If the fear or frustration of tech has kept you from getting or having a website that works for you, then this episode is for you. We’re breaking down the tech barrier as I define the top 10 website terms every horse business owner should know. Now, you can kiss tech overwhelm goodbye and take the steps you need to grow your business online.
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Welcome to the show notes! This is a brief summary of the podcast. You'll want to listen to the entire episode for all the good stuff!
Just like there are common terms in the horse world like the names of the most common tack items or grooming supplies, the world of website marketing has its own share of jargon.
And sometimes that jargon is what keeps horse business owners from moving forward—it's that tech barrier they just can't get past.
So, when it comes to websites, a lot of horse business owners pretend they know what they’re talking about because they don’t want to be taken advantage of. Yet what they should do is take some time to get familiar with some of the lingo of the website world.
While it’s crazy to expect you to have expert level information, knowing at least the basics of what you’re talking about will serve you well.
So, let’s get started!
Here are the top 10 terms every business owner should know so you can break down that tech barrier that's keeping you from moving forward.
(For the full definition and the explanation of why you should know this term, be sure to listen to the full podcast episode!)
Domain
A domain is the unique name used to identify the location of your website. When you look at a website address or URL, the domain is what’s between the www and before any forward slashes in the address. For example, the address for my free website checklist is stormlilymarkting.com/checklist, and the domain is stormlily.com.
Host
A website host is essentially the way your website is made available to the world on the internet. A host provides a server that houses all of your website files. It’s like the home base for all the data and information for your website and then it allows people to find it online.
When it comes to websites, you essentially have two options: hosted or self-hosted.
There’s really no one-size-fits-all best option here as it depends on a variety of factors, including your overall goals for your website and the time and/or team members you have available to manage your website over the long-term.
Website Builder
A website builder is exactly that—a platform used to build a website. If you choose to self-host your website, the most common self-hosted website is built using WordPress.org.
If you elect to use a hosted service, then Wix, Shopify, and Squarespace are some of the most common website builder options you’ll hear about.
HTTPS
You don't need to know the words each letter stands for as much as you need to know the “s” at the end of HTTPS in a web address tells you it’s a secure site which means it has a security certificate. In other words, the information that’s being transmitted from this site to any other network is secure and encrypted.
Content
Website content refers to the material on your website, from the visual elements to the text elements.
Why would you need to know this as a business owner? When you’re interviewing the person who’s going to manage the creation of your new website, they’re going to ask who is providing the content—you, them, or a third party. The way you answer will impact the quote they give you.
Your content can make or break a great website. So, when you get asked, “Who’s providing the content?” make sure you have the right answer for your business.
Copy
The copy on your website means all the words on every page of the site. From the homepage to the about page and service or product descriptions, the copy on your website is how you’re communicating your value to potential customers. In other words, it matters greatly!
Wireframe
To “wireframe a website” means the entire plan for the website is laid out in one document. Most often, that includes
What will go in the navigation menu
A list of all the pages on the website and how visitors will get from one page to another
The content and copy that will go on each page, including headings, paragraphs, and calls to action.
Of course, when the website is designed, the copy can be edited again, but wireframing the website allows you to start the website design process with a plan.
SEO
SEO stands for search engine optimization which is essentially how to get your website to show up in online search results. Meaning - when someone types in horseback riding lessons in my area, you want to be one of the first ones that show up, right?
Responsive/Adaptive
Responsive and adaptive refers to how your website will show up on different screen sizes such as tablet and mobile.
Remember, about half of website traffic is on mobile devices so how your website looks on tablets and mobile screens matters.
Opt-in Offer
This last one may not be on every other website terms list you’ll find online, but it’s one of the most important if you want your website to actually work for you.
An opt-in offer is when you provide something valuable in exchange for an email address. Your freebie might be a printable, coupon, or even a how-to guide; it should be valuable and connect your visitors with your business. And then your website visitors “opt in” to receiving your emails.
We talked about this back in episode #5 - What the Heck’s a Website That Converts—And Why Should You Care?
There you have it! You don’t have to pretend you know what you’re talking about anymore. You’re now well-versed in website basics for horse businesses.
Are there any terms you think were left off? Anything you’ve heard or read about that you’d like to learn about? Just let me know. I’d love to help!
If, after hearing these questions, you’re thinking, “Okay, Denise, I think I’m actually ready to start the next steps for my website,” then I’ve got great news for you.
For the entire month of December, you can save 20% off any of my one-page-website packages. Don’t worry, as long as you secure your spot in December then I’ll give you the discount even if you don’t think we can get started until January.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Save 20% on your one-page website package through the month of December! Check out what a one-page website looks like and see the discounts here.
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