The Importance of Compatibility
|
By Kalena Jordan Have
you ever looked at a web site that wasn’t quite right? Perhaps the content
didn’t fit properly in a frame or the text was all skewed across the page? Or
even worse, you get error messages for parts of a site that just won’t load in
your browser, yet your colleagues can see it perfectly? Welcome
to the world of browser incompatibility. This happens when a site is designed
for a particular type of browser, (ie Microsoft’s Internet Explorer or
Netscape’s Navigator) or even a specific version of that browser, without any
consideration for persons viewing the site using different browsers or older
versions. You see, a very flashy corporate site that might look fantastic in
version 4.0 or 5.0 of Internet Explorer can end up looking like a child’s
finger painting in Navigator 3.0 and vice versa.
Another
short cut development firms sometimes take is with search engine compatibility.
The creation of site META tags in the HTML code and the inclusion of key search
terms relating to site content in the body text can make a world of difference
to how a web site ranks in search engines. Known as site optimization, this value-added service takes a little more
time within the site build, but can ensure the client site receives the maximum
exposure in search engines and consequently, much more site traffic. Some web
development firms don’t even bother to register the site with major search
engines, let alone know how to optimize the site for better search engine
performance. There
are companies I've heard of that have had a web site for a number of years but
have no idea how it is performing, why persons are complaining about errors or
why it isn’t receiving traffic. They’ve been ripped off by sub-standard web
developers who either don’t know, or don’t care enough about web
compatibility to do an adequate job. Fortunately,
this lack of compatibility can be reversed. Even sites that have been launched
some time ago can be analysed, tested and re-designed for browser compatibility
as well as optimized for search engines. What’s more, site performance can now
be measured by sophisticated site traffic measurement and search engine ranking
software. Comprehensive site logs (or visitor statistics) can give you a
good indication of how your site is performing over a long period. These
statistics are an extremely useful management/analysis tool
because it enables site stakeholders to interpret visitor trends and identify
areas needing improvement. It is particularly useful for justifying/curbing
Internet expenditure and planning for future site expansion. There
will always be sub-standard web development firms that try to cut corners with
web site production. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for second best.
Armed with the knowledge of what compatibility standards your site should meet,
you can insist your site is tested and up to scratch well before launch.
The above article may be
re-published as long as the content remains unchanged and the following
paragraph is included at the end of the article, including the URL link. Article by Kalena
Jordan, CEO of Web Rank.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
