On Trend Ecommerce Terminology & Buzzword Glossary That Both New & Experienced Store Owners Should Know

Many times, having a conversation with an eCommerce professional leaves you scrambling for a dictionary! Don’t worry, you aren’t alone!

Businesses new to eCommerce, whether you are a seller, buyer or enabler, should be well-versed in the eCommerce jargon that gets passed around in everyday discussions. Below is a list of the most popular keywords, buzzwords, and phrases used in the eCommerce industry.

This post is a slight different post than the others as it will talk about the different eCommerce terms (or e-commerce glossary, e-commerce buzzwords or e-commerce jagons) that are used in today’s time. It is highly important to get acquainted to them to better understand the online world. For your convenience, we have grouped the ecommerce terminology glossaries into the following categories based on a normal eCommerce store operations so that you can relate and find the terminologies easily.

• General Ecommerce Business & Operations Terminologies
• Logistics, Shipping & Inventory Related Terminologies 
• Marketing (SEO, Content, Email & Social) Terminologies
• WooCommerce & WordPress Specific Terminologies
• Metrics, Analytics & Data Terminologies
• Payments, Finance & Security Terminologies
• Technical & Development (General Terminologies)

General Ecommerce Business & Operations Terminologies

Before diving into plugins and code, you must master the fundamental business models that drive the digital economy. This section covers the essential terminology for General eCommerce Business & Operations from foundational structures like B2B and D2C to modern operational strategies like Dropshipping and O2O. Whether you are launching a startup or scaling an enterprise, these terms define the blueprint of your online business.

1) Ad Spend

Definition: Ad Spend refers to the total budget invested in paid advertising campaigns (such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or LinkedIn) over a specific period. It is the primary cost metric used to calculate the effectiveness of marketing, specifically Return on Ad Spend (ROAS).

2) B2A (Business to Administration)

Definition: B2A refers to electronic transactions conducted between companies and public administration or government bodies. This includes paying social security, filing corporate taxes, or submitting legal documents online.

3) B2B (Business to Business)

Definition: B2B describes transactions between two businesses, such as a manufacturer selling raw materials to a wholesaler. B2B ecommerce often requires complex features like bulk pricing, tax exemption, and “Request a Quote” functionality.

4) B2C (Business to Consumer)

Definition: B2C describes transactions where a business sells directly to the end consumer. This is the most common model for traditional retail sites like Amazon or a standard WooCommerce store.

5) Booking / Appointment

Definition: In ecommerce, Booking refers to selling time-based services (like hotel rooms, rentals, or consultations) rather than physical goods. If you are using WooCommerce for your business. Try the Booking and Appointment plugin for WooCommerce, which lets you convert any WooCommerce product into a bookable product or service. 

6) Brick-and-Click Store

Definition: A Brick-and-Click store (or “Clicks and Mortar”) is a business model where a company operates both a physical retail outlet and an online ecommerce website. This allows for strategies like “Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store” (BOPIS). You can use Order Delivery Date Pro for WooCommerce to execute BOPIS effectively on your WooCommerce store based on multiple factors, such as the date, time slot, preparation time, and more

7) Bundling

Definition: Bundling is a marketing strategy where multiple products are packaged and sold together as a single unit, often at a discounted price (e.g., “Camera + Lens + Bag”). Benefit: It increases Average Order Value (AOV) and helps move slow-selling inventory.

8) Business Blogging

Definition: Business Blogging is the creation of content specifically designed to support business goals, such as ranking for keywords, educating customers about products, or establishing industry authority.

9) Buy Button

Definition: A Buy Button is a clickable call-to-action (CTA) on a webpage that initiates the checkout process. In modern ecommerce, “Buy Buttons” can also be embedded in emails, social media posts, or third-party blogs.

10) Buyer Persona

Definition: A Buyer Persona is a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer based on market research and real data. It helps you tailor your marketing messages to specific needs, behaviors, and pain points.

11) C2A (Consumer to Administration)

Definition: C2A refers to electronic transactions conducted between individuals and public administration, such as filing personal tax returns, paying health services fees, or paying tuition to public universities online.

12) C2C (Consumer to Consumer)

Definition: C2C is a business model where consumers trade with each other, typically on a third-party platform. Examples include eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.

