Definition of Flog

When a marketing bod pretends to be a 12-year-old computer nerd and leaves made-up reviews of his own products all over the blogosphere - it’s known as a fake blog or flog. Like fake hair, fake nails and fake tans - fake blogs are cheap and nasty. It’s not a good look.


Definition of YouTube

YouTube is a video sharing website where you can upload, view, share and comment on clips from TV, film and amateur videos. YouTube was started in early 2005 and sold to Google for $1.65 billion in November 2006. Now that’s a nice day’s work.


Definition of XML

XML or Extensible Markup Language is an advanced language developed by the World Wide Web consortium (W3C) to complement HTML. HTML is about displaying information, while XML is about describing information. XML is also a member of the Fantastic Four.


Definition of Wordtracker

Wordtracker can tell you the best keywords and search terms to use on your website, which will increase your position on the search engine results page and drive more traffic to your site. Amateurs guess, professionals know: the gospel according to Wordtracker.


Definition of Wilfing

From the phrase ‘what was I looking for?’ wilfing has become a national past-time. Nearly 34 million internet users in the UK admit to being wilfers and ambling about the internet looking for nothing in particular. Don’t these people have jobs?


Definition of Web feed

Feeds or web feeds, such as RSS or Atom, allow you to read, listen or watch new content on a blog or a website without having to revisit that site. It’s a bit like getting a take-out when you can’t be bothered to go the actual restaurant.


Definition of Video podcasting

Similar to podcasting, video podcasting or vodcasting delivers video clips (rather than audio files) of your fave TV shows direct to your PC via web feeds like RSS or Atom. They can then be downloaded to an iPod or portable media player. Makes airport queues bearable.


Definition of Vertical social networks

Social networks that connect people who have very specific interests or passions are called vertical social networks. Vertical social networks are nothing to with people having to stand up to have a chat.


Definition of Vertical search engine

The Web is so huge that you can use vertical search engines to help you narrow down your search. So instead of going to Google to find a new job you’d go to Monster.co.uk instead. Or if you were looking for a car, Carpages.co.uk. Or freedesignerclothers.co.uk for clothes. Ok, that doesn’t exist.


Definition of User generated content (UGC)

User generated content is content created by people in the form of blogs, discussion groups, forums, wikis and photo and music sharing sites. Content can vary in quality and can often tell visitors more about the blogger than the subject matter. Buy hey, that’s ok. We’re all friends here.


Definition of TypePad

Unlike Blogger or Wordpress, TypePad is a paid-for blogging service - and the largest of its kind in the world. It’s the blog service of choice for many business blogs, large organisations and media companies. Sky News and the BBC use it. ‘oooh he’s just your type’.


Definition of Traffic

The measurement of the amount of users visiting your website is known as traffic. Traffic is also what you get stuck in if you’re in the car and late for a meeting or trying to get somewhere quickly. Guaranteed.


Definition of Tipping point

The tipping point: how little things can make a big difference by Malcolm Gladwell in 2000 describes the tipping point as being the dramatic second where something unique becomes common, the moment of critical mass where radical change is a possibility. Wow it’s all a bit Yoda.


Definition of Tags

Tags are the informal words that describe the content of websites, blogs, photos or videos. Tags contain keywords which provide a useful way of organising, retrieving and finding information. So a parrot playing golf on YouTube has the tags, Bird, Parrot, Golf and Funny. Funny? It’s hilarious!


Definition of Tag Cloud

A tag cloud is a visual representation of the popularity of the tags or descriptions that people are using online. Popular tags are often shown in a large type and less popular in smaller type. So, on Flickr, the tag Party is shown large and the tag Hiking is small. Why are we not surprised?


Definition of Syndication

Syndication is the distribution of news articles from websites and blogs for the use on other websites via web syndication formats such as RSS and Atom. Cindy was also the youngest member of the Brady Bunch.


Definition of Sponsorship

Online sponsorship is when your business sponsors the website of another company. It can be a great way reach a whole new market of customers and increase customer goodwill just by association. And here’s a brief message from our sponsors…


Definition of Splogs

Spam blogs or splogs are fake blogs which are created to increase the search engine rankings of the sites the splog points to; to display Google’s ads; and promote affiliated sites. Splogs are different to spam in blogs which is spam comment on a regular blog. Both are sleazy.


Definition of Social web

Part of Web 2.0, social web is considered to be a new layer of the internet. It’s similar to the current web but will connect people, organisations and concepts rather than documents. Gives a whole new meaning to the expression ‘being sociable’.


