Hi there! So, you’ve decided to set up a website for your business. That’s awesome! But as you’ve probably noticed, there are a lot of terms thrown around that can feel pretty overwhelming. Don’t worry, though. This article explains some common terms you’ll come across as you build your business’s online home.
What is a Domain Name?
One of the first things you’ll encounter is the term “domain name.” So, what exactly is a domain name? Well, it’s your website’s address. For example, my domain name is createdbybailey.co.uk.
Here are a few tips for picking a great domain name:
Keep it simple: You want your domain name to be easy to type and remember.
Avoid numbers and symbols: Using numbers, dashes, and other symbols can confuse. People might wonder if The number is spelt out or where to include the dash. However, if your brand includes a number, it’s okay to use it.
Include keywords: If possible, include keywords related to your business in your domain name. For example, if you’re a painter and decorator, you could use something like liskearddecor.co.uk.
Use a domain generator: If you’re stuck, use a domain generator for inspiration. Here’s a handy one: Wix Business Name Generator.
What is Website Hosting?
Once you’ve settled on your domain name, the next step is finding a website host. But what exactly is website hosting?
Website hosting companies provide space on their servers, "Web servers, which are like large computers, are used to store all the information for your website.". When someone enters your website's address in their browser, the web host's server sends all the necessary files to load your site.
Think of it this way: Your domain name is the address, and the website hosting is the house where all your website’s files live. When someone visits your site, they’re essentially coming to your house to see everything you’ve put together.
What is Email Hosting?
So, you’ve got your domain name and web hosting sorted out. Next up is email hosting. If you want a business email that’s linked to your domain name, like info@yourbusinessname.co.uk, you’ll need an email hosting service.
Email hosting is a lot like web hosting. You rent space on a server, and this space is used to store and send your emails. There are plenty of email hosting providers out there, and sometimes, your domain registrar might offer email hosting too.
Now, you might be wondering, “Do I really need an email host?” The short answer is no, you don’t absolutely need one. But here are a few reasons why having an email host could be a good idea:
Benefits of Email Hosting:
Projects a Professional Image: Using a generic email address might come off as informal, whereas an email linked to your domain looks clean and professional. Think of it like having a well-designed business card.
Increases Credibility and Trust: We’ve all received spam emails from random domains. Having an email address linked to your website helps build trust and credibility with your customers.
Improves Brand Recognition: Every time you send an email with your domain name, you’re reinforcing your brand. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
What is Responsive Design?
You’ve probably heard the term “responsive design” a lot when it comes to website design, and for a good reason. It’s super important for your business to have a responsive website. But you might be wondering, “What exactly is responsive design, and why is it important?”
Have you ever gotten frustrated while trying to browse a website on your phone? Maybe the text was really difficult to read, or the site was hard to navigate? Most people will leave a site quickly when they hit these roadblocks. The goal of responsive design is to make sure that doesn’t happen, providing a seamless experience for your customers no matter what device they’re using.
Why is Responsive Design Important?
Here are a couple of eye-opening stats for you: Around 96% of the digital population uses a mobile device to connect to the Internet. In the third quarter of 2023, people worldwide spent nearly 60% of their online time browsing the web on their mobile phones (Source: Statista - Mobile Internet Usage Worldwide).
If your website doesn’t look good or function well on a mobile phone, you're essentially shutting the door on a huge chunk of potential customers! So, making sure your site is responsive isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have for reaching your audience effectively.
What is Accessibility in Web Design?
Another important term you may have come across is accessibility. When people think of accessibility, they often think of physical mobility issues, like someone using a wheelchair or crutches. But accessibility in web design means making sure your website can be used by everyone, regardless of their abilities.
Why is Accessibility Important?
Inclusivity: Making sure all users can access your site, regardless of their abilities, is not only the right thing to do but also expands your potential customer base. Did you know there are an estimated two million people living with sight loss in the UK alone? (Source: Scope Business).
Legal Requirements: In many countries, laws and regulations require websites to be accessible to people with disabilities. Ensuring your site meets these standards helps you stay compliant.
Improved User Experience: By making your website easy to navigate for people with disabilities, you’ll also make it easier to use for everyone. Clear navigation and readable content benefit all users.
SEO Benefits: Focusing on accessibility often leads to better-structured content, which can improve your search engine optimization (SEO). This means your site could rank higher in search results, attracting more visitors.
How to Make Your Website Accessible
Visitors to your site might have different accessibility needs. For example:
Someone with a visual impairment might use a screen reader.
Someone who can’t use a mouse might navigate using a keyboard.
The goal of an accessibility-friendly website is to ensure everyone can use your site and have a great experience. Simple steps like adding alt text to images, ensuring your site is navigable by keyboard, and using clear, simple language can make a big difference.
What is SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?
The last topic I’m going to cover in this article is SEO. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, and the goal of SEO is to get your website to rank high on search engines like Google or Bing, making it easier for people to find you.
Some other phrases that are linked with SEO you might come across off:
Local SEO: The goal of local SEO is to make sure that your content shows up in front of the people that are most likely going to use your business. So if you're a service based business, or you don't sell online, your main target audience is going to be people that are local to you. This is where local SEO comes into play.
Keywords: Keywords are words that you want associated with your business. For local SEO, this would be your location. For example, if you're based in Cornwall and the people to use your business are in Cornwall. Cornwall could be one of your location keywords.
Let's Bring Your Website to Life!
Setting up a website for your business can feel overwhelming, but understanding these key terms—domain names, website hosting, email hosting, responsive design, accessibility, and SEO—can make the process much easier. With a solid grasp of these concepts, you’re well on your way to creating an effective and user-friendly online presence.
But you don’t have to do it alone. As a Wix Studio Web developer, I specialize in building professional, responsive, and accessible websites tailored to your unique business needs. Whether you need help getting started or want to optimize your existing site, I’m here to assist you every step of the way.
Ready to take your website to the next level? Contact me today to discuss how I can help bring your vision to life. Let’s build something amazing together!
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