Why Validate?
As the internet grew more popular, more and more people started building web sites. It became clear that they needed to follow some rules so that their pages would be seen as they intended on the web.
The W3C organization was formed to establish rules that would change as the technology developed.
If your code is not valid your pages may work or may not. Programs that validate code are available on the www. This is the first step to take if your code is not working as expected or just not working.
This page uses CSS to format the content. The page expands to fit your browser window. The CSS code for this page has been validated according to W3C standards.
Why Be Accessible?
Many people who use, need, and work using computers have problems with mobility, vision, or hearing. Websites must be built to accommodate every person possible.
It is simple to be sure every graphic has an "alt" tag or a description of that gaphic. Also, pages need to be built so that a "reader" can interpret your page for people who have difficulty seeing. The size of text and color choices for your pages can determine who will take the time to really look at your site.
By coincidence, search engines will rate your site higher if you code is readable.
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How Do I Get The Website I Always Wanted?
1. Should I do it myself or hire someone to build the site for me? There are free website building tools available as well as ones that can cost a lot of money. Website tools are also available from companies that sell domain names and provide space on their servers for your website. Here are some things you might consider before taking on the task of building your site.
1. How much time do I have to devote to building my site?
2. Do I have the skills and knowledge to build a site that people like to visit over and over again, a site that will sell my products?
3. If I am going to depend on search engines to help people find my site, will have the time to learn and implement what the search engines will look for?
2. How do I choose a person to design my website? There are probably thousands of people out there wanting to build your site. The problem is deciding who. These are the things to look for.
1. Someone who has designed sites that you like.
2. Someone who has knowledge or interest in the area you want your site to be about.
3. Someone who will listen to what you say and will answer your questions honestly.
3. How do I put my site out on the world wide web (www)? Think of it like this. The pages that make up your website are the parents and children in a family. The domain name is the family’s last name. The space on the server is the address where the family resides.
This is how it works. The same company that offers domain names will probably offer several plans that sell you space on their servers. You send (upload) the files that make up your site to the server and they make it available to the www. The thing to look for in their website is straight forward information about what they offer. Pick out a couple of companies and call their toll free number. Ask questions. If they do their best to help you through the maze of purchasing space on their server then they will probably be good to work with. If not, cross them off the list. Compare prices and pick a company that offers dependability, longevity, workability, and a range of available services. They will also help you with what to use to upload your files to their server.
Just a note on domain names… If you have already purchased your domain name then you are not necessarily stuck with that company to sponsor your site. Just as a family can move to another house, your domain name can be “pointed” to another company’s server. The server then connects your transferred domain name to your website.
4. How will I make changes to my site? You can make changes to your site rather easily if you use a wysiwyg (what you see is what you get) website editor. There are several good free ones out there. You might consider purchasing an older version of a product since it would cost less than a new version. Also, the person who develops your site can give you instructions on how to change the code and how to upload the changed files to the server.
Although changing your own site is not all that difficult, you may not want to bother or don’t have time. Most developers will offer a contract to maintain your site. This usually includes a specified number of changes during a period of time for a set cost. If at any time you wish to have your site redesigned or extensive changes made then contact the developer to see what can be done and how much it will cost.
5. Questions I should ask.
At what stages in development do I review what you have done?
What and when do I pay?
What happens if I want to make changes or add more material?
Do you sponsor websites?
Do you offer maintenance on websites?
What assurance do I have that you will complete and deliver my site?
What happens if you are not able to fulfill your obligations?
6. How much should I pay for my website? We usually get what we pay for in time or money. There are exceptions but this rule usually holds. As you search online for someone to build your site notice how much they charge and the quality of the sites they build. If costs are not listed on their site and they look like a possible choice then email the website designer for more information. The cost will usually depend on what you want and how soon you want it. At the beginning you may not know just what you want but, after you answer a few questions, the developer should be able to give you a ballpark figure.
Building a website is fun and fulfilling for both the person who wants the site, and the person who designs and develops the site. To do a good job requires a lot of work, but it is worth it.