Website Terminology Basics: Website Terms You Should Know to Give Your Business Website a Boost
You don’t have to walk into the website rebuild or redesign process with the knowledge of a pro, but a basic understanding of some of the more common website terms can help you better identify what you want.
Your web development team will do all the heavy lifting when it comes to building your website, but if you enter the process with some knowledge about terms and trends, you and your development team will find it easier to communicate, and you will get all the business website features you want and nothing you don’t.
Legend Web Works often fields questions about common website terminology. We love talking website basics (we essentially live and breathe site design), and we noticed many people have the same questions.
To help answer some of the most common questions about website design lingo, our team of seasoned experts has put together a quick guide to the website terminology you should know to give your small business website a boost.
Just the Basics
Once you get the hang of it, website terminology is not hard!
Let’s break down some of the most basic terms that you should know.
URL
Universal Resource Locator (or URL) can be confusing for those new to websites.
Your URL is comprised of your domain name (we’ll touch on that in a second) and other detailed information to make a complete web address. This web address directs a browser to a specific page, called a web page.
Domain
A domain name is an entirely unique name used to identify your website’s location on the internet.
For example, Legend Web Works’ domain is https://www.legendwebworks.com.
Hosting
No, we’re not throwing a party (we’ll save the festivities until your site goes live!).
Web hosting is a service that provides space where you can store all the elements that comprise your website.
Web Server
Your server stores, processes, and delivers your site to users.
A server will refer to hardware, software (or both working in conjunction) to deliver your site in a readable and digestible format.
Client and Server Side
Client-end or front-end refers to a web browser where content and information is displayed.
Server-side is where data and source code are stored.
Web Browser
A web browser is a software program or app on your phone or computer that provides access to the internet. Chrome, Firefox, and Safari are the most popular options.
Let’s Dive a Little Deeper
Now that you know some of the basic terms you will hear when building a website, let’s look at the next level of website terminology.
HTML
HyperText Markup Language is the standard language that tells a browser how to display images, text, and other forms of multimedia.
JavaScript
JavaScript is a programing language used in web development that adds interactive elements to a website.
Plugin
A plugin is a software that adds additional functionality to a website. You add use a plugin to add pop-ups or play videos.
Landing Page
A landing page is the web page where visitors land when they click a link from an ad or email. The goal of a landing page is to get information from visitors in exchange for something of value.
For more on landing pages.
Menu
A navigation bar that links a visitor to different sections of your website.
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)
An SSL Certificate is a digital credential that proves ownership of a website and enables an encrypted connection.
Read more about SSLs here.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
SEO is how people find your site. It involves using keywords and phrases to influence Google and other search engines into listing your site higher on their results pages. People search for products and services and SEO makes sure your business is seen on the internet.
For more on SEO basics, check out this short guide.
Take Your Business Further with a Better Site
A little knowledge goes a long way.
When you have a basic grasp of common web development terminology, not only will you be better informed about the process of creating your website, but you will also be able to more easily ask for what you want.
You don’t need to be an expert or have all these terms memorized, but a little background info can be a big help.
If you are ready to upgrade your business’s website, the friendly web development team at Legend Web Works is here to help you every step of the way. We know what it takes to build a great website that your customers can find with ease and we will answer any questions you have along the way.
If your business is ready for the site of your dreams, reach out to the premier web developers in the Cincinnati area. Reach out to Legend Web Works today!