13) Crowdsourcing

Definition: Crowdsourcing is the practice of obtaining information, ideas, or services from a large group of people, usually via the internet (e.g., asking customers to vote on the next product color to launch).

14) Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Definition: CRM refers to software systems that companies use to manage and analyze customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle. Popular examples include Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho.

15) Customer Service

Definition: Customer Service is the support you offer your customers — both before and after they buy and use your products — that helps them have an easy and enjoyable experience with you.

16) D2C (Direct to Consumer)

Definition: D2C is a business model where a brand sells directly to its end customers without going through a retailer, distributor, or wholesaler. This allows for higher profit margins and better ownership of customer data.

17) Digital Commerce

Definition: Digital Commerce is an umbrella term that covers the buying and selling of goods and services using digital channels such as the Internet, mobile networks, and commerce infrastructure. It includes marketing, analytics, and UX, not just the transaction itself.

18) Ebook

Definition: An Ebook (electronic book) is a book publication made available in digital form. In ecommerce, ebooks are often used as “Lead Magnets”—free downloads offered in exchange for a visitor’s email address.

19) eBay

Definition: eBay is a multinational ecommerce corporation that facilitates consumer-to-consumer and business-to-consumer sales through its website. It is best known for its auction-style sales and is a major channel for third-party sellers.

20) Ecommerce / Electronic Commerce

Definition: Ecommerce refers to the commercial transactions conducted electronically on the Internet. It covers a range of business activities including retail shopping, banking, investing, and rentals.

21) Infographics

Definition: Infographics are graphic visual representations of information, data, or knowledge intended to present information quickly and clearly. They are highly shareable assets for ecommerce blogs.

22) Listing Fee

Definition: A Listing Fee (or insertion fee) is the amount charged by an online marketplace (like eBay or Etsy) to list a product for sale on their platform, regardless of whether the item sells or not.

23) Live Chat

Definition: Live Chat is a customer service tool that allows website visitors to communicate with support agents in real-time via a chat window. It is proven to increase conversion rates by resolving customer doubts instantly.

24) Marketplace

Definition: A Marketplace is an ecommerce site where products are provided by multiple third-party sellers, while transactions are processed by the marketplace operator (e.g., Amazon, Etsy).

25) mCommerce (Mobile Commerce)

Definition: mCommerce refers to any monetary transaction completed using a mobile device, such as a cell phone or tablet. It includes mobile shopping, banking, and payments via digital wallets.

26) Microsite

Definition: A Microsite is a small, individual website or cluster of pages that functions as a supplement to a primary website. They are often used for specific marketing campaigns or product launches.

27) O2O (Online to Offline)

Definition: O2O is a business strategy that draws potential customers from online channels to make purchases in physical stores. Examples include “Click and Collect” or online coupons redeemable in-store.

28) Point of Sale (POS)

Definition: A POS is the time and place where a retail transaction is completed. In modern retail, POS software syncs physical store sales with the online ecommerce inventory in real-time. 

29) Shopping Cart

Definition: A Shopping Cart is software that allows an online customer to select items for purchase, reviewing what they have selected, and making modifications before proceeding to checkout.

30) Social Commerce

Definition: Social Commerce refers to the buying and selling of products directly within social media platforms (like Instagram Shops, TikTok Shop, or Facebook Marketplace) without the customer ever leaving the app.

31) Software as a Service (SaaS)

Definition: SaaS is a software distribution model where a third-party provider hosts applications and makes them available to customers over the Internet (e.g., Shopify, Mailchimp).

32) Subscription-based

Definition: A Subscription-based model is a business model where a customer must pay a recurring price at regular intervals for access to a product or service. 

33) Trend

Definition: In ecommerce, a Trend refers to a shift in consumer behavior or market direction (e.g., the trend toward sustainable packaging or voice search). Tools like Google Trends help merchants identify these shifts early.

34) Turnkey

Definition: A Turnkey solution is a product or service that is designed to be fully operational and ready to use upon delivery, requiring no setup by the buyer. A “Turnkey Ecommerce Store” is a pre-built website ready to take sales immediately.

