During my first month working at Launch, there were a lot of key terms and lingo I had never heard before. The world of digital marketing and web development is filled with technical terms, slang, and acronyms, and it took me almost one year on the job to start fully understanding what each meant and why it was important. Below is a quick-reference guide to some of the most important day-to-day terms you’re likely to encounter in the Launch offices.

1. CTA (Call to Action)Digital Marketing Terms
noun. “Can you make the CTA on the button say ‘View Running Shoes?’”
When designing websites, landing pages, and other graphics, it is important to have a call to action telling the customer where to go and what to do.

2. PPC (Pay Per Click)
noun. “Did you start the PPC Campaign for XYZ Restaurant?”
PPC is an internet advertising model used to direct traffic to websites. Examples of PPC ads include sponsored ads that appear at the top of search engine pages or at the beginning of YouTube videos.

3. PSD (Photoshop File)
noun. “Can you send me your PSD for the website mockup?”
Working with editable files helps everyone tremendously. At Launch we strive to make sure the final result looks just like the design that was initially approved.

4. CSS/HTML
noun. “Coding and styling a website requires CSS and HTML.”
Simply put, CSS and HTML code are the building blocks of a website. CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is used to dictate the fonts, colors, themes, and much more for a website. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the code that builds the website itself, including things like links, embedded photos, and text.

5. WP (WordPress)
noun. “Did you use a WP template?”
WordPress is a content management system used to create fully equipped websites or simple blogs. The possibilities are endless, and that is why we love using it! It is simple for the client to use and understand, making the experience hassle-free! Learn more about WordPress.

6. SCRUM (Daily Morning Call)Launch team
noun. “Can you join us on tomorrow’s SCRUM call?”
Since we are a busy company with a lot of things going on, it is important to stay on track. SCRUM is a daily call where team members go through their daily events and key projects. It also gives us a chance to see what our work day will look like and if we can offer help to a co-worker.

7. Blockers (Something that prevents you from completing your work)
noun. “I have no blockers!”
Blockers prevent our team members from completing their tasks. It’s the responsibility of the individual team members to announce their blockers during daily SCRUM calls so that progress can be made on the project. This gives us the opportunity to problem solve and help one another!

8. CRM (Customer Relationship Management)
noun. “Did you verify the email addresses going to the CRM?”
For us, the CRM is the client’s database that houses leads generated by the forms on the websites we build. In other words, when a user submits a completed form, it is captured in the back-end of the site (in WordPress) and also sent to the client’s CRM for their use in following up with the potential lead.

9. VRP (Vehicle Results Page)
noun. “Can you change the title on the VRP?”
VRP is a list of results that match a search term you want to look for (i.e. 2014 Honda Pilot).

10. VDP (Vehicle Details Page)
noun. “Can you change the car’s price on the VDP?”
The VDP shows a specific model from the results page, and lists the details of the specific model.

11. API (Application Programming Interface)
noun. “We hooked into 3 new APIs, which will allow us to expose more data for our customers in the Dealer Inspire Dashboard.”
Technology that allows applications and software to share data and content. We use APIs to integrate our technology with data other companies make available to programmers.

12. KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
noun. “We are going to review the KPIs with the client at the 2pm meeting.”
KPIs are ways for organizations to measure their progress and success in reaching defined goals.

13. ROI (Return on Investment)
noun. “Utilizing long tail non-branded keywords in your digital content increases relevant traffic. These efforts ultimately reward you with better conversion rates and a higher ROI.”
The return on the initial investment.

14. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
noun, verb AND adjective! “Have you finished the SEO for the site we are launching Friday?”
At Launch it’s important to make sure our clients’ websites display highly in search rankings to stand out from their competitors. We have a team dedicated to doing just that! This part is crucial in our day-to-day operations at Launch. Learn more about SEO.

15. FBO (Facebook Official)
noun. “OMG you guys aren’t Facebook official?”
Since we have a great family atmosphere at Launch, we share everything with each other, especially when it comes to our personal lives and relationships. Many employees have learned the “young lingo” and what is important in the lives of a person in their twenties. Remember to make your relationship status Facebook Official!

Meet Lauren Fischer

Lauren Fischer is a graphic web designer and support manager for Launch Digital Marketing. She recently graduated with honors from the University of Iowa obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design. She enjoys traveling, going to Cubs and Blackhawks games and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes!