Techy Terms

Sometimes, tech jargon can be confusing, so we’ve put together a handy glossary of terms related to website design, hosting, graphic design, and SEO. If you come across a word or phrase you don’t recognize, check here—or let us know, and we’ll happily add it. Our goal is to make this a useful resource for you!

Understanding the Language of Design, Hosting, and SEO

Whether you’re launching your first site or managing updates to an existing one, understanding the tech jargon can make all the difference. This glossary breaks down the most common web terms into plain, simple language—so you can feel more confident in conversations about your website and make informed decisions without getting lost in the lingo.

ADA Compliant

Definition

ADA compliant means a website meets accessibility standards for users with disabilities.

Why it matters:

It ensures inclusivity and avoids potential legal issues while improving usability for all.

Address Bar

Definition

A text box at the top of a web browser where users can enter a website’s URL to access it.

Why it matters:

The address bar is used for navigating to specific web pages and often doubles as a search bar for finding information online.

Back-End Development

Definition

The server-side development focusing on databases, scripting, and website architecture that users do not see directly.

Why it matters:

It powers the functionality of a website, enabling features like user accounts, databases, and server logic.

Bandwidth

Definition

The amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection in a given amount of time.

Why it matters:

Higher bandwidth allows for faster data transfer, improving website performance and user experience.

Bounce Rate

Definition

The percentage of visitors who leave your website after viewing only one page.

Why it matters:

A high bounce rate could indicate poor user experience, irrelevant content, or slow loading times.

Brand Guideline

Definition

Brand guidelines are a set of rules for maintaining consistency in a brand’s visual and messaging elements.

Why it matters:

They ensure a cohesive brand identity across all platforms and materials.

Cascading Style Sheets (CSS)

Definition

A stylesheet language used to describe the presentation of a document written in HTML or XML.

Why it matters:

CSS controls the visual appearance of a website, including layouts, colors, and fonts, enhancing user experience.

Content management system

Definition

A content management system (CMS) is software that allows users to create, manage, and modify website content without needing specialized technical knowledge.

Why it matters:

It is used to simplify website management by providing tools for editing, organizing, and publishing content through an intuitive interface.

Definition

Small pieces of data stored on a user’s device by the web browser while browsing a website.

Why it matters:

Cookies are used to remember information about the user, such as login status or preferences, improving the browsing experience.

Dated Design

Definition

A dated design is a website that looks old or out of sync with current trends.

Why it matters:

It can reduce credibility and make your brand seem outdated to potential clients.

Dedicated IP

Definition

A dedicated IP is an exclusive internet address assigned to a specific website.

Why it matters:

It improves performance, enhances security, and is essential for some e-commerce functions.

Domain Name

Definition

A domain name is your website’s address on the internet, like www.example.com.

Why it matters:

It makes it easy for users to find your site without needing to remember a complicated IP address.

eCommerce

Definition

eCommerce refers to the buying and selling of goods or services online.

Why it matters:

It allows businesses to reach a global audience and generate sales 24/7.

Email Address

Definition

An email address is a unique identifier used to send and receive electronic messages, like name@example.com.

Why it matters:

It provides a professional and reliable way for people to communicate with you or your business.

Email Client Program

Definition

An email client program is software used to send, receive, and manage email.

Why it matters:

It organizes email communications and often provides advanced tools for productivity.

Front-End Development

Definition

The practice of producing HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for a website or web application so that a user can see and interact with them directly.

Why it matters:

It ensures that the visual and interactive aspects of a website are user-friendly and function correctly across different devices and browsers.

Full-Stack Developer

Definition

A developer skilled in both front-end and back-end development, capable of handling all aspects of website creation.

Why it matters:

Full-stack developers can oversee the entire development process, ensuring seamless integration between the front-end and back-end.

Hyperlink

Definition

A reference in a document that links to another section of the same document or to another document entirely.

Why it matters:

Hyperlinks facilitate easy navigation between different pieces of content, enhancing the interconnected nature of the web.

Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)

Definition

The standard markup language used to create and structure content on the web.

Why it matters:

HTML is the foundation of all web pages, defining the structure and layout of a webpage.

