Semantic Markup

The word semantics refers to the correct intepretation of the meaning of a word or sentence. When a word is used semantically, it is used in a way that is aligned with the proper meaning of the word. Semantic Markup refers to the HTML tags that directly refer to and align with their meaning. So in essence, Semantic Markup is the use of a language such as HTML to convey information about the meaning of each element in a document by properly using the given HTML tags.

Section 508-Accessibility

This refers to Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act that requires federal agencies to develop, procure, maintain, and use information and communications technology (ICT) that is accessible to people with disabilities. This law requires federal agencies to make their ICT for everyone. This means that those who work for the federal government/any federal agency should be and will be able to complete their work an accessible computers, phones, and equipment that is made readily availible to them.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Search Engine Optimization is the practice of increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through organic search engine results. This is something that people who operate a business or a webpage who need visitors must do. In essence, it is the process of making a webpage more visible without the use of paid ads.

How They’re Related

Through incorporating proper semantic markup techniques, a website may become better optimized for search engines. Those with disabilities may need a website to be properly marked up for their ease of reading. So in order for Section 508 to really be effective, those who produce content must do their part to have properly marked up and optimized websites.