You’ve come to the realization that it’s time to build a new website, or have one built, as the case may be. Knowing some key, website terminology will be helpful when you’re looking for the right company and the right developer to build your site. Going in with a basic knowledge of what makes a website great, will help you find the correct person or company to create your site. So, get comfortable with these terms and then download our eBook for even more important website terms and functionality and a deeper understanding of what you’ll be looking for.
Content Management Systems (CMS)– A platform that provides the structure, organization and deployment of content. Software is installed on the server, that allows a user to login to an admin panel where they can access, edit, and publish content without knowing any code. There are a variety of CMS available, with the most popular being WordPress.
WordPress– A Free and Open Sourced blogging tool and Content Management System (CMS)
E-Commerce– The software that makes it possible for your customers to make purchases from your website.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)– The words, phrases and activity that make your website searchable and easy for your customers to find.
Off-Page SEO– Getting other quality websites to link back to you.
On-page Search Engine Optimization (SEO) AKA “keyword density”– Placing your most important keywords within the content elements of your actual pages.
XML Sitemaps– An .xml file containing a listing of all your pages and when they were updated.
301 Redirects– A method used to change an old URL to a new one.
Navigation– That which facilitates movement from one web page to another.
Addons and Plugins– a software component that adds a specific feature to an existing software application. When an application supports plug-ins, it enables customization. The common examples are the plug-ins used in web browsers to add new features such as search-engines, virus scanners, or the ability to utilize a new file type such as a new video format.
Gobbledygook– It’s the stuff you want to avoid! (official-ish definition) These are jargon terms and phrases that have been overused and abused rendering them meaningless.
Blog/Blogging– An online journal or record of a company or individual’s thoughts, experiences or information to be shared. A blog is important for your company to help educate your audience about exactly what your business offers or stands for and why.
Call-to-Action (CTA)– The clear wording, graphic or button to drive a visitor to take a desired action.
Landing Pages– A page sometimes called a “Lead Capture Page,” used to convert visitors into leads by completing a transaction or by collecting contact information from them.
Forms– Are the key to a landing page. Without them, there is nothing for the visitor to do on that page. They come in handy when it’s time for people to sign-up, subscribe to your site or download an offer.
Newsletter– A written report and analysis of the news or goings-on of your business, typically directed at a special audience, as business people, and emailed to subscribers. Email is the perfect way to collect email addresses so you can nurture prospects over time to become leads. Just make sure it’s easy for people to find your subscription form.
Ok, now you know some key terms. You’re almost ready to start interviewing companies and developers to build your site. But first, download our eBook for a deeper understanding of what you’ll be looking for and the functions you want your website to perform. Remember, your website is your #1 Sales Person. Make sure they won’t be sleeping on the job!