Anatomy of a website
What are websites made of?
You probably won't need to know how a website is made up, until it breaks down.
If the code underlying the site gets broken, your site might fall apart. If the styling gets damaged, your site will look a mess, and if your content is wrong, it will put people off.
You just need to understand that all the elements work together to create a fully functioning website.
Code – the skeleton and musculature
Your website uses Code behind the scenes to present what you and visitors to your site see on the screen.
If you want to see the code of any web site page, you can do so by right clicking and selecting View Page Source.
HTML code forms the framework or skeleton of a site, PHP, Javascript and other code provide the muscle which does the heavy lifting of information to and from the database.
Using website builders and Content Management Systems you can build a web site in a visual way without having to learn code.
Style – the DNA and outer skin
The colours and other elements such as fonts and icons can be controlled using Style Sheets. Most web site builders or content management systems allow you to manage these elements without any knowledge of coding.
Style sheets ensure consistency in presentation of your Brand across all pages of your site.
Content – the heart and soul of your website
Web sites would be pretty faceless without a logo, and most contain at least a few images. These images, including icons, should be ones you legally have a right to use.
Images and text form the content of your web site and together tell your story and invite visitors to engage with you, your business or organisation.
When properly optimised, the Content helps your site’s search engine rankings.
Interactive Elements – communication and engagement
From basic contact forms and maps to online shops and booking forms, the elements that interact with your visitors form an important part of your reputation.
On most web sites these elements are created using plugins or extensions to the basic system.
Speed – nobody likes a slow site
It is not only humans that shy away from a slow site, Google and other search engines consider website load times as part of their ranking system.
Legal & other responsibilities
Website Accessibility – towards inclusivity
In America there have been some landmark cases of web sites being prosecuted because they were not accessible to people with certain disabilities. It is only a matter of time before other countries adopt a similar policy to the US ADA.
Website Privacy – handling visitor data
GDPR is a legal requirement covering websites anywhere in the world which collect, store or use data regarding EU citizens. You need to make sure your site is GDPR compliant.
Payment Processing – SSL and encryption
If you accept payment for goods or services via you website, you need to consider PCI compliance. You will also need an SSL certificate even if card details are only handled by your 3rd party payment processor, e.g Paypal, Worldpay or Stripe.
Security – proactive is better than reactive
Hackers don’t just deface sites, they also steal data and inject malicious scripts which can harm visitors’ computers. They don’t just target big businesses. Any site is a potential target.
Secure hosting and proper site maintenance are essential.
Ecommerce – Trading Standards and Distance Selling Regulations
Online retailers are governed by the same laws as those on the High Street. In addition, the Distance Selling Regulations give consumers additional rights
https://www.gov.uk/online-and-distance-selling-for-businesses
