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HTML: what it is and how we use it

HTML is the basic language of the web. It tells the browser what is a heading, a paragraph, a link or an image, which is how search engines and screen readers make sense of a page.

1. How it works

Every web page is made of HTML tags that describe its structure: headings, paragraphs, lists, links, images and forms. The browser builds what you see on screen from them.

2. Why it matters to a business

For a business this means well-written HTML gives the site a firm base: faster loading, better reading by search engines and accessibility for people with disabilities. A poor base is expensive to fix later.

3. How we use it

We write it cleanly and by meaning, not as a heap of generic blocks. The site loads faster, is easier to maintain and is easier for search engines to understand.

4. When it fits

It suits every website, because everything else builds on it.

5. What to watch for

Headings and image descriptions must match the content, otherwise search engines and screen readers understand the page less well.

6. In practice

We write HTML by hand and with meaning in mind: one main heading per page, properly marked navigation, lists where there is a list, and a description for every image. The page then makes sense even without styling, which is exactly what search engines and screen readers need.

7. Alternatives

The alternative is visual editors and template systems that generate the HTML for you. They are convenient, but the resulting code tends to be bulkier and full of needless layers. On a company website where speed matters, hand-written HTML usually pays off.

8. Common questions

Do I need to know HTML to have a website?

No. We build and hand over the site. If you want to change texts yourself, we show you where, without you having to read code.

Does HTML affect search rankings?

Indirectly, yes. A clear structure with one main heading and image descriptions helps Google understand what a page is about. HTML alone does not guarantee a ranking.

What is semantic HTML?

It means using tags for what they mean: a heading as a heading, a list as a list, navigation as navigation. The page is then understandable to people and machines alike.

If you need help with this, take a look at our Software development.

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