Web design jargon, decoded
Building a website shouldn't feel like a foreign language. Here are the web design and build terms you'll actually hear, explained simply. Search for any of them.
CMS
The dashboard you log into to edit your site, WordPress, Webflow or a custom one like ours.
Hosting
The service that stores your website and serves it to visitors. Good hosting means a fast, reliable site.
Domain & DNS
Your domain is your address (yoursite.co.uk). DNS is the directory that points it to your hosting.
Responsive
A site that adapts its layout to fit any screen, phone, tablet or desktop.
Above the fold
What's visible before you scroll. Prime real estate for your main message and call to action.
UX vs UI
UX is how it works and feels; UI is how it looks. You need both.
Wireframe
A rough, grey-box layout of a page used to agree structure before any design.
Mockup
A full-colour, designed version of a page, what it'll actually look like.
Breakpoint
The screen width at which a responsive layout changes, e.g. switching to a mobile menu.
Core Web Vitals
Google's speed and stability scores (LCP, CLS, INP) that affect both ranking and experience.
SSL / HTTPS
The padlock. Encryption that keeps data safe and is now expected on every site.
Front-end vs back-end
Front-end is what visitors see and interact with; back-end is the server logic and database behind it.
Static vs dynamic
Static pages are pre-built and lightning fast; dynamic pages are assembled on request from a database.
Headless
Separating the content store from the front-end, so the same content can power a site, app or more.
Accessibility
Designing so everyone can use your site, including people using screen readers or keyboards. Often a legal duty too.
Favicon
The little icon in the browser tab and bookmarks.
Hero
The big headline area at the top of a page, usually the first thing a visitor sees.
CTA
The button or link you want people to click, 'Book a consultation', 'Get a quote'.
Cache
Temporarily storing files so repeat visits load instantly instead of rebuilding everything.
Plugin
An add-on that bolts extra features onto a CMS, handy, but too many can slow a site down.
Trusted sources
The reference material we build to, straight from the standards bodies.
- web.dev — Google's guidance on speed, Core Web Vitals and modern web.
- MDN Web Docs — the definitive reference for web technologies.
- W3C Web Accessibility Initiative — the global accessibility standards.
- GOV.UK Service Manual — a gold standard for accessible, usable services.
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