Hey there, small business owner! Are you feeling a little lost in the world of website jargon? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! Whether you’re looking to spruce up your current site or create a brand-new digital masterpiece, understanding some basic web design terms can make the journey a whole lot smoother. Let’s break down 10 common terms that’ll help you navigate the web design world like a pro.
1. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
Let’s start with a biggie: SEO, or Search Engine Optimization. In simple terms, SEO is all about making your website more visible on search engines like Google. Think of it as a way to ensure your site gets front-row seats in the theater of the internet. By using keywords, optimizing your content, and building links, SEO helps more people find your site. The better your SEO, the more traffic you get, which means more potential customers.
- Responsive Design
Ever noticed how some websites look great on your phone but terrible on your desktop? That’s where responsive design comes in. Responsive literally means that your website will RESPOND to the browser it’s being used on – whether that be the latest version of the iPhone, Android, or anything else in between. With more and more people browsing on mobile, having a responsive design is a must to keep everyone happy and engaged. One important thing to remember is that older devices stop being supported at some point and the audience with those phones tends to be smaller so it’s more important to focus on the devices most people have.
3. DNS (Domain Name System)
DNS might sound super techy, but it’s just the internet’s phone book. It translates your website’s name into an IP address that computers use to find each other. Without DNS, we’d be stuck typing in long strings of numbers to visit our favorite sites. Not fun!
4. UX (User Experience)
UX stands for User Experience, which is all about making your website user-friendly and enjoyable to navigate for the users, aka your customers! A great UX means visitors can easily find what they’re looking for, whether it’s information, products, or services. Happy visitors are more likely to become happy customers!
5. CMS (Content Management System)
A CMS, or Content Management System, is the backbone of your website. It’s software that helps you create, manage, and modify content without needing to know a lot of code. Popular CMS platforms include WordPress (what I use), Shopify and Squarespace.
6. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer)
Security first…. SSL is a protocol that encrypts (hides) the data transferred between your website and its visitors. When your site has an SSL certificate, it shows up as HTTPS in the browser, giving users peace of mind that their information is safe. Plus, Google gives a little SEO boost to secure sites. Win-win!
7. CTA (Call to Action)
A CTA, or Call to Action, is a prompt on your website encouraging visitors to take a specific action, like “Buy Now,” “Sign Up,” or “Contact Us.” A well-designed CTA can make a huge difference in converting visitors into customers. Think of it as a friendly nudge in the right direction.
8. Analytics
Website analytics tools, like Google Analytics, provide insights into how visitors interact with your site. They track metrics like page views, bounce rates, and conversion rates. By analyzing this data, you can see what’s working, and what’s not, and make informed decisions to improve your site’s performance.
9. Backend & Frontend
The backend is like the engine of your website—it’s where all the behind-the-scenes magic happens. It includes servers, databases, and applications that power your site. The frontend, on the other hand, is what visitors see and interact with. It’s a beautiful interface designed to wow your audience. Both parts need to work in harmony for a smooth, effective website. Once your website is build I will show you around the backend and how to make edits yourself!
10. Domain
Your domain is your website’s address on the internet (like www.youramazingwebsite.com). It’s how people find you online. Choosing a good domain name is crucial—it should be easy to remember, spell, and reflect your brand. Think of it as your online street address, making it easy for people to visit your digital home. You may hear the words domain and hosting commonly used together. That’s because the domain is like the house and hosting is the land that the house is on.
Wrapping It Up
Hopefully, this understanding of website terms makes you feel a little more confident in navigating the digital world. It makes everything less intimidating and more manageable. And guess what? You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. I’m here to help you create a stunning, functional website that attracts and converts visitors. Ready to get started? Fill out a new website questionnaire today and let’s turn your web dreams into reality. 🌟 Your Web Design Expert Remember, a great small business website isn’t just about looking good—it’s about working smart and converting clicks to happy customers. Feel free to share this blog if you found it helpful and learned something new.
