When you enter the world of website building, you’ll come across a whole range of unfamiliar words and phrases. Some you may have heard in conversations, but others will be completely new to you.
On this page, you’ll find a lot of those words and a brief description of their meanings. You will also find links to articles we’ve published on the subject that go into more detail.
Domain Name
The unique address that identifies a website on the internet (e.g., “example.com”).
Web Hosting
The service that provides server space and infrastructure to store and make a website accessible on the internet.
CMS
Content Management System. Software that allows users to create, manage, and modify digital content on a website without requiring advanced technical knowledge.
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language. The standard markup language used to create the structure and content of web pages.
CSS
Cascading Style Sheets. A language used to describe the presentation and styling of web pages written in HTML.
Responsive Design
Designing websites to adapt and display properly on different screen sizes and devices.
SEO
Search Engine Optimization. The process of optimizing a website to improve its visibility and ranking in search engine results.
Keywords
Words or phrases relevant to a website’s content that are strategically used to improve search engine rankings.
Analytics
Tools that collect and analyze data about website visitors and their behavior, providing insights into website performance.
SSL Certificate
A digital certificate that encrypts data transmitted between a web server and a browser, ensuring secure communication.
UI/UX
User Interface/User Experience. UI focuses on the visual and interactive elements of a website, while UX focuses on the overall experience and satisfaction of users.
Wireframe
A visual representation or blueprint that outlines the basic structure and layout of a web page or website before design elements are added.
Navigation Menu
A system of links that helps users navigate between different pages on a website.
Call-to-Action (CTA)
A prompt or button on a web page that encourages users to take a specific action (e.g., “Sign Up” or “Buy Now”).
E-commerce
Conducting business and selling products or services online through a website.
Blog
A section on a website where regularly updated articles or posts are published.
CMS Theme
A pre-designed template or style that can be applied to a content management system to change the visual appearance of a website.
Plugin
An add-on module or extension that extends the functionality of a website or content management system.
Backup
A copy of website files and data that is stored separately for disaster recovery or migration purposes.
FTP
File Transfer Protocol. A standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and a server on a computer network.
URL
Uniform Resource Locator. The address used to locate and access specific web pages or resources on the internet.
Domain Registrar
An organization or service that allows users to register and manage domain names.
Server
A computer or system that hosts a website and responds to requests from client devices.
Database
A structured collection of data organized for easy retrieval and management.
Bandwidth
The amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection in a given time.
Cache
A temporary storage area that stores frequently accessed data to improve website performance.
404 Error
An error message that indicates a web page could not be found.
Usability
The ease of use and user-friendliness of a website, ensuring a positive user experience.
Responsive Images
Images that automatically adjust their size and resolution based on the screen size and device, ensuring optimal viewing experience.
Accessibility
Designing and developing websites that can be accessed and used by people with disabilities, ensuring equal access and inclusivity.
Web Server
Software that serves web pages to clients upon receiving HTTP requests, such as Apache or Nginx.
Backend
The server-side of a website or application that handles the processing, storage, and retrieval of data.
Frontend
The client-side of a website or application that users interact with, including the visual and interactive elements.
JavaScript
A programming language that enables interactive and dynamic features on web pages, enhancing user experience.
Framework
A pre-built set of tools, libraries, and components that provide a foundation for developing websites or applications.
API
Application Programming Interface. A set of rules and protocols that allows different software systems to communicate and interact with each other.
CMS Plugin
An add-on module or extension that enhances the functionality of a content management system, providing additional features or customization options.
Template
A pre-designed layout or structure that can be used as a starting point for creating web pages or documents.
Mobile Optimization
Adapting a website’s design and functionality to ensure a seamless experience on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
Web Accessibility
Designing and developing websites to ensure that they are usable and accessible to people with disabilities, including considerations for visual impairments, hearing impairments, and mobility impairments.
Web Standards
Guidelines and best practices established by organizations like the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to ensure consistency, compatibility, and interoperability of web technologies.
Content Strategy
Planning and managing the creation, publication, and distribution of content on a website to align with business goals and user needs.
Domain Name System (DNS)
The decentralized system that translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing browsers to locate websites on the internet.
Metadata
Descriptive information about web pages, such as titles, descriptions, and keywords, used by search engines to index and display relevant results.
Wireframe
A basic visual representation or sketch that outlines the layout, structure, and functionality of a web page or interface.
Prototyping
Creating a preliminary version of a website or application to test and validate design ideas, interactions, and user flows.
Usability Testing
Evaluating a website’s ease of use by observing users interacting with it, identifying areas of improvement and optimizing user experience.
