What Is W3C Compliance? The W3C is the World Wide Web Consortium and since 1994 the W3C has provided the guidelines by which websites and web pages should be structured and created. The rules they outline are based on the best practices and while websites don't have to comply to be viewed correctly in Internet Explorer and other popular browsers that cater to incorrect design practices, there are a number of compelling reasons to ensure that you or your designer ensure that the W3C guidelines are followed and that your site is brought into compliance. Some reasons for insuring your site is W3C compliant include:

• Compliance help ensure accessibility for the disabled.
• Compliance helps ensure that your website is accessible from a number of devices; from different browsers to the growing number of surfers using PDA's and cellular phones.
• Compliance will also help ensure that regardless of the browser, resolution, device, etc. that your website will look and function in the same or at least a very similar fashion.
• Compliance makes it easier for search engines to find and navigate your site.
• Compliant sites are ranked higher by search engines so your page shows up closer to the top of in a search!
• To be compliant, web pages are designed using CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). A good website will designed entirely in CSS instead of outdated coding and techniques.

A very good site to help you use and understand CSS is Zen Garden.