Know and understand the content layer is used to enter the content and create the structure of a web page

Published by Patrick Mutisya · 14 days ago

Website Authoring – The Content Layer

Website Authoring – The Content Layer

What is the Content Layer?

The content layer is the middle tier in the three‑layer model of website authoring. It is where the actual text, images, tables, lists and other information that the visitor will read or interact with are entered. Unlike the presentation layer (which controls visual style) and the behaviour layer (which adds interactivity), the content layer defines the logical structure and meaning of the page.

Key Functions of the Content Layer

  • Enter and organise the textual and multimedia material for a web page.

  • Create a hierarchical structure using headings, sections and containers.

  • Mark up information semantically so that browsers, search engines and assistive technologies can interpret it correctly.

  • Provide a foundation that can be styled (presentation layer) and enhanced (behaviour layer) without altering the core content.

Common HTML Elements Used in the Content Layer

ElementPurposeExample
<h1>–<h6>Define headings and sub‑headings to create a logical hierarchy.<h1>Main Title</h1>
<p>Paragraph – the basic block of text.<p>This is a paragraph of content.</p>
<ul> & <ol>Unordered (bulleted) and ordered (numbered) lists for grouping items.<ul><li>Item 1</li><li>Item 2</li></ul>
<li>List item – used inside <ul> or <ol>.<li>First point</li>
<table>Organise data in rows and columns.<table>…</table>
<a>Create hyperlinks to other pages or resources.<a href="https://www.example.com">Visit Example</a>
<img>Embed images (alternative text provided for accessibility).<img src="photo.jpg" alt="Description">
<section> & <article>Semantic containers for related content blocks.<section>…</section>
<nav>Identify navigation links.<nav>…</nav>

Creating Page Structure with Headings and Sections

Headings (<h1>–<h6>) establish a clear outline. A typical page might start with a single <h1> for the main title, followed by <h2> for major sections, and <h3> for subsections. Using <section> or <article> elements groups related headings and content, improving readability and SEO.

Lists and Tables for Organising Information

Lists are ideal for step‑by‑step instructions, feature bullet points, or ordered procedures. Tables are best for presenting tabular data such as schedules, price lists, or comparison charts. Both structures keep the content logical and accessible.

Embedding Links and Media

Hyperlinks (<a>) connect the page to other resources. The href attribute holds the target URL, while the link text should be descriptive. Images (<img>) are placed within the content layer, and the alt attribute provides a text alternative for users who cannot see the image.

Best Practices for the Content Layer

  1. Use semantic HTML elements to convey meaning, not just visual appearance.

  2. Maintain a single <h1> per page and follow a logical heading order.

  3. Provide meaningful link text; avoid generic phrases like “click here”.

  4. Include alt text for every image to support accessibility.

  5. Keep content separate from style – avoid inline styling in the content layer.

  6. Validate the HTML to ensure it conforms to standards.

Suggested diagram: Layered model of website authoring showing Presentation, Content, and Behaviour layers.