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How, then, does one go about creating a page from a content-centric point of view? Let’s compress it into a simple step-by-step list of instructions:

1. Using a text editor, write the content of the document; i.e., every piece of information that will appear on the page.
2. Add semantic markup to the content, marking up paragraphs, lists, tables, emphasis, etc. Also add the ‘formal’ parts of the HTML document: the DOCTYPE declaration, the HEAD element, BODY tags, etc. (This step is often combined with the previous one.)
3. If appropriate, replace parts of the content with images that illustrate or complement the text. Use the replaced text as the ALT attribute for each image. Add any decorative images (those that illustrate the article, but do not convey any relevant information). Use an empty ALT attribute (alt="") for those images.
4. Create the CSS style sheet. Start with generic rules, i.e., rules that use simple element type selectors. Specify rules for basic things like font family and line height, preferably on the HTML element. Specify explicit margins and padding for all element types, since the defaults differ between browsers.
5. Add rules for the page layout, using floats and/or absolute positioning. Make sure to use relative units (em or %). At this stage, it will usually be necessary to add ID and CLASS attributes to the markup. Most layouts will also require a few wrapping DIV elements to group page components.
6. Add the remaining CSS rules that will handle things like background images (which may be created from a comp), colours, borders, etc. If you’re styling links, don’t forget the a:focus pseudo-class, which is vitally important to users who navigate by keyboard. (Internet Explorer or “IE” doesn’t support it, but incorrectly implements a:active for keyboard focus instead.)

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