Above the Fold
DesignThe part of a webpage that's visible without scrolling. This is prime real estate — it's where your most important content, headlines, and calls-to-action should live.
API (Application Programming Interface)
DevelopmentA set of rules that lets different software systems talk to each other. APIs power integrations — like connecting your website to a payment processor or email service.
Alt Text
SEOA text description added to images that helps search engines understand what the image shows. It also makes your site more accessible to visually impaired users.
A/B Testing
BusinessComparing two versions of a webpage to see which performs better. You might test different headlines, button colors, or layouts to find what converts more visitors.
Analytics
BusinessTools (like Google Analytics) that track how people use your website — where they come from, what pages they visit, how long they stay, and where they drop off.
Backend
DevelopmentThe behind-the-scenes part of a website that handles data, logic, and server communication. It powers things like user accounts, databases, and form submissions.
Backlink
SEOA link from another website pointing to yours. High-quality backlinks from reputable sites signal to Google that your content is trustworthy and authoritative.
Bounce Rate
PerformanceThe percentage of visitors who leave your site after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate often indicates slow loading, poor design, or irrelevant content.
Color Palette
DesignThe set of colors used throughout your website. A well-chosen palette creates visual harmony and strengthens brand recognition.
Call-to-Action (CTA)
DesignA button or link that prompts visitors to take a specific action — like 'Get a Quote', 'Sign Up', or 'Learn More'. Effective CTAs are clear, compelling, and impossible to miss.
CMS (Content Management System)
DevelopmentSoftware that lets you update your website's content without touching code. WordPress, Shopify, and headless CMS platforms like Sanity are popular examples.
Core Web Vitals
PerformanceA set of Google metrics that measure real-world user experience — loading speed (LCP), interactivity (INP), and visual stability (CLS). They directly affect your search rankings.
Caching
PerformanceStoring copies of your website's files so returning visitors load pages faster. The browser remembers files it's already downloaded instead of fetching them again.
CDN (Content Delivery Network)
PerformanceA network of servers around the world that delivers your website content from the location closest to each visitor. This dramatically improves load times for global audiences.
Conversion Rate
BusinessThe percentage of website visitors who take a desired action — filling out a form, making a purchase, or signing up. Improving your conversion rate means getting more value from existing traffic.
DNS (Domain Name System)
DevelopmentThe internet's phone book. DNS translates human-friendly domain names (like getwebbed.ca) into the IP addresses that computers use to find each other.
Domain Name
DevelopmentYour website's address on the internet (e.g., getwebbed.ca). A good domain is short, memorable, and relevant to your brand.
Frontend
DevelopmentThe part of a website that users see and interact with — the design, buttons, animations, and layout. Built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Hero Section
DesignThe large, prominent section at the top of a webpage — usually featuring a headline, subtext, and a call-to-action. It's the first thing visitors see.
Hosting
DevelopmentThe service that stores your website files and makes them accessible on the internet. Think of it as renting space on a server for your site to live.
Headless CMS
DevelopmentA content management system that stores and delivers content through an API, with no built-in frontend. This gives developers complete freedom over how content is displayed.
Image Optimization
PerformanceReducing image file sizes without noticeable quality loss. Using modern formats (like WebP), proper dimensions, and lazy loading keeps your site fast.
Keywords
SEOThe words and phrases people type into search engines when looking for products, services, or information. Your content should target keywords your ideal customers use.
Local SEO
SEOOptimizing your online presence to attract business from local searches. This includes Google Business Profile, local keywords, and location-specific content.
Lazy Loading
PerformanceA technique where images and other content only load when they're about to scroll into view. This speeds up the initial page load by not downloading everything at once.
Landing Page
BusinessA standalone page designed for a specific marketing campaign or goal. Unlike your homepage, a landing page has one focused purpose and one clear call-to-action.
Lead Generation
BusinessUsing your website to capture potential customer information — through forms, gated content, or quote requests — so you can follow up and convert them into clients.
Mockup
DesignA realistic, high-fidelity visual representation of what a page will look like when finished. Unlike wireframes, mockups include colors, fonts, images, and branding.
Meta Title
SEOThe title of a webpage that appears in search engine results and browser tabs. It's one of the most important on-page SEO elements — keep it under 60 characters.
Meta Description
SEOA short summary of a page that appears below the title in search results. While not a direct ranking factor, a compelling description improves click-through rates.
Minification
PerformanceRemoving unnecessary characters (spaces, comments, line breaks) from code files to reduce their size. Smaller files mean faster downloads for your visitors.
Organic Traffic
SEOVisitors who find your website through unpaid search engine results (as opposed to paid ads). Growing organic traffic is a key goal of SEO.
Page Speed
PerformanceHow fast your website loads. Faster sites rank higher on Google, have lower bounce rates, and convert more visitors into customers. Aim for under 3 seconds.
Responsive Design
DesignA design approach where your website automatically adjusts its layout to look great on any screen size — from phones to tablets to desktop monitors.
ROI (Return on Investment)
BusinessA measure of how much value your website generates compared to what you spent on it. A well-built site should pay for itself many times over through leads and sales.
Responsive Breakpoints
BusinessThe screen widths at which your website's layout changes to adapt to different devices. Common breakpoints are set for mobile (640px), tablet (768px), and desktop (1024px+).
SSL Certificate
DevelopmentA security certificate that encrypts data between your website and its visitors. Sites with SSL show a padlock icon and use 'https://' — it's essential for trust and SEO.
Staging Site
DevelopmentA private copy of your website used for testing changes before they go live. It lets you preview new features, content, or designs without affecting your real site.
SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
SEOThe practice of improving your website so it ranks higher in Google and other search engines. This includes optimizing content, page speed, structure, and backlinks.
Sitemap
SEOA file that lists all the pages on your website, helping search engines discover and index your content. Think of it as a roadmap for Google's crawlers.
SERP (Search Engine Results Page)
SEOThe page Google shows after you search for something. Your goal is to appear as high as possible on the SERP for keywords relevant to your business.
Scope of Work
BusinessA document that outlines exactly what will be included in a project — features, pages, deliverables, timeline, and budget. It protects both you and your web agency.
Typography
DesignThe art of choosing and styling fonts. Good typography makes content easy to read and reinforces your brand's personality.
UI (User Interface)
DesignThe visual elements users interact with — buttons, menus, forms, icons, and more. Good UI is clear, consistent, and guides users toward their goals.
UX (User Experience)
DesignThe overall experience a person has while using your website. Good UX means visitors can find what they need quickly and enjoy doing it.
Version Control (Git)
DevelopmentA system that tracks every change made to your code. It allows developers to collaborate, roll back mistakes, and manage different versions of a project.
Wireframe
DesignA simplified, low-fidelity blueprint of a webpage that shows the layout and structure without colors, images, or styling. Think of it as the skeleton of your design.
Whitespace
DesignThe empty space between design elements. Despite its name, it doesn't have to be white. Whitespace helps content breathe and improves readability.