Websites - Aim for Standards and Stop Getting Ripped Off
Date Published: Saturday, February 02, 2008



Is your website one of these and how much did you pay?

The above illustration shows the results of a recent survey. The tests were based on a random selection of 100 websites and clearly shows us that ALL the websites tested are in some way affected by poor programming. Poor programming has a negative impact on our websites, as a business - our bottom line and our website visitors.

As a Professional, ask yourself these two questions:

Q1: "In my line of work, am I able to provide sub standard products or services to my clients and charge them for it?"

Q2: "I paid for my website, but am I sure it's properly programmed and there are no errors?"

Well, only you can truly answer question one, though we're fairly certain your answer is "no!" However, what about question two? Can you answer yes...want to find out?

Take the Tests

XHTML Conformity:- Click Here to take the test. Then, simply type your web address in the box provided including the http://www. When you have completed the test, hit your browser back button to return to this page.

CSS Conformity:- Click Here to take the test. Then, simply type your web address in the box provided including the http://www. When you have completed the test, hit your browser back button to return to this page.

Accessibility Issues:- Click Here to take the test. Then, simply type your web address in the box provided including the http://www. When you have completed the test, hit your browser back button to return to this page.

The Results?

Keeping it simple to understand. Essentially, if you see green, your good to go. However, If you see red your site failed the test.

So, are you glad or sad? Does your site conform? What does it mean for you?

---

Websites, Aim For Web Standards - Stop Getting Ripped Off

Categorically, there is absolutely no need for you to spend thousands of pounds on building a website where you want to show information about your products and services, or if you want an ecommerce website where your website visitors can order and pay for goods online.

At the other end of the scale, there is also absolutely no need for you to accept sub standard, poor quality built websites just because you perhaps have a smaller budget. Why should you accept poorly optimised images, poor quality page coding, code errors, page errors, accessibility issues, non compliant CSS and non compliant XHTML websites and pages.

Shocking though, all this may seem, incredibly it appears to be the norm. What is more shocking though, is that businesses are paying for it and, for most, probably totally unaware that they are doing so!

In a recent survey including one hundred websites (see illustration above), we uncovered some remarkable findings. In an age where we seem to be pushing for standards, across all industries not just this one, its amazing that some website designers can't go that little extra distance. If you were one of the websites that we surveyed in the above illustration, how annoyed might you be to find your website doesn't cut it?

So, what's the problem? For some, it's probably laziness, for others? Lack of understanding. Whatever the reason though, as business website owners we need to understand that this can have a negative impact on our website and our business

So, Why Aim For XHTML and CSS Standards?

Interoperable and Portable - Properly structured XHTML standards documents can be reformatted for use on a wide variety of display devices, including cell phones, PDAs, and other handheld devices.

Improves Standardization - By imposing stricter rules, XHTML removes some of the vagueness and inconsistency that has plagued HTML code. This makes it easier for browsers, search engines, and users to properly interpret the page.

Improved Accessibility - XHTML documents are more accessible, which means that they work better with screen readers and other adaptive technologies. It also means that they score better with search engines.

Enforces best practices: Many of the recommended best practices for HTML are requirements in XHTML.

Encourages Cleaner Code. XHTML continues the HTML 4 movement toward separating presentation from content. The XHTML markup designates document structure. Presentation is handled by CSS styles. This makes your Web sites easier to build and maintain...keeping the cost of production down and enables you to reach a wider audience!

Notice the last comment. By adopting web standards, we're actually doing ourselves and our business bottom line a favour. Not only can we save cash by making our websites compliant, we have the ability to reach a wider audience, which is a massive plus if you are selling products and services from your website - Right?

Where do you go from here?

Well, that pretty much depends on the results of the above conformity tests. If your site failed the tests then of course, the action to take is correct it. How much that will cost you depends on the company providing you with website services. But keep this is mind and ask yourself one more question..."As a professional, do I charge my clients extra for providing a 'quality' standard of service or do I provide a quality service as standard?

If you have been affected by any of the issues included in this article and would like help in resolving those issues, please review our WEBmatters service for more information.