Why is Cross-browser Compatibility of a Website Important for SEO?
Cross-browser compatibility of a website implies the ability of a website to support various web browsers. It is related to a website’s functionality more than its appearance. As a result, it implies that the website should perform efficiently across various web environments. Users can have their preferred web browser, which means that the web developers and web visitors might not use the same browser. Different browsers, such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, etc., have their compatibility standards. Hence, website owners need to ensure that their website works seamlessly on all platforms. In this regard, you can get the help of a web development company in Ontario to ensure cross-browser compatibility with their website.
3 benefits of cross-browser compatibility for your website
Cross-browser compatibility is beneficial for owners and site visitors. Let’s discuss their importance further.
Improve user experience
Cross-browser compatibility can help improve the user experience of a website in the following ways.
- Consistent website appearance and functionality—Cross-browser compatibility ensures that your website appears and functions the same way across various browsers. As a result, regardless of the browsers your audience uses, they will enjoy a consistent experience. This will further help improve a positive and professional brand impression.
- Seamless navigation—Compatibility across all browsers will help ensure users can efficiently navigate through your website, access its features, and interact with it without any issues, regardless of the browsers they use.
Enhance reach and accessibility
Cross-browser compatibility can also help improve audience reach and accessibility.
- Reach a wider audience—Each browser may have its own user base. Cross-browser compatibility ensures you can effectively engage with audiences regardless of their preferred web browsers.
- Accessibility—Cross–browser compatibility can help ensure accessibility to users with disabilities. By ensuring that your website is compatible with browser-specific accessibility features, you can help improve the website experience for all users.
Improve SEO
Cross-browser compatibility can also help improve your website’s SEO performance.
- Improve search rankings – Search engines prefer displaying websites compatible with various browsers and devices. Hence, cross-browser compatibility can help improve your website’s rankings on Search Engine Result Pages (SERPs)
- Better visibility across browsers and devices— Cross-browser compatibility can also help ensure your website is accessible across various browsers and devices, thereby improving user experience.
8 tips to ensure cross-browser compatibility of your website
Web developers consider the following aspects to ensure cross-browser compatibility of a website. Let’s discuss further.
Keep your codes simple
Web developers write reusable functions that can be used whenever needed. As a result, if any issues develop, you have to use only one file to fix them instead of using different files. This will also help reduce the chance of making mistakes.
Define a doctype
At the start of your HTML file, define the language of the written code to help browsers interpret it properly.
Validation of website code
Web developers might use a Validator to check HTML and CSS coding before uploading the website. If there is invalid code, it can be challenging to sort it out.
Using CSS rules
Web developers ensure consistency of the CSS reset rule across all browsers. The reason is that the default settings of these web browsers can vary, which can lead to various issues.
Development in a single browser
When building a website, it is better to test it in a single web browser at a time. Once the web developers are satisfied with the results of one browser, they test it on other browsers as well.
Different browser quirks
Web developers must test the website in different latest web browsers, such as Opera, IE, Firefox, etc. The reason is that these browsers may have quirks mode associated with them.
Providing Fallbacks
Some browsers support JavaScript and Flash. It is better to provide fallbacks in situations where these features might not be supported.
Perform manual coding
Web developers may also rely on manual coding instead of using software for coding HTML and CSS to ensure cross-browser compatibility.
You can hire web development services in Ontario to build websites that can be accessed seamlessly across all browsers. HireH Consulting is a web development agency that can help build efficient websites, regardless of your business types. You can hire them for your web design and development needs.
