Misc

Website Lingo Cheat Sheet: Your Guide to Web Design Terminology

Author
Amy Woods
Published
9th October 2024
Length
3 minute read

Diving into the world of web design can feel like entering a whole new universe.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a newcomer, the jargon can be quite intimidating, and it can make you feel totally lost. Here at Sleeky, we aim to simplify things for our clients, so we’ve created this handy cheat sheet to clarify some of the most common terms you’ll encounter when collaborating with a web design agency.

 

1. CMS (Content Management System)

A Content Management System, or CMS, is a platform that allows you to effortlessly manage and update your website’s content without needing coding skills. Well-known CMS options include WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal. If you’ve ever published a blog post, modified text, or uploaded images, you’ve likely interacted with a CMS. At Sleeky, we often recommend user-friendly CMS solutions that streamline your site management.

 

2. Nav Bar (Navigation Bar)

The navigation bar, or nav bar, is the menu displayed at the top (or side) of a website, enabling users to find their way around different pages or sections. A well-organised nav bar is essential for a positive user experience, making it simple for visitors to locate what they need. At Sleeky, we design intuitive nav bars that lead your audience directly to key areas, whether it’s a service page or your contact details. It showcases the logo, along with either page titles or a burger icon (two or three lines) that conceals the menu.

 

3. Hero Section

The hero section is the eye-catching area that is the first view that visitors see when they land on your homepage. Typically, it features either a video or imagery and some dynamic copy. The hero section is critical for making a lasting first impression. Here at Sleeky, we specialise in crafting striking hero sections that draw in your audience and encourage them to explore further.

 

4. Responsive Design

Given the various devices people use today, responsive design is essential for ensuring your website looks great and functions nicely across all screens. A responsive site automatically adapts its layout based on the viewer’s device, providing a seamless experience. At Sleeky, we guarantee that all our designs are fully responsive, ensuring your website performs beautifully no matter how it’s accessed. Our dev team are highly skilled in this area, and take pride in making every design responsive.

 

5. UX (User Experience)

User Experience, or UX, relates to how individuals interact with your website. A well-crafted UX design ensures that your site is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and quickly loaded. It focuses on delivering a smooth and enjoyable journey for users. At Sleeky, we prioritise creating thoughtful user experiences that engage visitors and keep them returning.

 

6. UI (User Interface)

User Interface, or UI, complements UX by concentrating on the visual elements of the website, including buttons, icons, fonts, and colours. UI design is what gives your website its polished and professional appearance. At Sleeky, we take pride in developing UI designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reinforcing your brand’s identity.

 

7. Domain Name

Your domain name is essentially your website’s online address – the URL people enter into their browsers to find you, such as http://www.yourbusiness.com www.yourbusiness.com. Choosing the right domain is vital for creating a memorable online presence as well as SEO (see below!). We assist our clients in selecting domain names that are both easy to recall and represent their brand.

 

8. Hosting

While your domain name serves as your address, hosting is where your website resides on the internet. It’s the service that stores your site’s files and makes them accessible to users. Reliable hosting is crucial for ensuring your site operates quickly and securely. At Sleeky, we provide top-tier hosting solutions that optimise your website’s performance.

 

9. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation)

SEO is about enhancing your website’s visibility on search engines like Google. A well-optimised website helps more potential customers discover you online, increasing traffic and engagement. At Sleeky, we integrate SEO best practices into our design process to give your site a competitive edge in search rankings.

 

10. Call-to-Action (CTA)

A Call-to-Action, or CTA, is a prompt that encourages visitors to take a specific action, such as signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or reaching out for more information. Effective CTAs guide users toward the next steps in their journey. We focus on designing CTAs that are not only eye-catching but also strategically aligned with your business goals.

Wrapping Up

At Sleeky, we understand that the terminology of web design can sometimes be overwhelming, but with this cheat sheet, you’ll feel better equipped for your upcoming projects. Whether you’re planning a new website or refreshing an existing one, we’re here to support you every step of the way – ensuring clarity and excellent results. Get in touch if you have any more questions or want to start working with us today!

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