Digital Marketing Terminology: Abbreviations & Short Forms

1. WWW.

WWW stands for World Wide Web, which is a system of interconnected documents and resources, linked by hyperlinks and URLs, accessible over the internet. The World Wide Web was invented by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1989 and became publicly available in 1991. It is one of the most popular ways of accessing information and communicating with others over the internet, and it has revolutionized the way people interact with each other and share information. Today, the term “WWW” is often used interchangeably with “the web” or simply “the internet.”

2. URL

URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It is a string of characters that is used to identify the location of a resource on the internet and specify how to access it. A URL typically consists of three parts:

1. Protocol: the protocol used to access the resource, such as HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, etc.
2. Domain name: the unique name that identifies the website or resource on the internet.
3. Path: the location of the specific resource within the website or server.

For example, the URL for the home page of Google is https://www.google.com/. Here, “https” is the protocol, “www.google.com” is the domain name, and “/” is the path to the root directory of the website.

3. SSL

SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer. It is a protocol used to establish a secure and encrypted connection between a web browser and a web server. The SSL protocol ensures that the data transmitted between the browser and server remains private and secure, protecting it from interception, eavesdropping, and tampering.

SSL uses digital certificates to establish the authenticity of the server and the client, and to encrypt the data transmitted between them. When a user visits a website that uses SSL, their browser initiates a secure connection with the web server by sending a request for the server’s SSL certificate. The server then sends its SSL certificate to the browser, which verifies its authenticity and establishes a secure connection.

Today, SSL has been replaced by the newer Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol, which is the successor to SSL and provides better security and performance. However, the term “SSL” is still commonly used to refer to the encryption technology used to secure websites.

4. Http and Https

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) are two protocols used to transfer data over the internet.

HTTP is a protocol used for transmitting data between a web server and a web browser. It is used to deliver web pages, images, videos, and other content to users. When you type a URL into your browser, it sends an HTTP request to the web server, which responds by sending the requested content back to the browser.

HTTPS is a more secure version of HTTP that uses encryption to protect the data transmitted between the web server and the browser. It uses SSL/TLS (Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security) encryption to ensure that data transmitted over the internet cannot be intercepted and read by unauthorized parties. HTTPS is commonly used for online transactions, such as shopping and banking, where sensitive data such as credit card numbers and personal information is transmitted over the internet.

The main difference between HTTP and HTTPS is that HTTPS uses encryption to protect the data transmitted over the internet, while HTTP does not. When you visit a website that uses HTTPS, you will see a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar, indicating that the website is secure.

5. Cookie

A cookie is a small piece of data that is stored on a user’s device by a website when they visit it. Cookies are used to remember user preferences and settings, to provide personalized content and advertising, and to track user behavior on a website.

There are two main types of cookies:

1. Session cookies: These are temporary cookies that are stored in the user’s browser only during a browsing session. They are used to keep track of user activity on the website and are deleted when the user closes their browser.
2. Persistent cookies: These are cookies that are stored on the user’s device for a longer period of time, typically to remember user preferences and settings between browsing sessions.

Cookies are commonly used by websites for a variety of purposes, including:

• Authentication: Cookies can be used to remember user login information and keep users logged in to a website.
• Personalization: Cookies can be used to remember user preferences and provide personalized content and advertising.
• Analytics: Cookies can be used to track user behavior on a website and provide analytics data to website owners.

While cookies are generally harmless and can improve the user experience on a website, there are concerns around privacy and security. Some users may choose to disable cookies or use browser extensions to manage them. Additionally, websites must comply with various regulations and laws related to the use of cookies, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union.

6. KPI

KPI stands for Key Performance Indicator. It is a measurable value that helps businesses track and evaluate progress towards specific goals and objectives. KPIs are used to measure the performance of various aspects of a business, such as marketing, sales, customer service, and operations.

KPIs can be used to assess various metrics, such as revenue growth, website traffic, customer satisfaction, and employee productivity. They are typically specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), and are used to assess whether a business is on track to meet its goals.

