A website is coded with various programming languages. The code is then interpreted by your browser like Internet Explorer and Firefox. If the code is not applied properly, each browser may display the website differently. It is important to apply code compliance as governed by the W3C, a governing body that sets the standards for code compliance.

Currently, web developers do not have to abide by any strict coding rules. If a symbol is skipped, or earlier scripting techniques are implemented, the internet police will not show up. However, the browser must work harder to interpret poorly coded websites which leads to numerous other issues. You the client will have no idea whether the website was structurally designed properly or not.

Lack of code compliance is not always visible. Since most people typically use one browser, they may not see the discrepancies their clients may experience. In some cases the website will fail to form. Do not expect your visitors to call you and keep you informed. Chances are they left and went to your competitor.

The bigger issue comes with new browsers that may be equipped with stricter code compliance rules. Quite often, a web designer will make a website with current browser compliance only. Since 98% of websites are full of serious errors (we checked, joking), chances are very high you will be recruiting the services of your web designer again, at much higher rates, to update your website.