5 Benefits of CSS Layout

When re-designing an existing web site, or starting a new one, clients often want to know why CSS based layouts are better. I faced such situations, and it was quite challenging to explain what benefits the client could get from the use of CSS. I definitely knew that it's the right way to code and it's more web standard compliant, but thinking about client's benefits I couldn't offer more than the argument that it's more Google-friendly.
So, I decided to make a little bit of research and brainstorming, and came out with 5 reasons why CSS layouts are better and smarter.

Google friendly
I'll start my list with the argument that CSS layouts make your web site more Google-friendly. This is because the CSS layout will contain only semantic information, and wouldn't be flooded with table elements. That makes it easier for Google to spot the truly important content without having to read 100 rows of useless code before it gets to the content. Benefit: Visitors will be able to find easier your web site.

Accessibility
As CSS permits to separate the content part, from the visual one, it makes the CSS web sites more accessible to web reading devices for disabled people. Also, it improves the experience of CSS designed web sites on different mobile devices and other types of media. Another important benefit will be the ability to switch different style sheets for various types of media. This is achieved without JavaScript, which makes it again easier and more accessible for the user. Benefit: CSS makes it easier to access your web site from mobile and special devices.

Easier maintenance and redesign
It is way much easier to maintain, modify or even completely redesign your web site, if it has a CSS based layout. This will cut your cost and save a lot of time on performing all the necessary changes. That's why I consider CSS a cutting cost technique. Benefit: CSS allows to saves time and cut cost.

Faster loading time
Statistically, CSS web sites have twice lighter code. They don't make the browser to pass twice through all the code, as it happens with table-based layouts, when the browser parses the code once for determination of the table structure, and then the second time for reading the content inside the table cells. Plus, CSS offers to choose the order of loading of all the elements. Benefit: CSS layouts offer better user experience, faster loading time and less server traffic.

Modern technologies and professionalism
Table based layouts are becoming history. It's like not using a mobile phone nowadays, or using always the usual mail service, instead of the electronic email. To be honest, I'm ashamed of the fact that some designers and developers still create table based layouts. There are tons of CSS web site galleries and showcases that show the beauty of CSS designs. On the other hand, I can't recall any of the table-based layout showcases. I strongly believe that every web designer who is more or less professional should create only CSS layouts. Benefit: Modern, clean, and smart structure of the site.