35) User Experience (UX)

Definition: UX refers to the overall experience a person has when using a website, especially in terms of how easy or pleasing it is. Good ecommerce UX minimizes friction and leads to higher conversion rates.

36) User Interface (UI)

Definition: UI is the series of screens, pages, and visual elements—like buttons and icons—that enable a person to interact with a product or service. It is the visual layout of the UX.

37) Wish List

Definition: A Wish List is an ecommerce feature that allows shoppers to create personalized collections of products they want to buy later and save them to their user account.

38) Zero Moment of Truth (ZMOT)

Definition: Coined by Google, the Zero Moment of Truth (ZMOT) refers to the moment a consumer grabs their device to research a product online (reading reviews, comparing prices) before they ever decide to buy.

Logistics, Shipping & Inventory Related Terminologies 

The backbone of any successful ecommerce business is its operations. This section covers the essential terminology regarding how products are stored, managed, and delivered to customers. From warehouse strategies like Just-in-Time (JIT) to shipping complexities like Reverse Logistics and Last Mile Delivery, mastering these terms is crucial for optimizing costs and ensuring customer satisfaction.

39) Address Verification Service (AVS)

Definition: AVS is a fraud prevention tool used by payment processors to verify that the billing address provided by the customer matches the address on file with the card-issuing bank. It helps merchants flag suspicious transactions before shipping goods.

40) Backorder

Definition: A Backorder is an order placed for a product that is currently out of stock but is expected to be resupplied by the merchant. The customer pays for the item upfront or provides payment details, with the understanding that it will ship at a later date.

41) Bill of Lading (BOL)

Definition: A Bill of Lading is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that details the type, quantity, and destination of the goods being carried. It serves as a receipt of shipment when the goods are delivered to the destination.

42) COGS (Cost of Goods Sold)

Definition: COGS refers to the direct costs attributable to the production of the goods sold by a company. This includes the cost of materials and labor directly used to create the good, but excludes indirect expenses like distribution and sales force costs.

43) Dead Stock

Definition: Dead Stock refers to inventory that has not sold for a long period and is unlikely to sell in the future. This stock ties up capital, occupies valuable warehouse space, and often requires liquidation to clear.

44) Delivery Date

Definition: The Delivery Date is the specific calendar day a customer expects to receive their order. Unlike a shipping estimate (e.g., “3-5 days”), a delivery date provides a precise commitment, which is essential for time-sensitive purchases like gifts or perishables.

45) Delivery Integration

Definition: Delivery Integration refers to connecting an ecommerce store directly with a shipping carrier’s system (like FedEx, UPS, or DHL) via API. This allows for real-time shipping rate calculation, automatic label generation, and live tracking updates.

46) Dimensional Weight (DIM Weight)

Definition: Dimensional Weight is a pricing technique used by commercial freight carriers. It calculates shipping costs based on the package’s volume (length x width x height) rather than just its actual weight. If a package is light but large, the shipping cost is based on its DIM weight.

47) Dropshipping

Definition: Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn’t keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product, it purchases the item from a third party and has it shipped directly to the customer.

48) Flat Rate Shipping

Definition: Flat Rate Shipping is a shipping strategy where a merchant charges a single, fixed fee for shipping, regardless of the weight, shape, or size of the order. This simplifies the checkout process for customers.

49) Free Shipping Threshold

Definition: A Free Shipping Threshold is a marketing tactic where customers qualify for free shipping only if their order total exceeds a certain amount (e.g., “Free Shipping on orders over $50”). This is often used to increase Average Order Value (AOV).

50) Freight Forwarding

Definition: Freight Forwarding is the coordination and shipment of goods from one place to another via a single or multiple carriers via air, marine, rail, or highway. Forwarders act as intermediaries who handle the logistics and paperwork for moving cargo.

51) Fulfillment (Order Fulfillment)

Definition: Fulfillment is the complete process of receiving, processing, and delivering orders to end customers. It includes inventory management, picking and packing, shipping, and handling returns.

52) Incoterms

Definition: Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are a set of standardized trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers for the delivery of goods under sales contracts (e.g., FOB, CIF, DAP).

53) Inventory

Definition: Inventory refers to the raw materials, work-in-process goods, and completely finished goods that are considered to be the portion of a business’s assets that are ready or will be ready for sale.