Examples of KPIs in different areas of business include:

• Marketing: Conversion rate, cost per lead, click-through rate
• Sales: Revenue growth, customer acquisition cost, win rate
• Customer service: Net Promoter Score, first response time, resolution time
• Operations: On-time delivery rate, production efficiency, inventory turnover

KPIs are an important tool for businesses to monitor and improve performance, and can be used to identify areas where improvement is needed. They should be regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed to ensure they are aligned with business goals and objectives.

7. RSS

RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary. It is a web feed format that allows users to access and read frequently updated content from various websites in a single location.

RSS feeds are typically used for websites that publish content regularly, such as blogs, news sites, and podcasts. Instead of manually checking these sites for updates, users can subscribe to their RSS feeds using a feed reader, which automatically pulls in new content as it is published.

RSS feeds contain metadata about the content, including the title, author, and date published, as well as the content itself. They are structured in XML format, and can be read by a wide range of applications and services.

RSS feeds offer several benefits, including:

• Convenience: Users can access content from multiple sites in a single location, saving time and effort.
• Timeliness: Users can receive updates in real-time, as soon as new content is published.
• Privacy: Users can access content without sharing personal information or being tracked by third-party advertising networks.

While RSS feeds were once a popular way of consuming content online, they have been largely supplanted by social media and other content discovery platforms. However, RSS feeds are still widely used in certain contexts, and many websites continue to offer RSS feeds as a way of accessing their content.

Read also: How to select best web hosting plan?

8. FTP

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, which is a standard protocol used for transferring files over the internet. FTP allows users to upload, download, and manage files on a remote server, making it a useful tool for website maintenance and file sharing.

FTP works by establishing a connection between a client (usually a computer) and a server (usually a web server or file server). The client software is used to authenticate with the server and establish a secure connection using a username and password. Once connected, the client can browse the server’s file directory, upload files to the server, and download files from the server to their local machine.

FTP can be accessed using a variety of client software, including dedicated FTP clients like FileZilla and WinSCP, as well as web-based FTP clients that can be accessed through a web browser. FTP can also be used in conjunction with other protocols, such as SSH (Secure Shell), to provide an additional layer of security.

While FTP has been a popular way of transferring files for many years, it is increasingly being replaced by more secure protocols like SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) and HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure), which use encryption to protect data in transit. However, FTP remains a useful tool for many applications, and is still widely used in certain industries and contexts.

9. Domain Name

A domain name is a unique, human-readable identifier that is used to locate and access resources on the internet, such as websites, email servers, and other services. A domain name is an easy-to-remember name that translates into an IP address, a numerical identifier that computers use to identify each other on the internet.

A domain name consists of two or more parts, separated by dots, and is typically composed of a name and a top-level domain (TLD). For example, in the domain name “example.com”, “example” is the name and “.com” is the TLD.

Domain names are used to make it easier for people to remember and access websites, as well as to create a unique identity for a website or brand. They can be registered through a domain name registrar, and once registered, the owner has exclusive rights to use that domain name for a specified period of time, usually a year or more, depending on the registration agreement.

There are many different types of top-level domains, such as .com, .org, .net, .edu, and .gov, each with different rules and restrictions for registration.

10. Hosting

Web hosting is a service that allows individuals and organizations to make their websites accessible over the internet. Web hosts provide the space, storage, and technology needed to store and serve website files on the internet.

When someone types a domain name into their web browser, the browser sends a request to the web host’s server, which then delivers the website files to the user’s browser. Web hosting companies offer different types of hosting services, including shared hosting, VPS hosting, dedicated hosting, and cloud hosting, each with its own features and pricing.

Shared hosting is the most common type of web hosting and involves sharing server resources with other websites. VPS hosting offers more control and flexibility by allowing users to have their own virtual server, while dedicated hosting provides an entire physical server dedicated to one user. Cloud hosting is a newer type of hosting that uses multiple servers to provide more scalability and reliability.

