Modern web technology has evolved over the years, and is indeed still evolving. The w3c has introduced standards for XHTML and CSS code for coders to follow to aid accessibility and attempt to have one central standard that all sites should follow.
Traditionally websites have been coded using HTML - a language intended to be used for displaying simple data. Over time people have found ways to make it do more interesting things and make sites much more visually appealing. In doing so, code became bloated, poorly accessible and greatly unnecessary. With the introduction of CSS and XHTML standards, it is now possible to leave this behind. Below are a number of advantages to switch to (or indeed start out with) these modern standards.
Cleaner Code
In the past HTML site were largely based around tables. Tables within tables within tables - which becomes very complex to look at in your text editor, and it's the same story for browsers trying to interpret it. You would find blank images here and there creating space on the page where needed. It's not a pretty picture. XHTML/CSS code is much simpler. The styling is separated out and controlled totally by CSS, meaning there is nothing cluttering up your HTML. Tables aren't required to make things display correctly, and the end result is code that is a lot leaner, quicker and easier to work with.
Faster Loading Times
XHTML and CSS is much leaner that HTML was previously. Less code is needed to make things work, and browsers can interpret the code much quicker. Ironically as connection speeds increase (as broadband becomes commonplace in homes) websites are getting smaller in size. This is great news for those still on slow connections though, as they will notice a big increase in the loading time of your site. Attention spans are shot with internet users, if your site doesn't load for a few seconds you'll be losing potential customers!
Accessibility
XHTML/CSS pages are a lot more accessible to people with disabilities or limitations. Because there is no unnecessary code, software such as screen readers (commonly used by users with visual impairment) can understand your page better and relay the content back. Users with small screens (such as PDAs) or text only browsers (common on linux and search engine spiders) can access your content easily.
Search Engine Friendly
One major advantage of XHTML and CSS is the benefits for search engines. They are smaller, easier to understand, and quicker for them to look through. Search Engine Spiders love XHTML/CSS sites. Using code properly will help your rankings considerably too.
Faster Development
You will also find that developing your site will be quicker too. Because the code is cleaner it is much easier to put together to begin with (as there is less to write). Also, when coming back to it to change or fix things, there is less of it to look through and find what you need.
Bragging Rights
Finally, you have put in the effort to make your site compliant and accessible. Many sites proudly place a link to validators confirming that they are using compliant code, and you'll find that some visitors will have more respect for you doing so
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