There are thousands of acronyms used everyday in web design.  What may seem like a secret code to you is really pretty simple once it’s cracked. We’ve flagged up ten of the most jargon filled and commonly used key phrases and given you the inside track on what they really mean…

Domain name

Like the name you were given by your parents, this is the name given to your website and is the link that appears in the address bar when you’re on the internet.

If you own your domain name and it ends with .co.uk, we advise buying the .com version and any others that are relevant to your business in order to stop others from using them. This is an effective way of protecting your brand.

Hosting

To enable people around the world to enjoy your website it needs to live somewhere on the Internet.  Your website hosting makes this a reality.  In real life these are banks and banks of servers continually connected to the Internet; when someone types in your web address your domain points them to your server, and they can then enjoy your site.

Above the fold

Imagine you’re reading a broadsheet newspaper; in order to hold it in your hands and read it you’ll likely need to fold it around half way.  Everything you can see above that fold is ‘above the fold’ and everything beneath, yes you guessed it, is ‘below the fold’.  On your website screen ‘the fold’ is the bottom of your monitor.  Above the fold is therefore anything you can see when you first open a website page.  If you need to scroll to see it, it’s below the fold.

Website browsers

Browsers allow you to access the Internet and enjoy websites. Companies usually create their own type of browser because it works better with their software. For example, Apple uses Safari; Google uses Chrome; Mozilla created Firefox and Microsoft uses Internet Explorer (at the moment!).

It’s important your website is able to appear correctly on each of these browsers.  Web designers usually carry out testing before the website is launched to make sure it’s perfectly compatible, no matter which browser you’re using.

Content management system

When it comes to websites, more and more people want to be able to maintain their site by updating their own content and images. A content management system does exactly what it says on the tin — it’s the programme that allows people to update elements of their website.

Meta information

What’s the first thing you look for when buying a new book? Usually, the title and blurb on the back page to find out what it’s all about.

Google uses a similar method when it comes to finding out more about your website  – it looks for a page title and page description, otherwise known as Meta information.

Responsive design

A responsive design allows your site to automatically resize itself for all screen types, whether that’s a computer, tablet or mobile.  All of the websites we create are using responsive design, and it means anyone visiting won’t be having to zoom in or out; the site will look wonderful no matter what they’re using to view it on.

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)

Google is a valuable source of business for most of us.  SEO is the process when someone undertakes work to help your website rank higher when potential customers are searching for your products or services.

Sitemap

Have you ever tried to find a friend’s house without an address or instructions? Even a bloodhound would have difficulty finding it! Now, imagine Google trying to find new content on your website without a sitemap — the same effect as you without an address.

A sitemap provides Google with a list of your webpages and makes it easier for the search engine to find what it’s looking for.

E-commerce

An increasing number of websites are being created to allow products to be sold and bought nationwide and internationally. E-commerce allows you to sell products or even services on your website.

For more information on how we can help your search engine performance give us a call on 01566 232323 or email hello@mihidigital.co.uk