Web & SEO glossary

Welcome to our web and SEO glossary – your go-to guide for making sense of web design, development, and SEO jargon.

If you've ever felt lost in tech talk while trying to get your business online, you're in the right place. This glossary breaks things down in plain English, so you can confidently understand the terms and make informed decisions.

Web development terms

The behind-the-scenes part of a website where all the heavy lifting happens — think databases, servers, and code that make your site run smoothly. 

The part of your website visitors actually see and interact with — buttons, text, images, and everything that makes up the visual experience.

A tool (like WordPress or Shopify) that lets you create and update your website without needing to code.

A way for different software tools to talk to each other — kind of like a translator that helps your website connect with services like payment processors or social media feeds.

A security feature that encrypts data and keeps your site safe (you’ll see “https” in the URL when a site has one). It’s also a must-have for SEO and customer trust.

The online “home” for your website, where all your files are stored so people can access them. Popular hosting providers include Bluehost, SiteGround, and GoDaddy.

Your website’s address on the internet (e.g., www.yourbusiness.com). Keep it simple, memorable, and relevant to your brand.

What pops up when a page on your site is missing. Instead of frustrating visitors, you can set up a friendly 404 page that guides them back to where they need to be.

Making sure your website looks great and works well on phones and tablets, since most people browse on mobile devices these days.

Temporary storage that helps your website load faster for returning visitors by saving bits of data so they don’t have to be downloaded again.

SEO (search engine optimisation) terms

The words or phrases people type into Google when searching. Picking the right keywords helps your site show up in search results.

Links from other websites pointing to yours. The more high-quality backlinks you have, the more Google trusts your site.

Small bits of code that tell search engines what your page is about, including the meta title (the clickable title in search results) and meta description (the short preview text underneath).

The page of search results Google shows after someone looks something up. Ranking higher here means more visibility and potential customers.

A short description added to images to help search engines understand what’s in the picture. It also improves accessibility for visually impaired users.

SEO strategies designed to get your business noticed by people in your area, like showing up in Google’s “near me” search results.

Visitors who find your website through unpaid search results instead of ads.

An online advertising model where you pay only when someone clicks your ad (think Google Ads or Facebook Ads).

A free Google tool that helps businesses manage how they appear on Google Search and Maps — essential for getting local customers.

When the same content appears on multiple pages, which can hurt your search rankings. Original content is always best!

The percentage of visitors who leave your site after viewing just one page. A high bounce rate could mean your site isn’t engaging enough or isn’t what visitors expected.

Web design terms

A website layout that automatically adjusts to different screen sizes, ensuring a smooth experience whether someone is on a phone, tablet, or desktop.

How easy and enjoyable it is for visitors to use your website. A good UX means visitors stay longer and are more likely to take action.

The design elements of a website, like buttons, fonts, colours, and layout, that shape the user’s interaction and experience.

A prompt that encourages visitors to take action, like “Get a Quote” or “Subscribe Now.” A strong CTA can boost conversions.

A basic sketch or outline of your website’s layout before the actual design is built.

The tiny icon that appears next to your website’s name in a browser tab—usually a business logo or a recognisable symbol.

The menu that helps visitors find their way around your website, usually listing key pages like Home, About, and Contact.

The large banner at the top of a homepage, often featuring a big image, some text, and a call-to-action button.

The empty space in a design that makes content easier to read and keeps your website looking clean instead of cluttered.

Final thoughts

Understanding these terms will help you feel more confident when working with web designers, developers, or SEO specialists.

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