54) Inventory Management

Definition: Inventory Management is the systematic process of ordering, storing, tracking, and controlling inventory. It ensures that there is enough stock to meet demand without overstocking, minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency.

55) Just-in-Time (JIT)

Definition: Just-in-Time (JIT) is an inventory management strategy where a company receives goods from suppliers only as they are needed in the production process or for immediate sale, reducing inventory holding costs.

56) Last Mile Delivery

Definition: Last Mile Delivery refers to the final step of the shipping process—moving the package from a local distribution hub to the customer’s doorstep. It is often considered the most expensive and time-consuming part of the shipping journey.

57) Lead Time

Definition: Lead Time is the amount of time that elapses between the initiation of a process and its completion. In ecommerce, it typically refers to the time between placing a purchase order with a supplier and receiving the stock.

58) Logistics

Definition: Logistics is the overall process of managing how resources are acquired, stored, and transported to their final destination. In ecommerce, it encompasses the entire flow of goods from manufacturer to the end consumer.

59) Logistics Provider

Definition: A Logistics Provider is a company that provides management over the flow of goods and materials between points of origin to end-use destination. This can be a carrier, a freight forwarder, or a 3PL.

60) Order Number

Definition: An Order Number is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to a specific customer purchase. It is used by both the merchant and the customer to track the order’s progress, manage returns, and resolve support issues. In WooCoomerce, the default order numbers are hard to manage and operate, make your order numbers easy to track and insync with your operations with the Custom Order Number for WooCommerce plugin. 

61) Order Status

Definition: Order Status indicates the current phase of an order within the fulfillment workflow. Common statuses include Pending Payment, Processing, Shipped, Delivered, and Cancelled. Having an order status system that goes in sync with your order packaging to delivery system is crucial to keep your whole team on the same page. With the default WooCommerce order statu,s you can only do a very little amount of optimization. The Custom Order Status plugin lets you create unique order statuses and also automatically change the status when an order passes a particular stage, saving you hours of time.

62) Order Tracking

Definition: Order Tracking is a system that allows customers to monitor the real-time progress of their shipment. It usually involves a tracking number provided by the carrier that updates as the package moves through various checkpoints.

63) Partial Shipment

Definition: A Partial Shipment occurs when an order is split into multiple packages that are shipped at different times. This often happens if one item is out of stock or if items are located in different warehouses.

64) Private Label

Definition: Private Label products are goods manufactured by a contract or third-party manufacturer and sold under a retailer’s brand name. The retailer specifies the product, what goes in it, how it’s packaged, and what the label looks like.

65) Return Policy

Definition: A Return Policy is a set of rules established by a retailer that dictates how customers can return or exchange unwanted merchandise. It outlines the time frame, condition of items, and refund methods available.

66) Reverse Logistics

Definition: Reverse Logistics is the process of moving goods from their typical final destination for the purpose of capturing value, or proper disposal. In simpler terms, it is the management of customer returns and exchanges.

67) Shipping Cost

Definition: Shipping Cost is the expense incurred to move a product from the seller’s warehouse to the customer’s location. This cost includes packaging materials, courier fees, labor, and fuel surcharges.

68) SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)

Definition: A SKU is a unique scannable code consisting of numbers and letters that identifies a specific product and helps track inventory. Each variation of a product (e.g., Red Shirt, Blue Shirt) typically has its own unique SKU.

69) Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

Definition: 3PL refers to outsourcing ecommerce logistics processes—including inventory management, warehousing, and fulfillment—to a third-party provider. This allows merchants to focus on marketing and sales rather than operations.

70) Wholesale

Definition: Wholesale is the selling of goods in large quantities to be retailed by others. Wholesalers typically sell to retailers or other professional business users, usually at a discounted unit price compared to retail.

Marketing (SEO, Content, Email & Social) Terminologies

Driving traffic to your store is only half the battle; converting that traffic into loyal customers is the real challenge. This section decodes the essential vocabulary of digital marketing, from SEO technicalities like 301 Redirects and XML Sitemaps to conversion strategies like A/B Testing and Lead Nurturing. Mastering these terms empowers you to build campaigns that not only reach your audience but also resonate with them.

