Have you ever sat in a meeting and nodded along while someone said something like, "The HTTP protocol needs to be updated, but the CMS is fine, so we just need a new hosting package and the SSL certificate can be moved"?
It can feel like a whole new language, but it's important to understand the basics to get the most out of your website. At Elm Marketing Solutions, we believe in breaking down the barriers to understanding, so here’s a quick guide to some common website jargon.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
In simple terms, a URL is a website's address. It's what you type into the address bar to get to a specific webpage. For example, the URL for Google is https://www.google.co.uk. A URL is made up of several parts, including the protocol (like https) and the domain name (like google.co.uk), which we’ll look at next.
Domain Name
Think of your domain name as your website's identity. It's the unique name that people use to find you online. For example, our domain name is www.elmmarketingsolutions.co.uk. You buy and register a domain name, and it’s a crucial part of your online brand.
Hosting
Your website is made up of files, images, and text. Web hosting is the service that stores all of these files on a special computer called a server, so that your website can be accessed by anyone, anywhere, at any time. Without hosting, your website can't exist online. You can think of it like renting a piece of land to build your house on.
HTTP & HTTPS
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. It's the fundamental set of rules that allows your browser (like Chrome or Firefox) and a web server to communicate and transfer data.
HTTPS is the secure version of this protocol. The "S" stands for "Secure." It means the connection between your browser and the website is encrypted, protecting any sensitive data you might be sharing, like passwords or credit card details. You can spot an HTTPS site by the small padlock symbol in your browser's address bar. This is now a standard for all modern websites and is a factor in search engine ranking.
CMS (Content Management System)
A CMS is a user-friendly tool that lets you create, edit, and manage your website content without needing to write code. Platforms like WordPress, Shopify, and Squarespace are all examples of a CMS. It's what allows you to easily add a new blog post, update a product description, or change an image.
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)
This is the process of improving your website's visibility on search engines like Google. By optimising your site with relevant keywords, quality content, and a good user experience, you can help it rank higher in search results, making it easier for people to find you.
We hope this has helped to demystify some of the terms you hear. If you have any questions or want to discuss how we can help you with your website, GET IN TOUCH with us at Elm Marketing Solutions.
