15 Website Terms Every Small Business Owner Should Know

SEO 101: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get Started

Let’s be real — when you’re getting a new website built, it can feel like you’re learning another language. Between domains, hosting, SEO, SSL, and DNS (wait, what?), it’s easy to feel like your web designer is speaking fluent robot.

So in the spirit of making things simpler, here’s a breakdown of common website terms — in plain English.

🖥️ 1. Domain Name

What it means: This is your website’s address — what people type into the browser to find you.
Example: dashmediallc.com

Think of it like your digital street address. You “own” the name as long as you keep it registered.

📦 2. Hosting

What it means: Hosting is the service that stores your website and makes it accessible online.
Example providers: GoDaddy, SiteGround, Bluehost

If your domain is your address, hosting is the plot of land your website sits on.

🧱 3. CMS (Content Management System)

What it means: This is the platform you use to build and update your website content.
Most common: WordPress

It’s the dashboard behind your website where you edit text, add pages, upload photos, and more — no coding needed (unless you’re feeling spicy).

🎨 4. Theme

What it means: A theme controls how your website looks — its layout, colors, fonts, etc.
In WordPress: You choose a theme, then customize it to match your brand.

If your website was a house, the theme is the interior design. It determines what visitors see.

🔌 5. Plugins

What it means: These are add-ons that give your site extra features — like contact forms, SEO tools, or spam protection.

Think of them like apps for your website. (Just don’t overdo it — too many plugins can slow your site down.)

🔒 6. SSL Certificate

What it means: This is the little lock icon in your browser and the “https://” in your URL.
It keeps your site secure and tells visitors (and Google) that your website is safe.

If you’re collecting info or taking payments, SSL is a must — and honestly, it’s expected even for basic sites now.

🧭 7. Navigation (or Nav Menu)

What it means: This is the set of links at the top (or side) of your site that help users find what they need — like “Home,” “Services,” “About,” and “Contact.”

Good navigation = a better user experience + lower bounce rates.

🗺️ 8. Sitemap

What it means: A sitemap is a file that lists all the pages on your website. It helps search engines (like Google) understand how your site is structured.

Bonus: Most SEO plugins will auto-generate one for you.

🧾 9. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

What it means: SEO is the process of optimizing your site to show up in search engines.

It includes using the right keywords, optimizing meta descriptions, improving page speed, getting backlinks, and more.
Need a starter checklist? Download it here →

⚙️ 10. Backend vs Frontend

Backend = what you see when you’re logged into your website (editing pages, installing plugins, etc.)
Frontend = what your visitors see when they land on your site

If you’re editing something and wondering “Why doesn’t this look live?” — you’re probably in the backend.

📄 11. Responsive Design

What it means: This means your website adjusts to look good on all screen sizes — desktop, tablet, and mobile.

Not having a mobile-friendly site in 2025 = lost traffic, lower rankings, and annoyed users.

💡 12. CTA (Call to Action)

What it means: A CTA is anything that encourages a visitor to take the next step — like “Book a Call,” “Get a Quote,” or “Buy Now.”

CTAs are like signs pointing people in the right direction. No CTA = no conversions.

🧼 13. Clean Design

What it means: This is designer-speak for “easy to read, not cluttered, and professionally spaced out.”
White space, hierarchy, consistent fonts = trustworthiness.

The goal is to guide your visitors — not overwhelm them.

⚡ 14. Page Speed

What it means: How fast your website loads. Google cares. Users care. You should too.

Slow = lower rankings + people clicking away.

🛠️ 15. Maintenance

What it means: Websites aren’t “set it and forget it.” They need updates, backups, plugin checks, and security monitoring to stay functional.

Think of it like oil changes for your car — preventative care keeps things running smoothly.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The world of websites doesn’t have to feel intimidating. When you understand the basic terms, it’s easier to make smart decisions — whether you’re hiring a designer, tweaking your site yourself, or just trying to keep up with the jargon.

And if you’re ever unsure? That’s what we’re here for.

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