When it comes to building websites, ‘modern web standards’ is a term you’ll often hear. But what does it actually mean? Simply put, modern web standards are best practices designed to ensure that websites are fast, easy to use and accessible to everyone. By following these guidelines, we can make sure websites not only look great but also work smoothly across all devices and browsers.
Here’s a quick rundown of the key components:
1. Code Validation
Code validation means checking the code to make sure it follows established rules. This helps guarantee that the website works properly across different browsers. When the code is clean and well-structured, your site will perform consistently, no matter how people access it. Clean code also makes it easier to maintain and update your site in the future. If you ever want to add features or make changes, developers can do it more easily without breaking things.
2. Responsive Design
Responsive design is all about making sure your website looks great and works well on any device, whether it’s a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. It automatically adjusts the layout to fit the screen size, giving users the best experience possible no matter how they access your site. This not only keeps visitors happy but also helps with search rankings, as Google loves mobile-friendly sites!
3. Accessibility
Web accessibility is all about making sure everyone, including people with disabilities, can easily navigate and use your website. By following accessibility guidelines, web designers make sure that all users can have a positive experience — whether they use a keyboard, screen reader, or just need larger fonts. It’s about inclusivity.
4. User Experience (UX)
Good user experience is all about making your website easy and enjoyable to use. If your visitors can find what they need quickly and easily, they’ll have a much better experience. A website with great UX is intuitive and users don’t feel frustrated trying to navigate through it.
5. Performance
Nobody likes a slow website. A site’s performance is all about how fast it loads and how smoothly it operates. A fast website keeps users engaged and encourages them to stick around longer. Plus, search engines like Google prefer sites that perform well, which can boost your rankings and get your site noticed more.
Using Google PageSpeed Insights, we can see the before and after performance score of a website built on Wix vs. Astro:
Wix
Astro rebuild
6. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
SEO is the magic that helps your website get noticed in search engine results. When your website is SEO-optimized, it becomes easier for potential visitors to find you. It’s all about making sure the right content is in the right places and structured in a way that Google loves. The better your SEO, the better your chances of ranking higher in search results.
7. Security
Security is crucial. Nobody wants to visit a website where they feel their information could be compromsied. Implementing proper security measures keeps your site safe from hackers and protects users’ data. One of the most common security features is an SSL certificate (you’ll see this as “https” in your browser). It shows users your site is secure — something both visitors and search engines appreciate.
Why Following Modern Web Standards Matters
Following these modern web standards doesn’t just make your website look great — it ensures that it performs well, keeps users safe and is easy to find. By prioritising things like speed, accessibility and security, you’re not just creating a website — you’re creating a seamless, reliable experience for everyone who visits.
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Posted by AH WebTech