Glossary of Terms Related to a Homepage
1. Above the Fold
HOMEPAGE is the portion of a webpage that is visible to the user without scrolling. It is considered prime real estate for engaging users and delivering key messages.
2. Backlink
A hyperlink from another website that points to your homepage (or other pages). Backlinks are crucial for SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
3. Breadcrumb Navigation
A navigational aid that shows users their current location within the website hierarchy. For example: Home > Products > Laptops.
4. Call-to-Action (CTA)
A button or link encouraging users to perform a specific action, such as “Sign Up,” “Learn More,” or “Buy Now.” CTAs are often prominently displayed on homepages.
5. Carousel (Slider)
A rotating banner or image gallery on a homepage. Carousels are used to display multiple messages, offers, or featured content in the same area.
6. Content Management System (CMS)
A platform used to create, manage, and modify website content without needing specialized technical knowledge. Examples include WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.
7. Favicon
A small icon associated with a website, typically displayed in the browser tab or bookmarks. It helps with branding and recognition.
8. Footer
The bottom section of a webpage, often containing links to important information such as contact details, privacy policies, terms of service, and social media links.
9. Hero Section
The large, eye-catching area at the top of the homepage, usually including a background image or video, a headline, and a CTA. It serves as the main introduction to the site.
10. Landing Page
A standalone web page, often linked to marketing campaigns, that focuses on a single objective, such as generating leads or promoting a product. Although separate, the homepage may serve a similar role for first-time visitors.
11. Load Time
The amount of time it takes for a homepage (or any webpage) to fully display its content. Faster load times improve user experience and SEO rankings.
12. Mega Menu
A dropdown menu that displays multiple levels of navigation in a single expanded view, commonly used on websites with extensive content.
13. Navigation Bar (Navbar)
A menu at the top or side of the homepage that provides links to key sections or pages on the website.
14. Responsive Design
A design approach ensuring that a homepage adapts to various screen sizes and devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and desktops.
15. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
The practice of optimizing a homepage and other website pages to rank higher in search engine results. Key SEO elements include keywords, meta descriptions, and mobile-friendliness.
16. Social Proof
Elements on a homepage that demonstrate credibility or trustworthiness, such as customer reviews, testimonials, or logos of partner companies.
17. Splash Page
An introductory page shown before the actual homepage, often used for promotions, age verification, or language selection.
18. Sticky Header
A navigation bar or header that remains fixed at the top of the screen as users scroll down the page.
19. Typography
The style and appearance of text on a homepage, including font choices, sizes, spacing, and colors. Typography plays a key role in readability and branding.
20. User Experience (UX)
The overall experience a visitor has when interacting with the homepage, including ease of use, navigation, and the perceived value of the content.
21. Visual Hierarchy
The arrangement of elements on the homepage to guide the viewer’s attention in a specific order, emphasizing the most important content first.
22. Wireframe
A blueprint or skeletal layout of a homepage used during the design process to plan the structure and placement of elements.
23. Widgets
Small interactive tools or content modules added to a homepage, such as search bars, social media feeds, or weather updates.
24. White Space
The empty space between elements on a homepage. Proper use of white space improves readability, aesthetics, and focus.
25. Z-Pattern Layout
A design principle that reflects how users typically scan a homepage: starting at the top-left corner, moving to the top-right, and zig-zagging down to the bottom.