Website Basics

If you want to understand the basics of websites, here are some key things you should know:

What is a Website?

Seems like a pretty basic question, right? At its core a website is a collection of online pages that are accessed through the internet. These pages are files formatted in a way computers can read, that are saved on a server (like a giant computer) and can be accessed by your web browser (like Chrome, Safari or Firefox).

You can create a website for almost any kind of content you want and websites are user by businesses, blogs, news, stores or to archive information (think Wikis).

What is a Domain Name?

…and why are URLs how we access them?

A domain name is the web address you use to visit a site. Think of it just like your home address! If you live at 123 N 45 Ave, a person in your town knows to go to 45th Ave to find house numbered 123, going north or on the north side.

This same concept can be used for your domain name like www.afroandwebdesign.com. (This websites Domain Name!). Domains don’t always end in .com and come in many varieties. They may denote the function of the website.

A few examples:

.com	commercial website (default)
.gov	government websitte
.edu	education institution website
.org	organization website

And so much more!

Your domain name is also related to your URL which stands for Uniform Resource Locator. Your URL is the full address for your website/webpage. Your full address might look like:

How Do Websites Work?

At the very basic level websites are made using a coding language called HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), with something called CSS (cascading style sheets) which tells the HTML how things should look, and JavaScript which adds extra functionality.

These coding languages are used to create files, that are saved on a large computer called a server. That server is what gives your web browser the information on how to display. your website.

What is a Web App? How is it Different?

Websites mostly displays information, like a blog, or your local. plumbers website. You get the information you need, maybe a number to call or a contact email and not much else.

A web app is an interactive website. It allows you to do things, can store information you give it and give you access to do more. examples of web apps are Gmail, online banking, social media websites.

These web apps allow you to add information, create accounts, fill out forms, add/remove images and have a place to store your data (database)

Why do most websites use https versus http?

Website Security Basics

Secure websites use https, this means the data you send to the computer serving your website is encrypted. Why encrypt? Encryption will alters your request from your computer so that if something tries to read your request it looks like goblygook.

In an insecure http website your data can be read if it is intercepted, this could be private data like your payment info, address or ssn. Never enter your personal info in an unsecured website and always look for a shield and/or lock next to the url of websites you’re on.

As an added security feature, many web browsers will not let you go to an unsecured website and will display warnings. Be vigilant because there are phishing websites that look like real websites to steal your personal information.

What is a Mobile-Friendly website?

Ever notice some websites suck on your phone?

Many newer websites are not designed to work well on both your computer and your iPhone/Android phones. When a website designer does this they usually use a concept called responsive design, which makes websites adjust depending on the screen size.

When websites aren’t mobile-friendly they may look broken, hard to read or navigate. Nowadays a lot of designers will use a mobile first approach to create website designs that can look great on both mobile and on the computer.

Website Terms Glossary

Click each one to expand

Basic Website Terms

• Website – A collection of web pages accessible on the internet.
• Web Page – A single page on a website, viewable in a browser.
• Domain Name – The address of a site on the web (e.g., example.com).
• URL (Uniform Resource Locator) – The full web address of a page (e.g., https://www.example.com/about).
• Hosting – A service that stores and serves website files on the internet.
• Server – A computer that hosts and delivers website content.

Website Structure and Design

• Homepage – The main page of a website.
• Navigation Menu – A set of links that help users move between pages.
• Header – The top section of a webpage, often containing a logo and menu.
• Footer – The bottom section, usually containing links, copyright info, and contact details.
• Landing Page – A standalone page designed for marketing or advertising campaigns.
• Responsive Design – A website layout that adapts to different screen sizes (mobile, tablet, desktop).
• Cookies – Small files stored on your device(your computer or phone) to remember website settings or track activity

Technical Terms

• HTML (HyperText Markup Language) – The coding language that structures a webpage.
• CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) – A language that styles a website’s appearance.
• JavaScript – A programming language that makes websites interactive.
• CMS (Content Management System) – A platform like WordPress or Wix that lets you manage a website without coding.
• SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) – A security certificate that encrypts data (seen as HTTPS in a URL).
• IP Address – A unique number assigned to each device on the internet.

SEO and search engines

• SEO (Search Engine Optimization) – Techniques to help a website rank higher on search engines.
• Keyword – A word or phrase that helps search engines find relevant content.
• Meta Tags – Hidden text in a webpage that provides information to search engines.
• Alt Text – Descriptions for images, helping with SEO and accessibility.
• Backlink – A link from another website that points to your site, improving SEO.

E-Commerce Terms

• Shopping Cart – A feature that lets users add products before checkout.
• Payment Gateway – A service like PayPal or Stripe that processes online payments.
• Dropshipping – A business model where sellers don’t keep inventory but ship directly from suppliers.
• Conversion Rate – The percentage of website visitors who complete a desired action (like making a purchase).

User Experience (UX)

• Bounce Rate – The percentage of visitors who leave a website after viewing just one page.
• Call to Action (CTA) – A prompt (like a button) encouraging users to take action.
• User Interface (UI) – The design and layout of a website’s interactive elements.
• User Experience (UX) – How easy and enjoyable it is for users to navigate a site.
• Loading Speed – How fast a website loads, affecting user experience and SEO.

Want to Get Your Website Started?

Want a website but don’t have the technical skills, there are easy ways to create one without coding. Here are some of the simplest options:

• Website Builders (Easy)
• WordPress (More Flexible, Still Beginner-Friendly)
• E-Commerce Platforms (For Online Stores)
• Google Sites (For Simple Free Websites)
• Hiring a Web Developer (For Custom and semi-custom Website or site migration)

• Use an AI Website Generator

What You Need:

• A domain name – Get it from Namecheap, Squarespace (formerly Google Domains) or any hosting provider
• A website builder or hosting plan
• Content – Text, images, and info you want on your site.

Would you like recommendations based on your specific needs? Book a 15min discovery call today!