Web hosting services may also include features such as email hosting, domain name registration, website building tools, security features, and technical support.

Overall, web hosting is an essential service for anyone who wants to create a website or make their online content accessible to others.

11. Domain Extension

A domain extension, also known as a top-level domain (TLD), is the last part of a domain name that comes after the final dot. It indicates the type of organization or country that the domain is associated with, and is used to categorize and identify websites on the internet.

Some common domain extensions include:

• .com: used for commercial websites
• .org: used for non-profit organizations
• .net: used for network infrastructure sites
• .edu: used for educational institutions
• .gov: used for government websites
• .io: used for tech startups and web applications
• .me: used for personal websites and blogs

There are many other domain extensions available, each with its own specific purpose or meaning. Domain extensions can also be country-specific, such as .uk for United Kingdom or .ca for Canada.

Choosing the right domain extension for your website can be an important decision, as it can affect the perception of your brand or organization. It’s important to consider your target audience and the purpose of your website when selecting a domain extension.

12. WordPress

WordPress is a popular and widely used content management system (CMS) that allows users to create, manage, and publish websites and blogs. It is an open-source software that is free to use and can be customized with a wide range of themes and plugins.

WordPress is designed to be user-friendly and accessible to users with little or no coding experience. It offers a visual editor and drag-and-drop functionality that makes it easy to create and edit content. WordPress also offers a wide range of themes and templates that can be customized to create a unique look and feel for your website.

WordPress is also highly scalable and can be used to create websites of any size and complexity, from simple blogs to large e-commerce sites. It is a popular choice for businesses, bloggers, and individuals who want to create a professional-looking website quickly and easily.

Overall, WordPress is a powerful and versatile tool that allows users to create a wide range of websites and online content with ease. Its popularity and community support also mean that there are many resources available to help users get the most out of the platform.

13. Gutenberg

Gutenberg is a modern content editor introduced in WordPress 5.0 that replaces the traditional WordPress editor. Named after Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press, it aims to revolutionize content creation on WordPress by introducing a new block-based editor.

The Gutenberg editor uses blocks, which are individual units of content, to create and edit posts and pages. Blocks can be anything from a simple text paragraph to more complex elements like images, videos, galleries, buttons, and more. The editor also offers a live preview of how the content will look on the frontend of the website.

Gutenberg is designed to make it easier for users to create rich and engaging content without requiring any technical knowledge or coding skills. It provides a more intuitive and flexible editing experience that allows users to create custom layouts and designs without relying on custom code or plugins.

Overall, Gutenberg is a significant improvement over the traditional WordPress editor and has been widely adopted by the WordPress community. It offers a more modern and streamlined content creation experience and provides users with greater control and flexibility over their website’s design and layout.

14. Bandwidth

Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted over a network or an internet connection in a given period of time. It is usually expressed in bits per second (bps) or a multiple of bps, such as kilobits per second (Kbps), megabits per second (Mbps), or gigabits per second (Gbps).

Bandwidth determines how much data can be transmitted at any given time, and therefore impacts the speed and performance of internet-connected devices, such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. A higher bandwidth means more data can be transmitted at once, resulting in faster download and upload speeds and smoother streaming of audio and video content.

There are several factors that can impact bandwidth, such as the type of internet connection (e.g. DSL, cable, fiber), the quality of the network infrastructure, and the number of devices connected to the network. Bandwidth can also be affected by network congestion, where too many devices are using the network at the same time and causing a slowdown in data transfer speeds.

In web hosting, bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transferred between a website and its users over a period of time, usually a month. Web hosting plans typically come with a certain amount of bandwidth allocated per month, and additional bandwidth usage may result in additional charges.

15. Website

A website is a collection of web pages that are hosted on a server and accessed over the internet. A website can be used for a variety of purposes, including sharing information, promoting products or services, and providing a platform for communication or collaboration.

Websites are typically designed using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, which are programming languages used to create the structure, layout, and functionality of a website. Websites may also incorporate other technologies like databases, server-side scripting languages, and content management systems to provide additional functionality and dynamic content.