Definition of Social media release (SMR)

A social media release is a news release that uses social media features like blogs, podcasts and news feeds and will also include links to information and resources. This allows a journalist to cover the story with greater ease and gives them more time to enjoy in the pub.


Definition of Social currency

Social currency is used to define the value that people have in a social setting: some people are rich, rich, rich whilst others are overdrawn. Social currency is also something that provokes interest and quickly gets passed around. Like a joke. So a man walks into a bar. Ouch.


Definition of SEO PR

SEO PR combines search engine optimisation with PR to optimise and promote websites. So, clients and agencies write effective press releases, marketing white papers, and ezine-newsletter content that generate leads as well as publicity. Genius.


Definition of Search engine positioning (SEP)

Search engine positioning or promotion refers to the constant monitoring and modifying of a website in order for it to achieve higher search engine rankings. A close relative of SEO. In fact they have the same mother: Search engine marketing.


Definition of Semantic Web

The Semantic Web is a project under the direction of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) which aims to extend the current Web and will allow you to find, share, and combine information more easily. Like a new and improved washing powder. Same stuff only better.


Definition of Seeding

Seeding refers to ‘viral’ agencies which place messages, pictures and videos on such sites as YouTube or Flickr and then just leave them there. No interaction. No conversation with the customer. It’s a all a bit seedy really.


Definition of Searching

Looking for information online is known as searching. You can search on the search engines using keywords or search terms. Or by tags on websites like YouTube and Flickr. Try searching for the meaning of life and see what you get.


Definition of Search terms

A search term or keyword is what you type into the search engine search box when you’re looking for a particular topic. So a website with an appropriate amount of the right search terms will get a better search engine ranking. Too many however and Google will kick you to the curb.


Definition of Search engine results page (SERPS)

Go to the search engine website. Type in a keyword or search term for a topic you want information on and press search. The search engine results page is the page that lists the links to the appropriate websites. Start on page one and work your way down. And down. And down.


Definition of Search engine ranking

Where your site appears on the search engine results page is known as your search engine ranking. Position 1 on page 1 is ideal. Well, you can go to page 3 or maybe 4 at a push. After that you are in the search engine equivalent of Death Valley. Was that tumbleweed we just saw?


Definition of Search engine optimisation (SEO)

Search engine optimisation is arranging your website to give it the best chance of appearing near the top of the search engine rankings. This includes having the right design and layout, great content and the right keywords and search terms. And then you just have to cross your fingers.


Definition of Search engine marketing (SEM)

Search engine marketing is the umbrella term for a range of marketing activities which market a website via the search engines. May include paid for search, search engine optimisation and link building. Doesn’t include going down on bended knee and begging outside Google Towers.


Definition of Search Engines

Search engines (like Google and Yahoo) are websites that know the content of all the other websites on the Web. So when you want to know something, ask a search engine and you’ll get a long list of links to appropriate websites. Search engines know everything. A bit like your mum.


Definition of RSS

Like Atom, RSS is a web feed which enables you to be notified when the content of a blog or site has been updated. RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary or RDF Site Summary or really something stupid. Possibly.


Definition of Referring site

A referring site is the website your visitor was at directly before coming to your site. A report will give you a list of the referring sites which may include search engines, directories, bookmarks and other sites that have linked to yours. So you’ll see who to send a Christmas card to this year.


Definition of Reciprocal linking

The mutually beneficial arrangement of linking two sites together is known as reciprocal linking. Google uses PageRank when it looks at the quality of the sites that are linked to you. So, when Saucy Sue’s swingers site want to get involved in some reciprocal linking – just say no.


Definition of Reach

Reach is the number of unique users, stated as a percentage of the target market, who have viewed an online advertisement (like a banner ad). Reach is also what you do if you swallow cat hair.


Definition of Push / pull technology

Pull technology is when you ask for information such as requesting a video on YouTube. Push technology on the other hand refers to you receiving information whether you want it or not. Think TV advertising. There’s always the off switch we suppose.


Definition of Profiles

Your profile is the information you give about yourself when you sign up for a social networking site. As well as a picture, you can include your interests and passions such as your love of Russian literature, knitting and The Carpenters. Don’t have any interests? Make them up.


Definition of Podcasting / podcasts

Podcasting is the distribution of podcasts or MP3 audio files that are automatically downloaded via a web feed directly to your PC. The files can then transferred to an iPod or other MP3 player. Podcasting has nothing to with Invasion of the Bodysnatchers.