Web Analytics
The collection, measurement, analysis, and reporting of website data to understand user behavior, track performance, and inform decision-making.
Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)
The process of improving the percentage of website visitors who take desired actions, such as making a purchase or submitting a form.
Web Security
Implementing measures and practices to protect websites and user data from unauthorized access, hacking, and other security threats.
Content Management
The process of creating, organizing, publishing, and maintaining content on a website, often facilitated by a content management system.
SSL/TLS Certificate
A digital certificate that verifies the authenticity and integrity of a website and enables secure communication over HTTPS.
Domain Name Registrar
An organization or service that allows individuals and businesses to register and manage domain names.
Hosting Provider
A company or service that offers server space and resources to host websites and make them accessible on the internet.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
A standard network protocol used for transferring files between a local computer and a remote server.
Website Backup
Creating copies of website files and data to protect against data loss or website failure.
Uptime
The amount of time that a website or server remains operational and accessible to users without any downtime.
Scalability
The ability of a website or application to handle increased traffic, data, and user interactions as it grows in size or popularity.
Responsive Web Design
Designing websites that automatically adjust and optimize their layout and content based on the device and screen size of the user.
Web Accessibility Standards
Guidelines and practices aimed at ensuring that websites are usable and accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
User Journey/User Flow
The path that a user follows when navigating a website, encompassing the steps they take and the interactions they have.
User Feedback
Input, opinions, and suggestions provided by users to improve the website’s usability, functionality, and overall experience.
Content Delivery Network (CDN)
A network of servers located in various geographical locations that deliver website content to users from the server closest to their location, improving loading speed and performance.
Caching
Storing frequently accessed website data temporarily to reduce server load and improve page loading times.
Web Crawlers
Automated bots or software programs used by search engines to discover, index, and analyze web pages for search engine results.
Meta Tags
HTML tags that provide information about a web page to search engines, such as the page title, description, and keywords.
Alt Text
Descriptive text added to images on a website to provide alternative information for visually impaired users or when the image fails to load.
Broken Links
Hyperlinks on a website that lead to pages or resources that no longer exist, resulting in an error or dead-end for users.
301 Redirect
A permanent redirect from one URL to another, often used when a web page or resource is moved or deleted.
Analytics Tools
Software or services used to collect, analyze, and interpret website data, providing insights into user behavior, traffic sources, and other metrics.
Cross-Browser Compatibility
Ensuring that a website is designed and developed to work consistently and correctly across different web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer.
Search Engine Results Page (SERP)
The page displayed by a search engine in response to a user’s query, containing a list of relevant web pages and accompanying snippets.
Robots.txt
A file placed on a website’s server to provide instructions to web robots (crawlers) on how to crawl and index the website’s pages.
Sitemap
A file or page that lists and provides a hierarchical structure of all the pages on a website, helping search engines and users navigate and understand the website’s content.
Conversion
A desired action taken by a website visitor, such as making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or submitting a form.
Landing Page
A standalone web page created specifically for a marketing or advertising campaign, designed to capture user attention and encourage a specific action.
A/B Testing
Comparing two versions (A and B) of a web page or element to determine which one performs better in terms of user engagement or conversion rates.
Heatmap
A visual representation of user interactions and behavior on a web page, displaying areas of high and low engagement.
Call-to-Action (CTA) Placement
Strategically positioning buttons or links on a web page to encourage users to take a specific action.
Load Time
The amount of time it takes for a web page to fully load and display its content, influencing user experience and search engine rankings.
Content Marketing
A marketing strategy that involves creating and distributing valuable and relevant content to attract and engage a target audience.
Mobile-First Design
Designing a website with a primary focus on mobile devices, ensuring optimal user experience on smaller screens.
User Registration
The process of allowing users to create accounts on a website, providing access to personalized features, content, or services.
Payment Gateway
A service or software that enables secure online transactions and the processing of payments on e-commerce websites.
Blogging Platform
A software or service that allows users to publish and manage blog posts on a website, such as WordPress or Blogger.
Social Media Integration
Integrating social media platforms into a website to facilitate sharing, engagement, and user interaction.
Privacy Policy
A statement or document that outlines how a website collects, uses, stores, and protects user data and privacy.
User Roles and Permissions
Assigning different levels of access and control to users based on their roles, ensuring appropriate management and security.
Content Syndication
Distributing website content to other platforms, websites, or publications to reach a wider audience and increase visibility.
Website Maintenance
Ongoing activities to ensure a website’s performance, security, and functionality, including updates, backups, and bug fixes.
