Why use web standards?

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Web standards are recommended technologies provided by World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), in order to define and describe web based content. These technologies can be interpreted in different ways, giving a different meaning to users, search engines and devices used to browse the web. If web standards are used the way they are supposed to be used, they are invaluable tools when building a website.

Webranking and web standards’ criteria

When the Webranking team ranks corporate websites, one of the ranking criteria is the web standards criteria, which measures the quality of the technique interpretation on the websites. The better use of web standards, the better the ranking score.

Web standards are good for search engine optimization

The way web standards can be used, makes it easier to develop websites where the focus is on the actual content and the user. Different parts of the content can be given different meanings, making it easier for search engines to know what is important on your website and what is not.

The possibility to structure your web documents in a correct way to convey a message gives a huge advantage - well-written content combined with good web standards is the perfect recipe for your ranking in search engines. Better search engine ranking means increased traffic on your website, paving the way for more potential customers, partners and business opportunities.

Web standards are good for accessibility

Web standards do not only ensure that your website will be accessible, they also provide a good base to build upon when building websites aimed at a wide audience.  Accessible websites are websites that can be accessed through different types of devices and by different types of visitors. Good accessible websites give any user a good experience, no matter of disability or not.

By using web standards the correct way and with accessibility in mind, you have a huge opportunity to build a great website that anyone can access, through any type of browsing device. This maximizes the number of potential visitors for your website.

Today, more and more companies realize a well developed accessibility strategy is really important if you want your website to success. Also, several countries have advisory agencies specialized in promoting development for government websites. For instance, UK government websites are, by law, required to fully comply with the web content accessibility guidelines.

Web standards mean faster page loading and reduced band width

Websites built with web standards in a correct way are well structured websites, meaning that what matters the most is what the user receives. By focusing on delivering the content as clean as possible, the page weight of each page is reduced. This means, pages are smaller and load faster, which your visitors will like. Also, you will save server band width, which is not free of charge.

Websites built with web standards cost less and are easier to maintain

Development with web standards means web pages are well-structured and different techniques are separated. Websites that are built this way cost less and are easier to maintain for developers. Well-structured code is self documenting, making it easier to see how something is built.

Using web standards mean building better websites with reduced development time and lower development cost.

Use web standards for future compliance

By using today’s web standards, you can ensure that your web documents will be readable in the future. W3C aim to develop techniques that are future-proof and by using today’s techniques and separating them, you increase the chance of future-proof web documents.

Show that you care

By using web standards and focusing on accessibility when building great websites, you show that you care about what is good for your audience. You show that you think it is important that your audience gets a good user experience, no matter how your website is accessed. This makes you look professional and increases the chance to get the business opportunities you want.

By using web standards the way they are supposed to be used today, combining them with a thorough accessibility and search engine optimization implementation, you can gain an advantage before your competitors can.

For more information:

H&H has deep knowledge and vast experience in building corporate websites, services and intranets using web standards.

If you have any questions regarding this article, please contact:

Martin Söderlund
+46 8 407 20 52