|
Author: Jim Ray Article source: http://www.tile.net/. Used with author's permission.
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.web-presence.net.
Keep Your Attention On What You Want
The ***trick*** is to become clear about what DO you want and to keep your attention on THAT!
The Seven Cs of Success
Get ready to sail the Seven C's - the Seven C's of Success that is. Get on
board and ride this ship to your destiny! There are Seven C's you must sail
if you wa...
Yahoo Drops Google: How To Flood Your Site With Traffic In The Next 48 Hours
It official Yahoo has dropped Google and will be using Inktomi's results to power their directory. Previously when you did a search at Yahoo the top sponsor ad...
Health Benefits Of Valerian
In this article we will discuss the Health benefits of valerian.
Stress Management Tip – Kick the Worry Habit
Worrying about things can bring on an incredible amount of stress. The saddest thing about worrying is that it is usually over things that have a low likelihood...
How Credit Works
Though it can affect a variety of aspects of everyday life, there are a large number of individuals who don't know exactly how credit works.
Keepsake Christmas Album
This keepsake Christmas album is a great way to preserve family memories by saving Christmas cards.
A Way for Search Engines to Improve
Wouldn't it be nice if the search engines could comprehend our impressions of search results and adjust their databases accordingly? Properly optimized web page...
Trading Tips No 8: Picking the Best Stock Market Price
Carefully thinking through your goal as a trader is of prime importance, when picking the best stock market price. It is very difficult if not impossible to mee...
How To Keep Your Resolutions and Reach Your Goals
Another year has flown by and here you are at the beginning of another year. This is a time when many people assess their life and make "new year resolutions" ...
Low Carb Diets - The South Beach Diet, Atkins Diet, Zone Diet, and More
There are many new popular diets out there. Here are some things to remember when deciding which diet program is best for you.
Shoppers Beware - Tis The Season
It's the number one complaint from consumers and it only takes a moment for you to become a victim. While you search for holiday bargains, identity thieves are ...
Positioned For Success - The Refined Art Of Taking A Chance
ARE YOU IN... OR OUT? Are you in or out of your comfort zone, that is? Remember a simple principle: action leads to results. One decision. One small action. ...
An Alternative to Aging
We, ourselves, are full of surprises. Our blossoming takes many forms, and a consistent yoga practice can be the springtime nurturing that brings hidden areas o...
What is a Personal Life Coach?
A personal life coach demystifies one of the newest and fastest-growing professions in the U.S., and one that increasing numbers of people are using to make rea...
Googles AdWords Select(tm) Groundbreaking Program
One of the absolute best online marketing processes available to any business today is Google's AdWords Select advertising program. It produces immediate result...
Simple Business Tactics Are Your Key To Success
In a world full of complications sometimes we overlook the simple things in life. We are so busy trying to work out our twisted problems that we miss out on the...
Increase Sum in Your Check Account with Follow-Ups
We'll be examining what makes follow up to prospects/customers so important on our online world today. Are you familiar with this scenario? Joined an affiliate...
Google Page Rank Explained
Page Rank (PR) is an algorithm used by Google to compute the relative importance of a particular webpage on the internet and assign it a numeric value from 0 (...
Hear the Voice of God: My Sheep hear My Voice
God is alive and he wants to talk to you, but can you recognize how he speaks? Jesus has paid the price and he has opened the door to reconcile his children to ...
Mortgage Refinancing Companies -- Choosing The Right One
Searching for a mortgage refinance company can be a daunting task. In a moderately sized city, there could be at least several major refinancing companies and s...
The Monkey And The Spreadsheet
Conflicting drives cause the mind to be restless. The article explains the concept of drives. Suggests a method of integrating opposing viewpoints in the mind....
M-Commerce Twice the Cash Value of E-Commerce
Catch the coming opportunity wave. A new technological age is dawning fast and the smart business man is rising early to meet it.
5 Scrapbooking Secrets for the Holiday Season
These 5 scrapbooking secrets are sure to bring out the best in all of your albums and pages. Though inexpensive, they are the wonderful ways to add memorable va...
|
Print this page