Web Standards can save the internet.
I remain convinced that once businesses across the country learn the truth about the massive amounts of time and money being wasted on internet 'solutions,' web standards will become the norm in online publishing. Why? It's a business tool that answers the questions:
- 1. How do we increase revenue?
- 2. How do we reduce expenses?
- 3. How do we attract more customers?
- 4. How do we keep existing customers?
Consider the consequences if every child were home-schooled and taught a slightly different version of the alphabet. Or if every employee chose which programs they used at the office. That's the way things are on the internet today. Whether you use the web as a resource tool, or bank on making sales from your web site, it's important to know what language everyone is speaking.
Computer companies and internet service providers have created a world-wide-wreck of code that is slow, prone to disease and bloating. If you're reading this on a Windows based machine [and chances are good that you are], you more than likely have already taken steps to 'block' pop-up windows and protect yourself from viruses. But the cure for the internet seems to be a faster delivery system at an inflated price. There is a better way. And it costs less.
It won't change without you.
Businesses need to demand solutions that work for them, not the computer companies. Simple guidelines, "web standards," are a good start. If you travel overseas, you expect to pay more for language courses or an interpreter. It's the cost of doing business. Why pay extra to do business with someone across town? Most computers speak with a slightly different 'accent' and every 'solution' is just another band-aid. Bottom line: web standards give you the best chance of being heard today and tomorrow.
The truth is, spending money on upgrades, new technologies or a massive redesign will not translate into success. However, removing barriers between your business and your customers is a good start.
Why isn't this easier?!
Sending an email of your child's Christmas pictures to an AOL user should be easy. Not so fast. AOL users can't see MS Mail attachments. Those of us who do this for a living aren't quite sure why. Oh, there's a technical reason, but they just don't want to play together. AOL needs to answer to their shareholders, as does Microsoft. So each independently develops their 'better way' of giving the customer what they believe they want. People using Frontpage make pages only Internet Explorer can see. Is that in the manual? The ours is better business model has been around since someone suggested a car could be a color other than black.
The dirty little secret of the internet is that 'web standards' are really nothing new. HTML has worked pretty good over the years, and the new standards will work for decades to come. The W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) and WaSP (The Web Standards Project) are two groups helping define what works and what doesn't online. Web standards are the keys to the car, an instruction manual and a way to get everyone speaking the same language. 25 years ago when military strategists, academics and yes, your guessed it, rocket scientists populated the web, speaking in code was normal. Today it's a bit easier. Or, at least it should be.
You really can make this stuff easier.
For many small to medium sized businesses, the internet must seem like a slow drain. All you want is better results from your investment; better placement in the search engines; more orders for your widgets.
Google, AltaVista, Yahoo or MSN, lists lots of people who do exactly what you do. Make it easy to business with your company.
Today, web-standards are the future. Because even as new technologies develop, your pages are 'future-proof.' Information that is clear and easy to find. Web pages that load quickly and look attractive. All without a lot of 'geek-speak' to slow things down.
Web-Standards are not the answer to every question or challenge you face getting business from the internet. Web-standards are not a new solution or quick fix. Web-standards simply give your customers prompt service; clear answers; and a way of doing business that makes EVERYONE feel welcome. The fact that your new website will cost less to operate and maintain is a bonus. How it gets better results from the search engines is another story you may want to read.
Want to do more business online? Make your website easier to use. I'll be here when you need some help.
