| After years of working with entrepreneurs who | | | | facets that can be used to create a dynamic, rich |
| developed their first web site using an image-based | | | | web presence. There are a number of on-line tutorials |
| editor, the new world of internet marketing has | | | | offering basic and advanced HTML guidance, as well |
| placed a stronger emphasis on web development | | | | as HTML's secondary offshoot languages, such as |
| that conforms to technical concerns such as search | | | | DHTML and XML. A search on Google ( using terms |
| engine optimization and multi-browser | | | | such as "HTML how to" or "HTML tutorial" will |
| compatibility.Wigging OutWYSIWYG (What You See | | | | produce a myriad of results for new and advanced |
| Is What You Get, pronounced "whizzy wig") web site | | | | programmers.Coding your web site by hand not only |
| editing programs can allow anyone to develop rich, | | | | allows for broadened aesthetic possibilities, but also |
| full-feature web sites without a working knowledge | | | | provides greater flexibility for ensuring your site is |
| of HTML (Hypertext Markup Language). Many of | | | | optimized for search engine results and display |
| these programs feature a "drag and drop" user | | | | compatibility.Additional benefits of hand-coded HTML |
| interface, accomplishing eye-catching web site | | | | include:* Wider range of design options such as of |
| development in much the same way one might | | | | tables and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)* Faster |
| perform desktop publishing.However, many, if not | | | | page load, by reducing excess code generated by |
| most of these programs generate HTML files that | | | | many WYSIWYG editors* Increased compatibility |
| oftentimes results in compatibility issues. A few key | | | | with future expansion needs of your site, including |
| concerns in developing web sites using WYSIWYG | | | | forms, mini-applications (often referred to as scripts), |
| editors include:* Text content may not be positioned | | | | and e-commerce featuresOn Second ThoughtIf the |
| at the top of the HTML file, which search engines like | | | | thought of developing your own web site sounds |
| Google use to determine search engine ranking;* Font | | | | overwhelming, delegating the project to a third-party |
| sizes may not be fixed, displaying garbled or | | | | design firm may be the best choice. It's okay to stay |
| overlapping text;* Content placement may not | | | | focused on what makes you money - supplying your |
| appear uniformly in less popular, yet fully functional | | | | products or services - and allow others to |
| browsers;* Future expandability of your web site | | | | compliment your business with their expertise.There |
| may be limited to the program's design | | | | are many local and national design firms that |
| interface.Although many WYSIWYG programs are | | | | specialize in web design for particular needs, such as |
| capable of developing visually appealing web design, | | | | small business or organizational web sites. Hiring the |
| HTML automatically generated by the program for | | | | right web design firm can bring your business to a |
| upload to the World Wide Web may limit your web | | | | whole new level; be sure to perform thorough |
| site's compatibility and expandability, long-term.Coding | | | | research, and compare service providers before |
| by HandCoding HTML by hand can be a challenging, | | | | choosing the right design partner for your business or |
| yet worthwhile endeavor, as the flexibility of | | | | organization.Jim D. Ray is a seasoned web developer |
| hand-coded HTML measurably outweighs the time | | | | and president of Web Presence, a national web |
| required to become familiar with the | | | | design firm exclusively serving the small business |
| language.Although a relatively simple programming | | | | market sector. |
| language, HTML is a diverse subject with many | | | | |