API or Application Programming Interface – a connection that allows one program/application or software to use the library, date, information, etc. from another program/application.
EX: Google Maps API allows pulling of information from Google Maps into a website
Archive – A term used within WordPress to denote the ability to allow visitors to see all posts that belong to a specific post type, taxonomy, or a time range. It can almost be thought of as a category. An archive page automatically groups related content together, offering an efficient way to sift through your website’s history for both users and search engines.
EX: A project archive with a list of project pages that are connected by one page. Or a staff directory.
CTA or Call To Action – concise prompt designed to spur an immediate response from an audience, guiding them toward a specific action. The primary purpose of a CTA is to change individuals from passive observers to active participants, aligning their actions with the goals of the business or campaign. By providing clarity, creating a sense of urgency, and emphasizing the benefits of the intended action, CTAs play a pivotal role in driving conversions and engagement.
EX: This could look like a stylized section within a page meant to invite users to “Get a Quote Today”
Custom Block – A term used within WordPress for pre-formatted websites sections or pieces that have been built specifically for that site. Custom Blocks can be inserted into a page or post and certain features can be edited to meet the needs of the webpage.
EX: Examples of custom blocks could include types of content such as a testimonial slider, a video insert, two-column content, a form, etc.
Domain – an easy-to-read address that identifies the realm of a business on the internet. It can be a website, email server, etc. It is often a key part of a business’s online brand in both the website and email address.
DNS or Domain Name System – a system/service that translates human-readable domain names (i.e. gatorworks.net) to machine-readable IP addresses. Websites and other devices connected to the internet live at an IP address and while browsers (like Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.) use IP addresses, the DNS allows humans to interact with these sites through easy-to-read and memorable URLs.
Footer – a section of content at the bottom of a web page that typically provides information about the website and brand
Hosting – a service where website or application data and information is stored on a server connected to the internet and makes the files accessible via the internet.
IP or Internet Protocol Address – a unique numerical identifier that indicates a specific machine connected to the internet or local network. IP addresses are intended to be read by other machines and are often resolved into human-readable addresses or domains via the DNS.
Landing Page – a standalone web page, created specifically for a marketing or advertising campaign that encourages users to take a specific action such as purchasing a product or signing up for a newsletter. It’s where a visitor “lands” after they click on a link in an email, or ads. These pages are not included in the site map or navigation.
Plug-in – a piece of software that allows for additional functionality to the website that is not included in the content management system’s original package.
EX: The Events Calendar Plugin – this allows us to add a calendar feature to the website
Prototyping – a feature in the design software that we use that allows us to create an interactive flow that explores how a user may interact with the design.
EX: a website design with a fully functional navigation that reacts on click and takes you to a new page
Secondary Navigation – an additional menu that is occasionally included near the main navigation of the website that contains important links that the user may reference regularly but do not fit into the main navigation
SEO or Search Engine Optimization – work done that helps search engines understand your website’s content and connect it with users by delivering relevant, valuable results based on their search queries.
Site Map vs. Main Navigation
- Site Map – a comprehensive blueprint of all the pages on a website, outlining its structure and hierarchy. This is a list of all of your pages on your website, even if they will not be listed in the main navigation. It helps us make sure we have all of the current content pages accounted for as we move into the next stage. It is a behind-the-scenes tool primarily used for planning, organizing content, and ensuring search engines can crawl the site effectively.
- Main Navigation – the main menu on your website that visitors will use to navigate through the content. This may look similar to your site map but, especially in the case of larger websites, will usually be a pared-down version to keep user experience smooth and engaging without being overwhelming.
Splash Page – a standalone page that serves as a placeholder in preparation for the launch of a full website.