When planning a new website, most business owners find themselves speaking with multiple design agencies. The process can feel overwhelming, especially when unfamiliar technical terms are thrown into the conversation. Understanding the basics not only makes discussions with designers smoother but also helps you make better decisions about your website.

Here’s a simplified guide to 20 key web design terms (plus one bonus) that are worth knowing.

1. URL

Short for Uniform Resource Locator, this is essentially your website’s address on the internet. When typed into a browser, it directs users to your site.

2. Backend / CMS

The backend is the part of your website that visitors don’t see. It’s where you log in to manage and update content using a CMS, or Content Management System, such as WordPress.

3. Plugin

A plugin is an add-on that expands your website’s functionality. For example, you might install one to enable a live chat feature, integrate with third-party software, or add a contact form.

4. Frontend

This refers to everything a user can see and interact with on your site, including text, images, videos, and navigation.

5. Visual Composer

A drag-and-drop editor that allows users to make design changes without needing to know code. Tools like Elementor make it easy to preview updates in real time.

6. Sitemap

A structured outline of all the pages on your website, showing how they are connected. It’s often created at the beginning of a project to plan navigation and content flow.

7. Content Hierarchy

The order in which information appears on a page. Since users typically focus on what they see first, important content is usually placed at the top.

8. Above the Fold

The part of a webpage visible without scrolling. Key elements like the header, navigation menu, and banner usually appear here.

9. Typography

The style and appearance of text on your site. Good typography makes content easy to read and visually appealing.

10. UI/UX

User Interface (UI) refers to the design of on-screen elements such as buttons, menus, and forms. User Experience (UX) is about how easily visitors can navigate and interact with your site.

11. Wireframe

A simple sketch or outline of a webpage layout, focusing on structure rather than design details.

12. Mockup

A polished design draft that shows what your website will look like, including colors, fonts, and imagery.

13. Responsive Web Design

An approach where your site adapts automatically to different screen sizes, ensuring it looks good on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

14. CTA

Call-to-Action elements such as buttons, banners, or links encourage users to take specific steps like signing up or making a purchase.

15. Bounce Rate

A measure of how many visitors leave your site after viewing only one page. A high bounce rate may indicate that improvements are needed.

16. Time on Site (TOS)

The average duration a visitor spends browsing your website. Longer times generally suggest engaging content.

17. Conversion

When a visitor takes a desired action—such as filling out a form, subscribing to a newsletter, or making a purchase—it’s counted as a conversion.

18. SSL

Secure Sockets Layer encrypts data between the browser and the server. Websites with SSL certificates display “https” in their address and are considered safer.

19. 301 Redirect

A permanent redirection from one URL to another. This is especially useful when updating a site to ensure old links still lead to the correct pages.

20. UAT

User Acceptance Testing is the stage where clients review the website to confirm everything functions as expected before launch.

Bonus Term: API

Application Programming Interface allows different software systems to communicate with each other. For example, integrating your website with an email marketing platform so new signups are automatically added to your mailing list.

Final Thoughts

Web design doesn’t have to feel intimidating. By familiarizing yourself with these common terms, you’ll be better equipped to collaborate with designers, evaluate proposals, and build a site that truly supports your business goals.