71) 301 Redirect

Definition: A 301 Redirect is a permanent command that automatically sends users and search engines from an old URL to a new one. It ensures that any SEO ranking power (“link juice”) from the old page is passed to the new destination. SEO Tip: Always use 301 redirects when you delete a product or change a category URL to prevent 404 errors.

72) A/B Testing (Split Testing)

Definition: A/B Testing is the process of comparing two versions of a webpage or email to see which one performs better. You show 50% of traffic “Version A” and 50% “Version B” to test elements like button colors, headlines, or product images.

73) Abandonment (Cart Abandonment)

Definition: Cart Abandonment occurs when a visitor adds items to their shopping cart but exits the website without completing the purchase. The average industry abandonment rate is nearly 70%. Reduce your cart abandonment rate and win back those customers with personalized messages and discounts using Abandoned Cart Pro for WooCommerce. Send email, SMS, and even WhatsApp messages to win back your abandoned cart users. 

74) Affiliate

Definition: An Affiliate is a partner or publisher who promotes a merchant’s products in exchange for a commission on sales generated through their unique tracking link.

75) Affiliate Marketing

Definition: Affiliate Marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where a business rewards affiliates for each customer brought by the affiliate’s own marketing efforts.

76) Blog

Definition: A Blog (short for “weblog”) is a section of a website regularly updated with articles, guides, and news. For ecommerce, blogs are a critical tool for SEO and driving organic traffic.

77) Bottom of the Funnel (BoFu)

Definition: Bottom of the Funnel refers to the final stage of the buyer’s journey where the lead is ready to buy. Content here should be transaction-focused (e.g., coupons, case studies, or “Buy Now” offers).

78) Call to Action (CTA)

Definition: A Call to Action (CTA) is a prompt on a website that tells the user what to do next. Examples include “Add to Cart,” “Sign Up Now,” or “Learn More.”

79) Campaign Tracking

Definition: Campaign Tracking involves adding special parameters (UTM codes) to your URLs to track the effectiveness of online marketing campaigns in your analytics software.

80) Click-Through Rate (CTR)

Definition: CTR is the ratio of users who click on a specific link to the total number of users who viewed a page, email, or advertisement. High CTR indicates that your creative content is relevant and engaging.

81) Closed-Loop Marketing

Definition: Closed-Loop Marketing is a method of using data to track a customer’s entire journey from their first visit to the final sale, allowing you to see exactly which marketing channels are driving revenue.

82) Comparison Shopping Engines (CSE)

Definition: CSEs are websites that collect product information from participating retailers and display it on a single results page (e.g., Google Shopping), allowing shoppers to compare prices and features.

83) Content Marketing

Definition: Content Marketing is a strategic approach focused on creating and distributing valuable, relevant, and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience — and ultimately, to drive profitable customer action.

84) Content Optimization System (COS)

Definition: A COS is an integrated website and marketing platform optimized to deliver a personalized experience to customers on any device.

85) Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)

Definition: CRO is the systematic process of increasing the percentage of website visitors who take a desired action, often achieved through A/B testing and improving User Experience (UX).

86) Cost-per-click (CPC) / Pay-Per-Click (PPC)

Definition: CPC (or PPC) is an online advertising model where an advertiser pays a publisher (like Google) every time an advertisement is clicked.

87) Customer Journey

Definition: The Customer Journey is the complete sum of experiences that customers go through when interacting with your company and brand, from discovery to purchase and post-purchase support.

88) Divide and Conquer Testing

Definition: Divide and Conquer testing refers to an algorithmic approach in testing where large groups of variables are tested to quickly identify which areas yield the best results, rather than testing one variable at a time.

89) Editorial Calendar

Definition: An Editorial Calendar is a schedule used by bloggers and publishers to plan and coordinate content creation, ensuring a consistent flow of posts across various channels.

90) Email

Definition: In marketing, Email is a direct channel used to communicate commercial messages to a group of people. It remains one of the highest ROI marketing channels.

91) Email Marketing

Definition: Email Marketing is the act of sending a commercial message, typically to a group of people, using email. It involves using email to send advertisements, request business, or solicit sales or donations.

