Why Use Standards in Web Development?
Just a few years ago (eons in Web time) gimmick-laden Web sites appeared to be cutting edge technology. Thank goodness we have gotten that out of our systems! Being told that you needed to update your browser if you wanted to view the site, or that you needed to download the latest Flash version, did not make visiting those sites a pleasant experience.
Recent user surveys indicate that users come to the Web, and to your site in particular, for products and information. They want sites that are quick, easy to navigate, work properly with the user's current technology, and deliver on what was promised.
Sites that are developed using the Web standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium can fulfill the wishes of today's user.
Standards demand the separation of content from presentation. What does this mean for you?
- Web pages load faster because they are fit and lightweight.
- Pages load properly because the browser can read the files as intended.
- Search engines are able to catalog your site properly.
- Web appliances, other than PCs, are more apt to be able to render the information correctly to their users.
- As Web technology evolves, your pages will still work.
- Your site’s updates will be less time consuming and, consequently, less costly.
Most Web sites' primary purpose is marketing. Losing a visitor to your site because it is too slow, or requires downloading the latest browser to view it properly means you may have lost a customer. At the very least, you've lost his goodwill!
Standards offer another advantage to the marketer. Standards-based web sites are more search engine friendly. More users will find your site when searching the myriad sites in the ever-expanding universe of the Internet.
My approach to Web design is basically a minimalist philosophy. Excessive decoration is avoided in order to concentrate on content. Attractive, clean sites that reflect the client's business personality are my aim. Developing sites that adhere to Web standards allows me to accomplish this goal.
If you have any questions regarding standards or other aspects of Web development, I'd be very happy to discuss these matters with you. Contact me.