Definition of Plug-ins

Plug-ins are small software modules that add multimedia functions to an application. Web browsers use plug-ins such as Flash to expand the type of formats they can see such as video, music or animation. Plug-ins are also what guys get when they’re going bald.


Definition of Plogger

A political blogger is known as a plogger. Ploggers can be political commentators who write blogs. Or worse - politicians who write blogs. Guaranteed to be utterly cringeworthy.


Definition of Pingback

See trackback


Definition of Ping

Short for Packet Internet Grouper a Ping is what alerts the original poster of a blog that someone has made a reference to that post in another blog when using TrackBack. A ping also notifies blog tracking software when the content of a blog has changed. Ping also refers to knicker elastic.


Definition of Photoblog

A photoblog is a blog that consists of photos rather than text, and photoblogging is posting the photos on your photoblog. So when someone says have you seen the pictures of my holiday/ baby/wedding/cat you can reply ‘yes, I’ve seen them on your photoblog’. You can lie of course.


Definition of Permalink

A permalink is a permanent link that will remain live even when the text is moved and archived. They are often used on blogs and news sites. In fact they are so permanent that they will still exist when the world as we know it comes to an end and only cockroaches are left.


Definition of Peer-to-peer

The direct interaction and filesharing (especially music) between two people in a network, without going through a central point, is known as peer-to-peer. Tears for Fears on the other hand was a moody pop band from the 1980s.


Definition of Pareto Principle

The Pareto principle, named after the Italian economist, is also know as the 80/20 rule. It refers to the fact that 80% of your results stem from 20% of your actions or 80% of your outcomes come from 20% of your inputs. So basically stop faffing and concentrate on the stuff that works.


Definition of Paid search marketing

Paid search marketing is when the search engines show ads for your business, including links to your website, on their search engine results page. You pay the search engine if the visitor clicks on the ad (Pay-per-click or PPC). Could be a few pence a day. Or a whole bunch of bucks.


Definition of Online communities

See virtual communities


Definition of Online brand protection

Unauthorised use of logos and images; domain names that discredit your company; and gripe sites: all ways in which your online brand can be damaged. Online brand protection protects your brand from online abuse and reports culprits to the search engines. Now that’s serious stuff.


Definition of Online

When your PC is connected to the internet or a network of other computers or devices - you are said to be online. Or raring to go, gagging at the bit, working really hard. Opposite to offline.


Definition of Old media

Old media refers to the old ways of communicating with the mass markets such as TV, radio, newspapers, magazines and books. Old in no way reflects the actual age of the people that work in old media.


Definition of Offline

When your PC is not connected to the internet or a network of other computers or devices - you are said to be offline. Or skiving. Or down the pub. Or out shopping. Opposite to online.


Definition of Niche

A niche website is a small website which focuses on a single product, market area or topic. Niche marketing is targeting a small sector of your target market in a controlled, precise way. Finding your niche is knowing what you’re good at and sticking with it. See immediate future.


Definition of Networks

Networks are made up of nodes and connections. In a social network, the nodes are people and the connections are the relationships. Networking is the method of strengthening those relationships. ‘What’s your name, what does your company do? Here’s my card. Call me’.


Definition of Netiquette

The unwritten rules defining good behaviour on the internet is known as netiquette. Sending spam, for instance, is bad netiquette. It’s just like etiquette but without the bone china cups and saucers, and the cucumber sandwiches.


Definition of Net Promoters Index

The number of people who would recommend your product, service or topic minus the number of people who wouldn’t - is known as the Net Promoters Index. The results are collated by monitoring message boards and blogs. The power of the Web: we love it


Definition of MSM

MSM stands for mainstream media, for example, TV, radio channels and large newspapers. Not to be confused with SMS which is text messaging. Or M&S which is the UK’s favourite high street store. Or S&M which is something else entirely.


Definition of Mobile SEO

Mobile SEO is organising your website so all the information on it can still be read and understood if viewed on a mobile phone screen. So include all the important information at the top of the page, keep the titles short, and the content shorter. GD 2CU WE R A G8 CMPNY.


Definition of Mobile Search

Mobile search is the result of convergence of search engines and mobile phones which means you can now browse the internet using your phone. So now there’s no excuse for being late home because you didn’t know the name of a cab company.


Definition of Mobcast

An audio programme that can be delivered directly to your mobile phone or any other mobile device is known as a mobcast or mobilecast. A mobcast is nothing to do with thousands of people standing outside Harrods on the first day of the January sales.


