Some time ago, I read a Dutch blog about websites that are validated with the w3.org validator. Basically a passed validation says that you comply with specific HTML standards.

As in many things, complying with standards makes live easier. On the other hand, because almost nobody validates the margin for error is large.

But my question is: what does it doe for SEO?

SEO and valid websites

Several websites claim that HTML valid websites (can) improve your ranking in Google:

• Marketingdefined: Valid HTML Code Crucial to SEO
• New Sun Graphics: Why Valid Source Code Matters for SEO
• hobo-web.co.uk: SEO Test - Google Prefers Valid HTML & CSS

Opposite, there are several articles stating that it does not make a difference.

• Searchenginejournal: W3C Compliance Impact on SEO en SEO & Importance of Valid Source Code (W3C validation)
• SEOContest2008: W3C Code Validation is NOT Important In Search Engine Ranking

There are several remarks about the articles that state that validation is important for SEO. For example the article of hobo-web.co.uk is a nice read but it is not clear whether the test is done correctly as is mentioned in the comments to that article. The piece marketingdefined is too radical. They have the opinion that if you miss a bracket this could cost you indexation. I think that such situation is too hypothetical.

The articles written on Searchenginejournal and New Sun Graphics seem to be the most balanced.

Searchenginejournal
Searchenginejournal emphasizes that valid code does not necessarily help. They emphasize however that non valid code can damage your ranking. If the errors are too frequent or too large, searchengines may have difficulties indexing your site.

New Sun Graphics
New Sun Graphics also notes that small errors probably do not kill your ranking. Nevertheless, the indexing by spiders may be interfered be certain errors. Since SEO is a game of details, why would you take the risk of using non valid code?

Matt Cutts
Matt Cutts seems to follow the same route as the last two articles. In his video, Optimize for Search Engines or Users?, he answers a question about valid coding. He says “normal people write code with errors”. Moreover he notes that it is not a signal yet but could be in the future. He concludes by saying that you probably have more effect by working on good content instead of valid code.

Other reasons to make valid websites

Non valid websites trust the error correction of browsers. You could help the rendering by providing valid code.

Valid code does not mean that your website will look the same in all browsers. Different browsers have different interpretations, often of CSS rendering. Valid code does not prevent these errors but may minimize errors.

If you would like to test the compatibility of your website with other browsers, use browsershot.org. You can test your website on several platforms, such as Linus, Windows, Max OS en BSD. Secondly, you can select several browsers and other settings such as resolution.

Concluding

There are several reasons to make your website W3C valid.

• Better chances for good rendering in different browsers.
• Decrease dependency on error correction of browsers.
• You could give a speed boost to your websites.
• A small group of users values good coding. Especially if your target audience are webmasters and scripters.

Bottom line is that valid coding in principle does not improve your ranking. It is bad coding that can decrease your ranking if the errors are so big that the spider has difficulties reading your page. Why take the risk? Hire a scripter for a few bucks to repair the worst errors.

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