Website Standards and Check-Lists

by Hiroshi on September 5th, 2008

In order to meet web standards while developing websites follow these guidelines and check-lists.

Follow w3c.org CSS and HTML rules
Use correct CSS and create a separate file and call it in pages
Use correct Doctype at the beginning of webpage
Use appropriate character set
Use Valid (X)HTML and Valid CSS
Use well structured code
Fix broken links
Fix JavaScript errors
Use all decorative images in the CSS
Mind accessibility for users
Use “alt” attributes used for all descriptive images
Use relative units rather than absolute units for text size
Check cross browser compatibility
Use accessible forms
Use sufficient colour brightness/contrasts
Use all links descriptive
Include detailed metadata
Mind basic usability
Use clear visual hierarchy
Use easy to understand navigation
Use about page, sitemap page and contact page and make them easy to find
For large sites, is there a search tool?
Use friendly URLs
Website should be loaded quickly
Put all java script functions into an external JS file and call that JS file inside page
Create good navigation based on list (ul, li)
GUI must be clean and user friendly
Implement clean and usable design
Create custom Error pages