Domain
The website address, what people type in the top bar: mariasflowers.ro. It is like your street name and house number.
A domain is rented, not bought outright: you pay once a year, and if you forget, someone else can take it. Our advice: keep the domain in your own name, not in the name of the company building your website.
Hosting
A website is a set of files that has to live somewhere, on a computer that is switched on around the clock. That rented computer is the hosting.
It is like a storage unit you pay for monthly, only for a website. You never see it, but without it the website does not exist.
Brochure website or online shop
Brochure website: shows who you are, what you do, where you are and how people can contact you. Online shop: the customer picks products, pays by card and gets a confirmation.
The second one costs more and needs more work from you, every day: stock, prices, delivery. For most neighbourhood businesses, the first one is enough.
Responsive (looks good on a phone)
The website rearranges itself so it looks good on a phone, a tablet and a computer. Most customers look you up on their phone, so this is not an extra. It is mandatory.
SEO (being found on Google)
A set of things that help Google understand what you do and where you are, so it shows you when someone searches. For a local business: the name of your town or neighbourhood in the text, correct opening hours and address, photos with descriptions.
It is not magic and it does not happen overnight. Anyone promising you “first place on Google” in two weeks is promising something they do not control.
Admin panel
The place where you log in with a password and change photos, prices or opening hours yourself, without calling anyone. A bit like editing a Facebook post.
Ask from the start whether the website has one and exactly what you can change on your own.
Maintenance
What happens after the website is done: security updates, backups, small changes. It is like servicing your car.
It can be monthly or only when needed. Ask from the start what is included and what is paid separately.
SSL certificate (the padlock in the browser)
The padlock next to the address. It shows the connection between the customer and the website is secure. Today it is free and mandatory: if it is missing, the browser shows “not secure” and customers leave.
If you receive a quote and do not understand a line, ask. A serious company explains without making you feel stupid.