What is Website?
Your business's digital shop window. Strictly speaking the word means just the homepage, but in everyday use people mean the whole site.
In Swedish, "hemsida" is the word most people use for a website. Strictly speaking, "hemsida" means only the homepage — the front door itself. But in everyday language, the word has shifted to mean the whole site, all pages together. When someone says "check out our website", they almost always mean the entire site, not just the first page.
For many customers, a website is the first thing they encounter from your business. Just like a shop window on the high street, it decides whether people step inside or walk on. It should quickly show who you are, what you offer, and how to contact you — ideally without the visitor having to hunt for answers.
Today a website must also work on mobile, because most visits come from phones. A page that looks good on desktop but becomes messy on mobile loses visitors.
Why is a website important for your business?
Even though much happens on social media, your website is your own ground — the one you control entirely. Facebook and Instagram can change the rules or shut down your account, but the website is yours. It is the hub you direct people to from ads, Google, and business cards.
A well-thought-out website also builds trust. Many customers Google a business before getting in touch, and a credible, up-to-date site makes them more willing to reach out.
Website in practice
A small building firm might not need more than a website with a few pages: a homepage showing what they do, a page with past jobs and photos, an about page, and a contact page with a phone number and form.
When a homeowner then Googles "carpenter near me" and finds the site, sees photos of previous work, and reads that the business is serious, the step to pick up the phone feels much shorter. The website did the job before the phone even rang.
Common questions about Website
What does website mean?
Strictly speaking, a homepage is the start page of a website, but in everyday use people mean the whole site. It is your business's home on the web — a digital shop window.
What is the difference between a website and a homepage?
In practice, almost none — people use the words interchangeably. Technically, the homepage is only the start page while a website is all pages together, but almost nobody cares about that distinction anymore.
Does a small business need a website?
It is strongly recommended. A website is the only place on the web you fully own, and many customers Google a business before getting in touch. Without one, you risk looking less credible.
Related terms
Bug
An error in the code. Can be anything from 'the button is 1 pixel off' to 'the whole app crashes'. We fix both kinds.
Backend
The invisible machinery behind the scenes. Nobody sees it, but nothing works without it. Like a good sound engineer at a concert.
Boilerplate
Standard code every project needs. Dull but necessary — like making the bed before you can sleep in it.
Code Review
When a colleague checks your code before it goes live. Catches embarrassing mistakes — and stops your app crashing.
Commit
Saving a change to your code history. Good commit messages save lives. "fixed stuff" does not.
Deploy
Pressing the button that makes your app available to the world. Nerve-wracking every time. Every. Single. Time.