92) Event-Triggered Email

Definition: An Event-Triggered Email is an automated message sent to a subscriber based on a specific action or “event,” such as a birthday, a purchase confirmation, or an abandoned cart.

93) Evergreen Content

Definition: Evergreen Content is content that stays relevant and useful for readers over a long period of time, continuing to drive traffic long after it is published.

94) Growth Hacking

Definition: Growth Hacking is a marketing technique developed by technology startups which uses creativity, analytical thinking, and social metrics to sell products and gain exposure.

95) Hashtag

Definition: A Hashtag is a metadata tag used on social networks (like #ecommerce) to make it easier for users to find messages with a specific theme or content.

96) Inbound Link

Definition: An Inbound Link (or backlink) is a hyperlink on a third-party website that points to a page on your website. High-quality inbound links are crucial for SEO.

97) Inbound Marketing

Definition: Inbound Marketing is a business methodology that attracts customers by creating valuable content and experiences tailored to them, rather than interrupting them with traditional ads.

98) Influencer Marketing

Definition: Influencer Marketing is a form of social media marketing involving endorsements and product placement from influencers, people and organizations who have a purported expert level of knowledge or social influence in their field.

99) Keyword

Definition: A Keyword is a word or phrase that describes the content of a webpage or ad. It is the term users type into search engines to find what they are looking for.

100) Keyword Stuffing

Definition: Keyword Stuffing is an unethical SEO technique where keywords are loaded into a webpage’s meta tags or content in an attempt to manipulate ranking. This practice is penalized by Google.

101) Landing Page

Definition: A Landing Page is a standalone web page, created specifically for a marketing or advertising campaign. It is where a visitor “lands” after they click on a link in an email or ad.

102) Lead

Definition: A Lead is an individual or organization with an interest in what you are selling. In digital marketing, a lead is usually captured when a user provides their contact information.

103) Lead Nurturing

Definition: Lead Nurturing is the process of developing relationships with buyers at every stage of the sales funnel and through every step of the buyer’s journey.

104) Lifecycle Stages

Definition: Lifecycle Stages classify contacts based on where they are in your marketing and sales process (e.g., Subscriber, Lead, Marketing Qualified Lead, Customer).

105) Long Tail

Definition: The Long Tail refers to a retail strategy of selling a large number of unique items with relatively small quantities sold of each, usually in addition to selling fewer popular items in large quantities.

106) Long-Tail Keyword

Definition: Long-Tail Keywords are longer and more specific keyword phrases that visitors are more likely to use when they’re closer to a point-of-purchase.

107) Marketing Automation

Definition: Marketing Automation refers to software platforms and technologies designed for marketing departments and organizations to more effectively market on multiple channels online (such as email, social media, websites) and automate repetitive tasks.

108) Middle of the Funnel (MoFu)

Definition: Middle of the Funnel is the stage where leads have identified a problem and are researching solutions. Content here includes webinars, case studies, and brochures.

109) Mobile Marketing

Definition: Mobile Marketing is a multi-channel, digital marketing strategy aimed at reaching a target audience on their smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, via websites, email, SMS and MMS, social media, and apps.

110) Native Advertising

Definition: Native Advertising is a type of advertising that matches the form and function of the platform upon which it appears. In many cases it functions like an advertorial, and manifests as a video, article or editorial.

111) News Feed

Definition: A News Feed is the primary system through which users are exposed to content posted on social media networks.

112) No-Follow Link

Definition: A No-Follow Link is a link that has a rel=”nofollow” HTML tag applied to it, telling search engines to ignore that link. It does not pass SEO authority.

113) Off-Page Optimization

Definition: Off-Page Optimization refers to actions taken outside of your own website to impact your rankings within search engine results pages (SERPs), primarily through backlink building.

114) Omnichannel

Definition: Omnichannel is a cross-channel content strategy that organizations use to improve their user experience and drive better relationships with their audience across points of contact.

115) On-Page Optimization

Definition: On-Page Optimization refers to measures that can be taken directly within the website in order to improve its position in the search rankings (e.g., optimizing content, HTML source code, and images).

116) Personalization

Definition: Personalization is the practice of tailoring the customer experience based on their behavior, preferences, and purchase history (e.g., “Recommended for You” products).