Websites can be accessed using a web browser, such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge. When a user enters a website’s URL into their browser, the browser sends a request to the server hosting the website, which responds with the appropriate web pages and content.

Websites can be static or dynamic, depending on their design and functionality. Static websites are comprised of fixed, unchanging web pages, while dynamic websites incorporate elements like user-generated content, interactive features, and personalized content based on user preferences.

Websites can be created by individuals, organizations, or businesses, and can serve a wide range of purposes. Some websites are designed for informational or educational purposes, while others are used for e-commerce, social networking, or entertainment.

16. Webpage

A webpage is a single document or page of content that is displayed in a web browser as part of a website. Web pages are typically created using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and can include a variety of media and interactive elements like text, images, videos, forms, and hyperlinks.

Web pages are accessed over the internet by entering a website’s URL into a web browser’s address bar. The browser sends a request to the server hosting the website, which responds with the appropriate web page content. Web pages can be static or dynamic, depending on their design and functionality.

Static web pages are fixed, unchanging pages that display the same content every time they are accessed. They are typically created using HTML and CSS, and may include some basic JavaScript functionality.

Dynamic web pages, on the other hand, are pages that are generated on the fly in response to user interactions or other dynamic events. They may include elements like user-generated content, interactive features, and personalized content based on user preferences. Dynamic web pages often incorporate server-side scripting languages like PHP, Python, or Ruby on Rails to generate the dynamic content.

Web pages can be designed for a wide range of purposes, from sharing information and promoting products or services to providing a platform for communication or collaboration. Web pages are an integral part of websites and are used to deliver content and functionality to users over the internet.

17. Post

In the context of websites and blogs, a post refers to a piece of content that is published on a website or blog in chronological order. Posts are typically articles, essays, or other written content, although they can also include images, videos, or other media.

Posts are often organized by category or tags, which help readers to find related content on a particular topic. Posts can also be sorted by date, author, or other criteria to provide readers with different ways of navigating the content on a website or blog.

Posts are created using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, which provides an easy-to-use interface for creating and publishing content. Posts can be created using a visual editor that allows authors to format text, add images and other media, and include links and other elements. Posts can also be edited or deleted after they have been published.

Blog posts are typically published on a regular basis, with new content added on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. They may be written by a single author or by a team of contributors, and can cover a wide range of topics and subjects.

18. Blog

A blog is a type of website that is used for publishing written content, usually in the form of articles or posts, on a regular basis. The term “blog” is short for “weblog,” and originally referred to online journals or diaries that were updated frequently with personal reflections, observations, or opinions.

Today, blogs can cover a wide range of topics and can be used for many different purposes, including sharing information, promoting products or services, and providing a platform for communication or collaboration. Some blogs are created by individuals as a personal project or hobby, while others are created by businesses, organizations, or media outlets as a way to engage with their audience and build a community around their brand.

Blogs are typically organized by date, with the most recent content appearing at the top of the page. They may also be organized by category or tags, which help readers to find related content on a particular topic. Blogs may include multimedia content like images, videos, or podcasts, and may incorporate interactive features like comments or social media sharing buttons.

Blogs are created using a content management system (CMS) like WordPress, which provides an easy-to-use interface for creating and publishing content. Bloggers can create posts using a visual editor that allows them to format text, add images and other media, and include links and other elements. They can also edit or delete posts after they have been published.

Blogs are an important part of the online landscape and are used by millions of people around the world to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences with others.

19. Article

An article is a written piece of content that is intended to convey information on a specific topic. Articles are typically longer and more detailed than blog posts, and may be written in a more formal style.

Articles can be found in a wide range of publications, including newspapers, magazines, and academic journals. They may cover a variety of subjects, including news, opinion, analysis, or research.

In the context of websites and blogs, articles are often used to provide in-depth coverage of a particular topic or subject. They may be written by a single author or by a team of contributors, and may include multimedia content like images or videos.