Server-Side Scripting
The execution of scripts on the server to generate dynamic web pages or process data before sending it to the client’s browser.
Client-Side Scripting
The execution of scripts on the client’s browser to enhance interactivity and user experience.
Content Delivery Network (CDN)
A geographically distributed network of servers that deliver website content to users, improving performance and reducing latency.
API Integration
The process of connecting and incorporating external APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) into a website or application to extend functionality or access third-party services.
Payment Processor
A service that handles online payment transactions securely, authorizing and transferring funds between the buyer and seller.
E-commerce Platform
A software or service that provides a framework for building and managing online stores, facilitating product listings, shopping cart functionality, and payment processing.
Inventory Management
The process of overseeing and controlling the stock of products or goods in an e-commerce business, ensuring accurate tracking and availability.
Shipping and Fulfilment
The process of packaging, labeling, and shipping products to customers after they have placed an order on an e-commerce website.
Conversion Funnel
The series of steps or stages a visitor goes through before completing a desired action, such as making a purchase or subscribing to a service.
Web Accessibility Compliance
Adhering to accessibility standards and guidelines (such as WCAG 2.0 or WCAG 2.1) to ensure that websites are usable and accessible to people with disabilities.
Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
Online advertising campaigns that promote websites by increasing visibility in search engine results through paid advertising, such as Google Ads.
Social Media Marketing
Marketing strategies and campaigns that leverage social media platforms to promote websites, build brand awareness, and engage with the target audience.
ARIA
Accessible Rich Internet Applications. A set of attributes that can be added to HTML elements to improve accessibility for users of assistive technologies.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
A security vulnerability where an attacker injects malicious scripts into a website, potentially compromising user data or facilitating unauthorized access.
Search Engine Results Position (SERP)
The position at which a website appears in the search engine results pages for specific search queries.
Conversion Rate
The percentage of website visitors who complete a desired action, such as making a purchase or filling out a form.
User Interface (UI) Design
The design of the visual elements, layout, and interactions of a website or application, focusing on aesthetics and user-friendliness.
User Experience (UX) Research
The process of gathering and analyzing data about user behavior, needs, and preferences to improve the design and usability of a website or application.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Integration
Integrating a website with a CRM system to manage and track customer interactions, leads, and sales.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Audit
An evaluation of a website’s SEO performance, including analysis of keywords, on-page optimization, backlinks, and technical aspects to identify areas for improvement.
Content Syndication
Distributing website content to other platforms, websites, or publications to reach a wider audience and increase visibility.
Heatmap
A visual representation of user interactions and behavior on a web page, displaying areas of high and low engagement.
Conversion Funnel
The series of steps or stages a visitor goes through before completing a desired action, such as making a purchase or subscribing to a service.
Web Analytics
The collection, measurement, analysis, and reporting of website data to understand user behavior, track performance, and inform decision-making.
User Persona
A fictional representation of a target user, based on demographic, psychographic, and behavioral information, used to inform design decisions and content creation.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Metrics used to measure the success and performance of a website, such as traffic, conversion rate, bounce rate, and average session duration.
A/B Testing
Comparing two versions (A and B) of a web page or element to determine which one performs better in terms of user engagement or conversion rates.
Usability Testing
Evaluating a website’s ease of use by observing users interacting with it, identifying areas of improvement and optimizing user experience.
Accessibility Compliance
Ensuring that a website adheres to accessibility standards and guidelines to provide equal access and usability for users with disabilities.
User Registration
The process of allowing users to create accounts on a website, providing access to personalized features, content, or services.
Call-to-Action (CTA)
A prompt or button on a web page that encourages users to take a specific action, such as “Buy Now” or “Sign Up.”
Database Management
The administration and organization of data stored in a website’s database, including data retrieval, storage, and optimization.
Email Marketing
Promoting products, services, or content through email campaigns to engage and communicate with website users and subscribers.
Social Media Integration
Integrating social media platforms into a website to facilitate sharing, engagement, and user interaction.
Content Marketing
Creating and distributing valuable and relevant content to attract, engage, and retain a target audience.
Web Accessibility Guidelines
Established guidelines and standards (such as WCAG) that outline best practices for making websites accessible to users with disabilities.
Web Security
Implementing measures and practices to protect websites and user data from unauthorized access, hacking, and other security threats.
Remember, building and running a website requires a holistic understanding of various aspects, including design, content creation, user experience, marketing, and security. Continuously expanding your knowledge and staying up-to-date with industry trends will help you create successful and impactful websites.