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WYSIWYG_Versus_Coding_HTML_With_A_Purpose
| 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.
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.
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