, and quarterly business reviews 

## During the Contract Phase:
- Check your contract to ensure you’re satisfied with the proposed approach to security and IP ownership 
-  Ensure you understand your monthly retainer and the deliverables it includes
-  Understand your contract terms, like the length of the contract, contract renewal terms, channels the agency will support, and framework for adding or removing services 


Learn why outsourcing your digital marketing to the right digital agency partner can free up your time, boost ROI, and improve your site’s security.

Strategy & Research

Digital Marketing

Web Development

Creative

AI Data & Analytics

Jim Collins

CEO

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