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Ten Common HTML Mistakes - Slushman

Updated 4/4/2026

Excerpt

## 1. Missing Character Encoding One of the most common mistakes is forgetting to specify the character encoding of the HTML document. This can lead to rendering issues, especially when handling special characters or different languages. To avoid this mistake, always include the following meta tag within the head of your HTML document: … ## 3. Improperly Formatted Tags Improperly formatted tags can cause issues with the structure and rendering of your HTML. Some common mistakes include: - Missing closing tags: Always ensure that each opening tag has a corresponding closing tag. - Mixing up self-closing and non-self-closing tags: Self-closing tags, like `<img />` and `<br />`, should not have closing tags, while others, like `<div>`, require both opening and closing tags. - Not using double quotes for attribute values: Attribute values should be enclosed in double quotes, like this: `<img src="image.jpg" alt="Description">`. … ## 4. Using Unsupported or Deprecated Tags and Attributes HTML evolves over time, and some tags and attributes become deprecated or unsupported in modern browsers. Avoid using tags like `<marquee>` and `<blink>`, as well as deprecated attributes like `marginwidth` on the `body` element or using `border=0` to style tables. Stay up-to-date with HTML standards and use supported tags and attributes for better compatibility and future-proofing your code. … ## 7. Making Spaces with Tags Creating spaces using inappropriate tags can result in poor code quality and unnecessary markup. Some examples include using multiple `<br>` tags or empty `<p>` tags. Instead, use CSS for spacing purposes or consider using appropriate HTML elements like `<div>` with proper styling. Separate content and presentation by using HTML for structure and CSS for styling. … ## 10. Not Using Semantic Tags Semantic tags provide meaning and context to the structure of your HTML document. Instead of using generic tags like `<div>` for everything, consider using semantic tags like `<header>`, `<nav>`, `<article>`, and `<footer>` to improve accessibility and search engine optimization. Take advantage of HTML5’s semantic elements to enhance the readability and structure of your code.

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