JavaScript

Definition

A programming language that enables interactive web pages and is an essential part of web applications.

Why it matters:

JavaScript adds interactivity to websites, improving user engagement and functionality.

Load Time

Definition

Load time is the amount of time it takes for a webpage to fully display on a user’s browser.

Why it matters:

Faster load times improve user experience and can positively impact search engine rankings.

Logo

Definition

A logo is a visual symbol representing a company, often including its name or a unique design.

Why it matters:

It’s the cornerstone of your brand identity and helps with recognition and trust.

Meta Tags

Definition

Snippets of text that describe a page’s content; they don’t appear on the page itself but in the page’s code.

Why it matters:

Meta tags help search engines understand the content of a page, influencing SEO and how pages are displayed in search results.

Registrar

Definition

A registrar is a company that manages the reservation of domain names on the internet.

Why it matters:

They ensure your domain is active, secure, and properly registered for public use.

Responsive Design

Definition

A web design approach that ensures a website looks and functions well on all devices, from desktops to smartphones.

Why it matters:

With mobile traffic making up the majority of web usage, a responsive design ensures your website reaches and engages all users effectively.

Search Engine

Definition

A search engine is a tool like Google or Bing that helps users find information online.

Why it matters:

It’s the primary way most users discover websites and online content.

Search Engine Results Page (SERP)

Definition

The page displayed by a search engine in response to a user’s query, listing relevant results.

Why it matters:

Appearing prominently on SERPs increases visibility and can drive more traffic to a website.

SEO

Definition

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the practice of optimizing a website to rank higher in search engine results.

Why it matters:

It drives more organic traffic to your site, helping you reach your target audience effectively.

SSL

Definition

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a protocol that encrypts data between a website and its users

Why it matters:

It protects sensitive information and builds trust by showing your site is secure.

URL

Definition

A Uniform Resource Locator, URL, is the unique web address used to identify and locate a specific resource on the internet. For example, https://fullscopecreative.com is a URL.

Why it matters:

A URL directs web browsers to the exact location of a webpage, file, or service on a server.

User Experience (UX)

Definition

The overall experience of a person using a website or application, focusing on ease of use and satisfaction.

Why it matters:

Good UX design leads to higher user satisfaction, retention, and conversion rates.

User Interface (UI)

Definition

The space where interactions between humans and machines occur, particularly the visual elements of a website or application.

Why it matters:

Effective UI design makes navigation intuitive, enhancing the overall user experience.

Username

Definition

A username is a unique identifier used to log into accounts or systems.

Why it matters:

It helps secure and personalize access to online tools and platforms.

Web Browser

Definition

A web browser is software used to access and display websites.

Why it matters:

It translates the code behind websites into the visual pages users interact with.

Web Hosting

Definition

A service that provides storage space and access for websites on the internet.

Why it matters:

Without web hosting, a website cannot be accessed by users on the internet.

Website Hosting

Definition

Website hosting is the service that stores your website files and makes them accessible online.

Why it matters:

Without hosting, your website wouldn’t be available to visitors on the internet.

Wireframe

Definition

A visual guide that represents the skeletal framework of a website or application.

Why it matters:

Wireframes help in planning the layout and functionality of a site before full-scale development begins.

WordPress Admin Section

Definition

The WordPress admin section is the backend area where you manage your website’s content, settings, and features.

Why it matters:

It’s the control center for keeping your WordPress site updated and functional.

WordPress System Update

Definition

A WordPress system update installs the latest core software enhancements and fixes.

Why it matters:

It keeps your site secure, compatible with plugins, and running efficiently.

Ready to discover how we can help make your website and marketing more successful?

I was in need a website update for my business. The old one just wasn’t giving me the flexibility I needed to stay relevant. Chris and Full Scope Creative have been amazing to work with throughout this process. They listened to my needs in a new website, and were able to expand upon those with fresh and exciting ideas that really make the finished product stand out. I highly recommend working with Chris and Full Scope Creative. You will feel listened to and all of your questions and concerns will be answered. Awesome job!

~ Pete Monfre,

Midwest Travel Club