Articles are typically organized in a more structured way than blog posts, with headings and subheadings to break up the content into smaller sections. They may also include footnotes, citations, or other references to support the arguments or claims made in the article.

Articles can be an important source of information and insight on a wide range of topics, and are often used to inform public debate, educate the public, or advance academic research.

Difference between blog post and article

While the terms “blog post” and “article” are often used interchangeably, there are some differences between the two:

1. Writing style: Blog posts tend to be written in a more conversational, informal style, while articles are typically more formal and structured.
2. Length: Blog posts are generally shorter and more focused on a specific topic or idea, while articles are longer and more detailed, often covering multiple aspects of a broader topic.
3. Purpose: Blog posts are often used to share opinions, insights, or personal experiences, while articles are typically used to provide information or analysis on a particular topic.
4. Format: Blog posts are usually published on a blog or website in reverse chronological order, while articles may be published in a variety of formats, including newspapers, magazines, or academic journals.

In general, blog posts are shorter, more informal, and more focused on personal experiences or opinions, while articles are longer, more structured, and more focused on providing information or analysis on a particular topic. However, the line between the two can be blurry, and many blog posts could also be considered articles, depending on their length, structure, and purpose.

20. Ghost writing

Ghostwriting refers to the practice of writing content (usually books, articles, speeches, or other forms of written material) on behalf of someone else who is credited as the author. In other words, the ghostwriter writes the content, but the credit for the work is given to someone else.

Ghostwriting can be done for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, the person who hires a ghostwriter may not have the time, skills, or expertise to write the content themselves, but still wants to have their name attached to it. In other cases, a ghostwriter may be hired to write content for someone who is too busy or too high-profile to write it themselves.

Ghostwriters are typically paid for their work and may sign a confidentiality agreement to keep their role in the writing process a secret. Ghostwriting can be a lucrative profession for writers who are able to write in the voice and style of another person, and who are comfortable working behind the scenes to help others get their ideas out into the world.

21. Slug

In the context of web publishing, a slug is a URL-friendly version of a title or headline that is used to identify a specific piece of content on a website.

For example, if the title of a blog post is “10 Tips for Improving Your Writing Skills,” the slug might be “10-tips-improving-writing-skills.” The slug is often used as part of the URL for the blog post, so that the post can be easily identified and accessed by search engines and users.

The slug should be concise, descriptive, and easy to read, and should typically include only lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens. It should also be unique, so that it does not conflict with other slugs on the same website.

Using descriptive and user-friendly slugs can help improve the search engine optimization (SEO) of a website, as search engines often use the words in the URL to help determine the relevance and quality of a particular page.

22. Tag

In the context of web publishing, a tag is a label or keyword that is assigned to a piece of content, such as a blog post or article, to help categorize and organize it. Tags are typically chosen by the author or editor of the content and can be used to group related content together, make it easier for users to find specific topics or themes, and improve search engine optimization (SEO).

Tags are usually displayed on a website along with the content they are associated with, often as clickable links that take users to a list of other content with the same tag. For example, if a blog post is tagged with “social media marketing,” clicking on that tag might take the user to a page that lists all of the other posts on the site that are also tagged with “social media marketing.”

Tags can be single words or short phrases and should be descriptive and relevant to the content they are associated with. It’s generally a good practice to use consistent and well-defined tags across a website, to help users navigate and find content more easily.

22. Category

In the context of content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, a category is a way of organizing and grouping related content together. Categories are typically used to organize blog posts or other types of content into specific topics or themes.

For example, a blog about cooking might have categories such as “Recipes,” “Cooking Tips,” “Kitchen Gadgets,” and “Cookbook Reviews.” When a new blog post is created, the author would select the relevant category or categories for that post to help readers find related content more easily.

Categories can be hierarchical, which means that subcategories can be created within larger categories. This helps to create a more organized and structured system for content management.

Using categories effectively can help improve the user experience of a website or blog, as well as improve its search engine optimization (SEO) by making it easier for search engines to understand the topic and relevance of the content.