Definition of Microsite

A microsite or mini website is a small, self contained page or website that has a particular message about a single product or service. A microsite may be reached from a site’s home page but will often have a different address. A microsite is also a website about Posh Spice.


Definition of Microformat

Microformat is a data format which works alongside XML and HTML. Inserting microformat tags into your website or blog means the content can be more easily defined which helps the search engines do a better job. Small, unobtrusive but helpful, Microformats are a bit like The Wombles.


Definition of Metadata

Simply put metadata is data about data. Or information about information. So if you were in a library the data refers to the titles stocked and the metadata would be a description of the content of the book, its author, publication date and physical location. Now, that’s organised.


Definition of Message boards

Websites where visitors are able to leave messages, start topics and have general discussions about stuff are known as message board or forums. Message boards are available for a wide range of topics from astronomy to heavy metal. As they say, there’s someone for everyone.


Definition of Meme

A meme (rhymes with dream) describes a unit of cultural information or idea which is shared and passed along either verbally or via something like a blog. So a question posted in one blog and answered in many would be a meme. As Joseph of Technicolor coat fame said ‘Any meme will do’.


Definition of Mass media

Mass media are the forms of communication which reach a lot of people very quickly. So, newspapers, magazines, books, video, radio, television and the Web would all be examples of mass media. On the other hand, girls screaming at a Take That concert is mass hysteria.


Definition of Mash-up

Named after the act of mixing two hip-hop songs together, a mash-up is when the functions of two Web applications are mixed together to create something new and better. Yo yo yo whassup? It’s a mash-up ya know wha’ I’m saying?


Definition of Mapping

Gathering together a list of influencing social media, such as niche blogs, mainstream blogs and forums, which relate to a specific topic, is known as mapping. When preparing an online campaign, mapping is a useful planning tool. So is an A-Z. Where are we?


Definition of Long Tail

Named after the shape created in a demand curve graph, Long Tail refers to the idea that if enough specialists, alternative and independent products are sold collectively they’ll make up a market to challenge the blockbusters. Long Tail is also one of the Dragons in Harry Potter.


Definition of List broker

A list broker sells or rents lists of information, normally mailing or email addresses, which can be used for targeted marketing campaigns. Use only a reputable list broker with an up-to-date list of opt-in email addresses - otherwise you’ll be accused of spamming. You have been warned.


Definition of Links

A hypertext connection between two websites or two web pages is known as a hyperlink or link. An example is the search engine results page which lists links to websites. The search engines will also look for good quality incoming links when they rate your site. Known as the ‘links effect’.


Definition of Linkbaiting

Linkbaiting is all about having good linkbaits on your site or blog which encourages a heap of other sites to link to it. Linkbaits are good, funny, controversial and newsworthy content which reel in those links. Linkbaiting sort of sound like a bad thing but it isn’t.


Definition of Link equity

See link popularity


Definition of Landing Page

A bit like Alice in Wonderland, a landing page is where a site visitor will end up when they click on a link or online advertisement. Not necessarily the home page, the landing page will reflect the content of the ad and be highly targeted. Curiouser and curiouser.


Definition of Keyword stuffing

Keyword stuffing is the unethical practice of overstuffing website text with keywords in the hope of getting high search engine rankings. Too many keywords and the search engines will simply ignore you. And the text won’t make a whole lot of sense. Leave stuffing to the Christmas turkey.


Definition of Keyword search

Keyword search is when you type a keyword into the search engine search box. A keyword search is also what you’d do prior to writing the text for a website so you know exactly what keywords to include. Wordtracker can help with this. It’s like your dad helping you with your homework.


Definition of Keywords

The right keywords throughout your site let the search engines know what the site’s all about. So use keywords in the page title, the meta tags, headlines, anchor text and text but in a natural readable way. So, ‘we’re the best widget makes of all widget makers in widget land’ is a no-no.


Definition of Keyphrase

keyphrase or search term is a combination of keywords that will help narrow down your search. The right keyphrases in the right places throughout your site will also help your site achieve high search engine rankings. So ‘Online PR Kingston’ is a keyphrase. Go on. Try it now.


Definition of Juice

Formerly known as iPodder, Juice is a media aggregator which helps you select audio files and podcasts and then downloads them directly onto your PC. They can then be transferred on to your iPod or any other MP3 player. Juice is good for you, especially orange or cranberry. Avoid prunes.


Definition of Jargon

Jargon are terms which are used by businesses in-house but are not widely known by the public. Should be avoided at all costs on a website. This is real: “Our challenge is to completely maintain unique solutions while continuing to synergistically utilise principle-centred information." Err…ok.


