A few years ago another major change happened behind the scenes in the web site developing process. This was the implementation of CSS into the basic HTML code that we all have learned and loved for years and years now. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) greatly improves the load speed of web site, improves compatibility across all browsers (though Internet Explorer 6 still loves to kick you in the pants sometimes) and many more customizable benefits. I dragged my feet on moving to all CSS based web site for a couple years for a couple reasons. Using the old standard ensured me that the web site design would work on a larger number of browsers and their older versions. Second, I personally developed quite fast, as I knew it like the back of my hand. However, we have reached that point in browser statics that there is no reason not to being using CSS in all web sites developed moving forward. I have been learning and developing in all CSS lately and have sped up my ability to the point where we are ready to move forward at the same rate that I used to develop, if not even faster now!

I wanted to bring this subject up to my clients, as it will not effect web sites that have been built a over a couple years ago. Those web sites are still fine just the way they are and no need to worry. However, any future redesigns would automatically include the recoding process to CSS inclusion.

Where it is still good to have strengths in good ole HTML, is when developing template layouts for email newsletter designs. Most mass email delivery services, such as Constant Contact, iContact and MobileStorm, strip out any CSS code submitted for deployment. This usually renders the client helpless with a broken design. Knowing how to position without CSS is very important in preventing doing your eblast design twice! So, always feel free to contact me if you need any help with this!

Let me know if you have any other questions with the difference in developing your new or old web site into the new CSS standard!

Kev!