When evaluating a webpage, what aspect should an Internet Rater consider first?

When evaluating a webpage, understanding the overall purpose of the webpage is crucial. This aspect helps to gauge whether the content is relevant and valuable to the intended audience. By identifying the primary function—whether it's to inform, entertain, sell, or provide a service—an Internet Rater can assess how effectively the page meets its objectives.

Evaluating the purpose first allows for a more informed judgment about other facets of the page. For instance, the design and layout can be visually appealing, but if they do not support the page’s purpose, they may not enhance the user experience. Similarly, while historical traffic statistics and external links are important factors to consider, they are secondary to understanding the main intent behind the content. A page could potentially have high traffic due to trends or misleading practices, but if it doesn’t fulfill its purpose, its actual value could be questionable.

Focusing on the webpage's purpose helps to align the evaluation with user needs and expectations, which is central to a good rating.