Lately I have had several clients that have wanted to add items to their WordPress websites, but didn’t exactly know what words to use to tell me that is what they wanted. I have compiled a vocabulary list to help “decode” some of these puzzling terms. Take some notes, share, and enjoy.
 

#1 Favicon

 

 

Dictionary definition:

A favicon or Favorites Icon is a small graphic that is associated with a page or Web site. The favicon allows the Web developer to customize the site in the Web browser, both in the tab bar that is displayed in many browsers as well as in the bookmarks when a site is saved.
 
It was named the favicon because it was first developed in Internet Explorer, which calls bookmarked sites “favorites” and this icon was displayed in the favorites menu.
 
Most site favicons are designed as a small rendition of their logo or other branding mechanism.
 

My definition:

It is that little image that appears next to your site title at the top of a url , tab, or bookmark. Mine is a WordPress logo , that is also part of my logo.
 
Super Awesome Favicon Generator: Favigen

 
 

#2 Slider 

 

 

Dictionary Definition:

none
 

My Definition:

A slider is a set of images that uses a gallery to pull images from and the images transition between each image with either a fade, checker, rain etc.
 

Super Awesome Slider :

 Nivo Slider ( also available in WordPress plugin, and widget)
 
 

# 3 Wireframe

 

 

Dictionary Definition: 

It is a visualization tool for presenting proposed functions, structure and content of aWeb page or Web site. A wireframe separates the graphic elements of a Website from the functional elements in such a way that Web teams can easily explain how users will interact with the Web site. A typical wireframe includes:
 
(1) key page elements and their location, such as header, footer, navigation, content objects, branding elements, (2) grouping of elements, such as side bars, navigation bars, content areas, (3) labeling, page title, navigation links, headings to content objects, and (4) place holders, content text and images.
 

My Definition:

A wireframe is a really ugly version of a design layout. It is to show the client the placement of elements on the page, before we take it to actual design.
 

Super Awesome Wireframe Tool:

Mockingbird
 
 

# 4 Plugin

 
 
 

Dictionary Definition: 

A hardware or software module that adds a specific feature or service to a larger system. The idea is that the new component simply plugs in to the existing system.
 

My Definition:

Really cool free and premium pieces of code and can help your site do magical things.
 

Fun Fact:

Out of all the CMS’s WordPress has the most plugins developed for it. Just another reason why WordPress rocks
 
Super Awesome Place to Look for Plugins: WordPress Plugin Repository 
 
 

# 5 Widget

 
 

 

Dictionary Definition: 

Widgets are used by some blogging applications, such as WordPress, to enable bloggers to customize the appearance and content of their blogs without CSS, HTML or other coding knowledge.
 

My Definition: 

 Widgets are used typically in the sidebar of your site. You can easily drag and drop items into your sidebar including recent posts, categories, text ( html), etc. You can also install plugins that work as widgets in your site.
 
Super Awesome Widget Tip: Use the widget text box to place in html for things like Facebook Like Box, images, links, opt in boxes.
 
 

#6 Opt in Box

 

 

Dictionary Definition: 

Express permission by a customer, or a recipient of a mail,email, or other direct message to allow a marketer to send a merchandise, information, or more messages. This is themethod generally used by most direct marketing firms,subscription or non-subscription periodicals, informationsuppliers, etc. After the opt in, the marketer will keep on sending the material or messages until the recipient chooses to opt out.
 

My Definition:

A box that includes a place to enter your name and email which then creates a “list” for you to send your recent updates, blog posts, and specials
 

Super Awesome Opt in Box Generator:

Aweber
 
 

Side Rant

 

As someone who has been working with WordPress for several years. It frustrates me to the tenth degree that people still type WordPress “WordPress”. WordPress is a trademarked logo, and the “P” should always be capitalized. I see other WordPress designers on the first page of Google ( I won’t mention names, who STILL continue to type WordPress incorrectly. Please be aware of the fact that as a company I won’t even hire developers to work with that use WordPress improperly, and neither should you, because that means they are not in tune with the WordPress Community.
 
Super funny plugin to type it correctly for you: OZHS Correctly Spell WordPress

 

Posted on November 14th, 2011 by Rachael Butts in WordPress Designer