Using Web Standards

By Drew Binkley / June 18, 2009

One of the biggest things we notice while surfing the web is how many designers/developers still do not use web standards when developing a website. Paying close attention to whether or not your website is standards-compliant is extremely important. It is not only important for you as a company or freelancer developing the website, but also your clients. Below is a quick list published in an article from one incredilbe resource, Smashing Magazine. These guys consistently put out quality articles, helpful information and resources that will keep you up-to-date in this industry. So if you haven't added them to your list of RSS feeds – do it now!

Article published by Smashing Magazine on June 19th, 2009.

10 Ways To Make Your Site Accessible Using Web Standards

1. Specify The Correct DOCTYPE
2. Define The Namespace And Default Language
3. Supply Proper Meta Tags
4. Use Accessible Navigation
5. Properly Escape JavaScript
6. Properly Escape HTML Entities
7. Use Only Lowercase Tags And Attributes
8. Label All Form Input Elements
9. Supply Alternative Content For Images
10. Use The "id" And "class" Attributes Correctly

Again, pay attention to the above list and you will be much better off in this industry... and your clients will appreciate it also.

Here are some helpful links regarding Web Standards:

• World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
• Web Standards Group (WSG)
• Web Standards Project

Other articles about Web Standards:

• Web Standards 2008: Three Circles of Hell (A List Apart)
• Ten reasons to learn and use web standards (456 Berea St)