A Beginner's Glossary of Website Creation Terminology

Building a website can feel like learning a whole new language, especially if you're an offline business owner taking your first steps online. This glossary breaks down the key terms you'll come across during the creation of a website, explained in simple, approachable language.

1. Website Basics

Domain Name

Think of this as your website's home address on the internet (e.g., www.example.com). It's how people find your site online.

Hosting

This is like renting space on the internet to store your website's files so others can access them.

SSL Certificate

A digital security measure that protects your website and your visitors' information, often shown as a little padlock icon in the browser bar.

Website Builder

An online tool (e.g., Wix, Squarespace) that helps you design and launch a website without technical expertise.

2. Building and Structure

Frontend Development

This refers to everything your visitors see and interact with on your website, such as buttons, text, and images.

Backend Development

The behind-the-scenes part of your website. It manages data, processes information, and makes everything on the frontend work smoothly.

Full-Stack Development

When someone works on both the frontend (what users see) and the backend (how it works), they are called a full-stack developer.

CMS (Content Management System)

A tool (like WordPress or Wix) that helps you build and manage your website without needing to know how to code.

Theme

A pre-designed template for your website that controls its overall look and style.

Navigation Menu

This is the set of links or buttons (usually at the top of your website) that help visitors move around your site.

Wireframe

A basic visual guide or blueprint that represents the layout and structure of your website before design and development begin.

Sitemap

A map or list of all the pages on your website, used to plan its structure and help search engines index your site.

Website Template

A ready-made layout that provides a foundation for your website's design and functionality.

3. Features and Add-ons

Plugin

A plugin is like an add-on or an app for your website. It adds extra features, like contact forms or online booking systems.

Widget

Small tools or features that you can add to your website, such as a search bar, calendar or social media feed.

Responsive Design

This means your website will look good and work well on all devices, whether it's a phone, tablet or desktop computer.

E-commerce Integration

Adding tools to your website that allow you to sell products or services online, including shopping carts and payment gateways.

Contact Forms

Forms that visitors can fill out to get in touch with you, ask questions or provide feedback.

Social Media Integration

Adding links or feeds from your social media accounts directly onto your website to keep visitors engaged.

Website Analytics Dashboard

A tool that gives you a visual overview of your website's performance metrics, including traffic and user behaviour.

4. Technical Tools

Deployment

This is the final step when your website is officially launched and becomes accessible to everyone online.

Staging Environment

A private version of your website where you can test changes before making them live.

Cache

Temporary storage that helps your website load faster for repeat visitors.

Code Editor

A tool developers use to write and edit the code that builds your website.

Backup System

A feature or tool that regularly saves copies of your website to prevent data loss in case of issues.

5. Performance and Growth

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)

The practice of making your website easier to find on search engines like Google.

Analytics

Tools (like Google Analytics) that show you how many people are visiting your site, where they come from and what they're doing.

Updates

Just like your phone needs software updates, your website's plugins, themes and software need regular updates to stay secure and functional.

Support and Maintenance

Ongoing care for your website, including updates, backups and fixes for any issues.

Conversion Rate Optimisation (CRO)

The process of improving your website to increase the number of visitors who take desired actions (e.g. making a purchase or signing up).

Final Thoughts

Creating a website might seem overwhelming at first, but understanding these key terms will make the process much clearer. Think of this glossary as your pocket guide while you work with your web developer or explore website-building tools on your own. Every successful website starts with small, confident steps!