WYSIWYG Versus Coding: HTML With A Purpose

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.

---

Make Your Own Website - General Website Design Tips

Wow, we`ve already taken a domain and chosen a web... Read More

Enhance Your Website With A Yahoo-Style Directory

Does your website have a links/resources page?Do you exchange reciprocal... Read More

How To Get Your Customers To Trust Your Website

Research reveals three important facts:1) The Internet is one of... Read More

How Worldly is Your World Wide Web?

The growth in Internet usage around the world is astounding... Read More

Your Future Profit Is In The Stars

You don't believe in astrology but you check your horoscope... Read More

High Quality Website at Low Cost

Although designing a great web site is an important part... Read More

Why Should Your Business Go O.N.L.I.N.E.

Optimize your time. How much time each day must you... Read More

Do Dancers Need A Website?

Dance is how you pamper your soul and satiate your... Read More

Email Addresses in Web Pages

You want to give your site's visitors a way to... Read More

Things to Consider Before Starting a Website

In the time that I have been using the Internet,... Read More

Getting a Web Site Can Be Fast, Easy, and Inexpensive When You Know Your Options

So what do you do if need to get a... Read More

Increase Hits to Help Increase Your Business

In this day and age most businesses consider having their... Read More

Developing A Website: 10 Tips For Getting Started

1. Be clear on your purpose.Building a website can be... Read More

7 Questions to Understand Your Customer Better

Customer service questionnaires can help your clients better understand their... Read More

Should You Design Your Own Website?

If you're anything like most small business owners, you probably... Read More

How To Make Your Website More Successful? (Part I)

Building a website and getting it online is easy. Driving... Read More

Successful Web Development: 10 Key Elements

There are many elements that are key to successful web... Read More

Study Your Sites Performance Via Hit Tracking

Knowledge is power.And undoubtedly, it is the key to making... Read More

Is Your Website Doomed for Failure Before Youve Built It?

One of the things that many people overlook when building... Read More

Three Way Linking - Webmaster Strategy

Three way linking and concerns.For many years SEO experts were... Read More

Remember This When Building A New Site - Beginners Guide

I recently helped my mom to launch a website (www.mom2me.com)... Read More

Build a Web Site that Works...Even for a Safari Hobby!

My life's greatest passion is a safari hobby. And what... Read More

Frequent Business Question: How Do You Start a Web Business?

Today it seems everyone is jumping on the entrepreneur bandwagon,... Read More

Why to Have a Website for Your Company

After having decided to start a business, the next thing... Read More

Revealing the Firefox Secret Used by Top Web Developers and Power-Browsers

Profiles are one of the best kept secrets around regarding... Read More

4 Marketing Tips for Resourceful Webmasters!

The internet is a sea of knowledge. Getting your information... Read More

Having a Domain Name And Web Site Gives Your Business The Key To The Door

Just like all things in life, the ways to run... Read More

10 Tips For Running A Profitable Web Site

1. Address your targeted audience on your business site. Example:... Read More

Track Your Visitors, Using PHP

There are many different traffic analysis tools, ranging from simple... Read More

What Business Owners MUST Know BEFORE They Commit To Having A Web Site

Q1.Why would I need a web site? A1.- Improve my... Read More

7 Tips to Make Your Order Page Work Harder

So your prospect, Mary, is sitting at the computer reading... Read More

2 Key Ways to Make Your Site a Success

If one more business owner tells me their website sucks... Read More

Content Management ? The New Standard in Web Design

The evolution of web development parallels the model of technology... Read More