After years of working with entrepreneurs who developed their first web site using an image-based editor, the new world of internet marketing has placed a stronger emphasis on web development that conforms to technical concerns such as search engine optimization and multi-browser compatibility.
Wigging Out
WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get, pronounced "whizzy wig") web site editing programs can allow anyone to develop rich, full-feature web sites without a working knowledge of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). Many of these programs feature a "drag and drop" user interface, accomplishing eye-catching web site development in much the same way one might perform desktop publishing.
However, many, if not most of these programs generate HTML files that oftentimes results in compatibility issues. A few key concerns in developing web sites using WYSIWYG editors include:
* Text content may not be positioned at the top of the HTML file, which search engines like Google use to determine search engine ranking;
* Font sizes may not be fixed, displaying garbled or overlapping text;
* Content placement may not appear uniformly in less popular, yet fully functional browsers;
* Future expandability of your web site may be limited to the program's design interface.
Although many WYSIWYG programs are capable of developing visually appealing web design, HTML automatically generated by the program for upload to the World Wide Web may limit your web site's compatibility and expandability, long-term.
Coding by Hand
Coding HTML by hand can be a challenging, yet worthwhile endeavor, as the flexibility of hand-coded HTML measurably outweighs the time required to become familiar with the language.
Although a relatively simple programming language, HTML is a diverse subject with many facets that can be used to create a dynamic, rich web presence. There are a number of on-line tutorials offering basic and advanced HTML guidance, as well as HTML's secondary offshoot languages, such as DHTML and XML. A search on Google (http://www.google.com) using terms such as "HTML how to" or "HTML tutorial" will produce a myriad of results for new and advanced programmers.
Coding your web site by hand not only allows for broadened aesthetic possibilities, but also provides greater flexibility for ensuring your site is optimized for search engine results and display compatibility.
Additional benefits of hand-coded HTML include:
* Wider range of design options such as of tables and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
* Faster page load, by reducing excess code generated by many WYSIWYG editors
* Increased compatibility with future expansion needs of your site, including forms, mini-applications (often referred to as scripts), and e-commerce features
On Second Thought
If the thought of developing your own web site sounds overwhelming, delegating the project to a third-party design firm may be the best choice. It's okay to stay focused on what makes you money ? supplying your products or services ? and allow others to compliment your business with their expertise.
There are many local and national design firms that specialize in web design for particular needs, such as small business or organizational web sites. Hiring the right web design firm can bring your business to a whole new level; be sure to perform thorough research, and compare service providers before choosing the right design partner for your business or organization.
Jim D. Ray is a seasoned web developer and president of Web Presence, a national web design firm exclusively serving the small business market sector. To learn more, or for a free quote for your own web site, visit the Web Presence web site at http://www.google.com.
one time home cleaning Highland Park ..Optimal website design is the art of logical navigation.It will... Read More
Are you aware that 90% of the websites on the... Read More
"How do I improve web site sales figures?" The CEO... Read More
One of the things that many people overlook when building... Read More
Starting a business online is no longer as difficult as... Read More
Q. Hey, Cathy: I'm just setting up a website. What... Read More
No matter the size of your business, having a web... Read More
One of the most useful features offered by some web... Read More
D.zigns dzignerwebs The Basics Before starting on... Read More
Appealing to others is really important when you have a... Read More
In about the Time it takes to Watch a Reality... Read More
It's now easier than ever to take payments on the... Read More
Web sites are an Ongoing Part of Business.All too many... Read More
Internet has opened a whole new world for web developers... Read More
Did you know that hosting companies overcrowd their servers despite... Read More
Every business needs to know how it is doing. That's... Read More
The process of Web application development is critical to the... Read More
An automated accessibility tool is a piece of software which... Read More
I'm a freelance programmer and somehow I managed to get... Read More
Before you jump into spending coutnless hours on designing and... Read More
People like to get immediate responses to requests. Autoresponders are... Read More
The internet has taken over our lives with a vengeance,... Read More
A website lets you put your products in front of... Read More
I had a client say something to me the other... Read More
--------------------------------Why Should You Create a website?--------------------------------A. What do you want... Read More
licensed cleaning services Park Ridge ..How popular is online shopping? And is there room for... Read More
First, an eye opener. Making your fortune through affiliate programs... Read More
What you should do and know if you are an... Read More
The first step in setting up an online business...Starting an... Read More
In 1995 a new era of accessibility for disabled people... Read More
With search engines putting a damper on direct reciprocal links,... Read More
The definition of the phrase "Content Management" depends on what... Read More
Every small business owner knows that they need a website,... Read More
Is your website Really useful?I had a 'rep' in yesterday... Read More
Cost Effective Advertising. Online selling. Increased geopgraphic range. Wider... Read More
Part of the success of most home-based businesses is their... Read More
A professional online reputation is essential to the flourishing of... Read More
You don't believe in astrology but you check your horoscope... Read More
Do you make your website just to entertain yourself or... Read More
One of the things that many people overlook when building... Read More
I'm a freelance programmer and somehow I managed to get... Read More
Website, website, website, everyone says you need one. But do... Read More
Today it seems everyone is jumping on the entrepreneur bandwagon,... Read More
Alternate medicine finds its own place in the hearts and... Read More
A website provides invaluable advantages for businesses who have one.7... Read More
Conceptualize, Build and Publish a Web site - What's required... Read More
Before you set up any scripts you will need some... Read More
One of the most important parts of establishing a new... Read More
Internet has opened a whole new world for web developers... Read More
Running an effective website is a continuous process. I have... Read More
Web Development |