Tech Terms Explained
Plain-English answers to the questions nobody explains
Getting your business online doesn’t need to be complicated. If terms like “domain” or “DNS” make your head spin, this page is for you.
We’ve pulled together the essentials so you know what things mean, why they matter, and how they fit into your website and systems.
Automations
What are automations?
Automations are systems that take care of repetitive tasks for you. For example, sending a confirmation email when someone fills in your contact form, or following up with a lead automatically.
Why does it matter?
It saves time, keeps customers engaged, and makes sure you never forget to reply.
Backups
What are backups?
A backup is a copy of your website, stored safely in case something goes wrong.
How does it work?
We keep system-wide backups in the background to protect against major issues. Each page in your site or funnel has its own version history, so if something is deleted or changed by mistake we can safely roll back and restore them.
What this means for you
You don't need to worry about setting up your own backups. Your site is protected at a system level, and most smaller (and big) changes can be reversed if needed.
Calendars & Booking Systems
What is an online booking system?
It’s a tool that lets your customers book your services directly through your website, without emailing or calling.
Why is it useful?
It saves back-and-forth on calls or emails, checks your availability and fills your diary automatically, and allows the customer to book straight away.
Cookies
What are cookies?
Cookies are small files stored on a visitor’s device when they use your website. They remember things like login details, preferences, or what’s in a shopping basket.
Why do they matter?
They make websites easier to use, but they also track behaviour. That’s why you see cookie pop-ups, they’re required by law so people can choose what to allow.
What do you need to do?
Every website in the UK needs a cookie notice if it uses anything that tracks users, such as Google Analytics or Facebook Pixel. With Aligned, we set this up for you so your site stays compliant without you needing to worry about the details.
DNS
What is DNS?
DNS stands for “Domain Name System.” It’s basically the phone book of the internet. It tells your domain where your website and email are hosted.
Do I need to touch it?
Probably not. We’ll handle this for you. Just know it exists in the background making things work.
Domains
What is a domain?
A domain is your website’s address on the internet. It’s what people type into their browser to find you, like www.yourbusiness.co.uk.
Why do I need one?
Without a domain, people can’t find your website. It’s the digital equivalent of a shop sign.
Who owns it?
You should always own your own domain. We can help you register it so it’s in your name, not locked to an agency.
Email Clients
What’s an email client?
This is the tool you use to check and send emails, like Outlook, Apple Mail, or Gmail’s web app.
Do I need one?
Yes, but you don’t need to overthink it. If you already use Gmail or Outlook, you can keep using them — your new email address can plug straight in.
Email Hosting
What is email hosting?
This lets you use a professional email address like [email protected] instead of Gmail or Hotmail.
Why should I bother?
It looks more trustworthy to customers and helps your emails avoid spam filters.
How is it set up?
It connects to your domain, and we’ll guide you through the setup so everything works smoothly.
Privacy Policy
What is a privacy policy?
A privacy policy is a page on your website that explains how you collect, use, and protect people’s personal information, like names, emails, or payment details.
Why do you need one?
It’s a legal requirement in the UK if your website collects personal data. Even a simple contact form counts, because people are giving you their name and email address.
What does it cover?
- What data you collect (for example: names, emails, phone numbers)
- How you use the data (such as replying to enquiries or sending newsletters)
- How the data is stored and protected
- Whether you share the data with anyone else (like payment processors or email services)
- People’s rights to see, change, or delete their data
What do we do?
With Aligned, we’ll make sure your website has a privacy policy page in place. We can provide a starter template, but you should always make sure it reflects your own business practices.
SSL Certificates
What is SSL?
SSL is the little padlock you see in the browser bar. It means the connection to your site is secure.
Why is it important?
It builds trust with your visitors and stops browsers showing “not secure” warnings. Google also prefers secure sites.
Do I need to buy one?
No. With Aligned, SSL is included as standard.
Website Hosting
What is hosting?
Hosting is where your website “lives.” Think of it like renting a plot of land for your shop. The domain is the address, the hosting is the land, and your website is the shop itself.
Why does it matter?
Good hosting keeps your site fast, secure, and online 24/7.
What do we provide?
With Aligned, hosting is included in your monthly fee, so you don’t have to deal with it separately.
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