Definition of Influencers

Influencers are trendsetters who let everyone know their thoughts and opinions via various online message boards, forums and blogs. The right influencers behind your product or service can build a brand quicker than you can say ‘I’m under the influence’.


Definition of HTML

HTML or Hyper Text Markup Language is the main language used for websites. It’s written in short codes or tags surrounded by < and > which give instructions as to how the word or image will appear: <strong> these words will be bold </strong> and these will not. :-( means you don’t get it.


Definition of Home page

The home page is the first page of your website and it’s where you tell your visitor all about the benefits of your product or service. If you do nothing else, make sure your home page is fantastic. As Dorothy said ‘there’s no page like the home page’. Or something like that.


Definition of Hits

don’t refer to the number of people that have visited your site. Hits actually refer to the number of items that make up that page. So four pictures, text and a graphic would be six items or six hits. So when someone says ‘we got 5 million visitors last week’ chances are they didn’t.


Definition of Groups

collection of people brought together online because of similar interests, goals, or concerns are known as groups. They exchange ideas and messages in chat rooms; message boards; forums; via email; and sometimes on the ‘phone. A member of a group is a grouper. Ok, we made that up.


Definition of Grassroots marketing

Grassroots marketing is about building a relationship with influencers in your key market and getting them so enthusiastic for your product or service they practically become your sales force. It doesn’t mean checking out the garden centre in your lunch hour. ‘Ooooh look at those pansies’.


Definition of Google Bomb

When the same keyword is inserted in the anchor text in hundreds of blogs and sites in the hope of influencing the Google search engine, it’s known as a Google bomb. A famous Google bomb was the term ‘dumb @&!!$%!’ which sent people to a site about George Bush. Now defunct. Awww.


Definition of Gadget

Gadget is an alternative word to widget. Sometimes appears with the prefix Inspector who was of course an absent-minded cartoon detective who used a whole arsenal of cool gadgets to defeat his nemesis Dr Claw and his evil organisation MAD (Mean And Dirty). Ok, somebody stop us.


Definition of Friends

Friends are the people whose profile you’re linked to on social network sites like Facebook. Friends can be someone you’re actually friends with. Or someone you vaguely know who asked you to be their friend and you were too chicken to say no. So no-one told you life was gonna be this way.


Definition of Forum

to the ancient one in Rome, a forum is an online meeting place for open discussions on various topics. When you enter a forum you’ll see the topics and threads that have already been posted. You can reply to these or start your own. ‘So, what have the Romans ever done for us?’


Definition of Folksonomy

Folksonomy refers to people classifying their blogs, web pages and pictures with informal descriptions or tags. So on Flickr, the tags for a picture of freshly-cut grass might be green; spring; nature; hay fever; sniffles; headache. Folksonomy are also people who go to barn dances.


Definition of Flickr

Flickr is a photo-sharing website where you can upload your photos and tag them so the content can be easily found. Or put words to the photos to create a work of flicktion. Not to be confused with Flipper who was an Aussie dolphin.


Definition of Flicktion

A collection of pictures on Flickr accompanied by short stories is known as flicktion. The Doorbells of Florence, which has gained a cult following, was a work of flicktion which was nominated for a Blooker Prize. Just goes to show that truth is stranger than flicktion.


Definition of Flashturbation

The unnecessary and excessive use of Adobe Flash on websites is known as flashturbation. Loved by amateur web designers and 14 year olds everywhere, too much flashturbation can make you go blind.


Definition of Flash

Aaah-aaah saviour of the universe. Umm…not really. But Adobe Flash is a cool piece of vector animation and programming software which enables animation, audio and video to appear on your website.


Definition of Feeds

See web feeds


Definition of Fake Blog

When a marketing bod pretends to be a 12-year-old computer nerd and leaves made-up reviews of his own products all over the blogosphere - it’s known as a fake blog or flog. Like fake hair, fake nails and fake tans - fake blogs are cheap and nasty. It’s not a good look.


Definition of Facebook

Social networking site Facebook was started by Harvard college student Mark Zuckerberg in 2004. Originally for US students only, now anyone can join. You go to University, you move town, you grow up – and still the geeky annoying kid from 4B tracks you down.


Definition of e-vouchers

Coupons that are delivered electronically and offer discounts or promotions are known as e-vouchers. They can either be redeemed online or printed off and used at retail outlets. Remember the Threshers/Wine rack discount vouchers? We love love love e-vouchers.


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