The Importance of Web Standards
Why are web standards such a big issue among web developers? Web standards are important because it affects the end-users web experience. When web standards are followed, it ensures a smooth web experience for the user regardless of which browser they use (Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc). Most of all, it displays a website the proper way.
There is nothing more frustrating for a user than to visit a website that displays the following message: ‘To view this page, you must download the latest version of Internet Explorer.’ If you want people to remain on your website and return in the future, it must be compatible with all web browsers.
It is also important to note that following web standards helps a website become more search engine friendly. This makes it easier for the search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo) to access and index a site. It also makes it less complicated to convert to other formats and easier to access with program codes such as JavaScript.
Accessibility is Important
A website’s accessibility is an important aspect of any website, especially if your users have disabilities. Abiding by the latest web standards will make your website more user friendly for people who are blind or suffer from a mild impairment. When a website is built the proper way, the computers actually read web pages for the blind. When a website is designed the proper way, people with disabilities can magnify and rearrange the web pages to suit their needs.
Avoid being browser-specific
Many web designers create web pages for a specific browser. When you design web pages to the web standard, it makes the page a lot easier to design, plus, it is more likely to work with more browsers.
If you’re not sure whether or not your website is up to standard, contact Blackwave Creative. We will provide you with a complimentary website analysis.