WYSIWYG Versus Coding: HTML With A Purpose
by Jim D. Ray
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.
About the Author: 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
.
Source of article:
www.goarticles.com
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