117) Qualified Lead

Definition: A Qualified Lead is a prospective customer who has been vetted by the marketing and sales teams and deemed ready for the next stage in the sales process.

118) Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

Definition: SEM is a form of Internet marketing that involves the promotion of websites by increasing their visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs) primarily through paid advertising.

119) Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Definition: SEO is the practice of increasing the quantity and quality of traffic to your website through organic search engine results.

120) SERP (Search Engine Results Page)

Definition: A SERP is the page displayed by a web search engine in response to a query by a searcher. It includes organic results, paid ads, and featured snippets.

121) Smarketing

Definition: Smarketing is the alignment of Sales and Marketing teams created through frequent and direct communication between the two.

122) Social Media Marketing

Definition: Social Media Marketing is the use of social media platforms to connect with your audience to build your brand, increase sales, and drive website traffic.

123) Social Proof

Definition: Social Proof is a psychological phenomenon where people assume the actions of others in an attempt to reflect correct behavior for a given situation. In ecommerce, reviews and testimonials are key forms of social proof.

124) Social Signals

Definition: Social Signals refer to a webpage’s collective shares, likes, and overall social media visibility as perceived by search engines.

125) Top of the Funnel (ToFu)

Definition: Top of the Funnel refers to the earliest stage of the buyer’s journey. Content here focuses on brand awareness and education (e.g., blog posts, social media updates).

126) Upsell (Upselling)

Definition: Upselling is a sales technique where a seller induces the customer to purchase more expensive items, upgrades, or other add-ons in an attempt to make a more profitable sale.

127) Viral Content

Definition: Viral Content is material, such as an article, an image, or a video, that spreads rapidly online through website links and social sharing.

128) XML Sitemap

Definition: An XML Sitemap is a file on your website that lists all your essential pages in a format that search engines like Google can easily read, ensuring they can find and index your content.

WooCommerce & WordPress Specific Terminologies

Running a WooCommerce store requires understanding the specific language of the WordPress ecosystem. This section demystifies the technical terms that developers and power users rely on. From understanding the difference between Simple and Variable Products to mastering the Hooks & Filters that allow you to customize your store’s behavior, these terms are the building blocks of your ecommerce site.

129) Action Scheduler

Definition: Action Scheduler is a background processing library used by WooCommerce to manage scheduled tasks. It handles millions of events—like subscription renewals, emails, and database updates—ensuring they trigger reliably without slowing down your website for visitors.

130) Child Theme

Definition: A Child Theme in WordPress is a theme that inherits the functionality and styling of another theme, called the parent theme. Dev Tip: Always use a child theme for customizations. If you edit the parent theme directly, your changes will be wiped out the next time the theme is updated.

131) Cron Job

Definition: A Cron Job is a time-based job scheduler in software. In WooCommerce, “WP-Cron” checks for scheduled events—like sending subscription renewal emails or publishing a scheduled post—every time a page is loaded.

132) Custom Post Type

Definition: In WordPress, a Custom Post Type (CPT) is a way to create different types of content beyond the standard “Posts” and “Pages.” Context: WooCommerce uses CPTs for “Products” and “Orders.” This is why your products have their own separate menu and data fields compared to your blog posts.

133) Extensions vs. Plugins

Definition: In the WooCommerce ecosystem, these terms are often used interchangeably. Technically, a Plugin is a standalone software add-on for WordPress, while an Extension usually refers specifically to a plugin that extends the functionality of WooCommerce itself.

134) Grouped Product

Definition: A Grouped Product in WooCommerce is a collection of related products that can be purchased individually but are presented on a single page. Example: A “Furniture Set” page where customers can choose to add the Chair, Table, or Sofa to their cart individually from one list.

135) Hooks & Filters

Definition: Hooks and Filters are the coding mechanisms WordPress and WooCommerce use to allow developers to insert custom code or change data without editing the core software files. Analogy: Think of “Hooks” as designated spots on a wall where you can hang your own picture (code) without rebuilding the entire wall.

136) Plugin

Definition: A Plugin is a piece of software that “plugs in” to your WordPress site to extend its functionality. WooCommerce itself is a plugin. Analogy: If WordPress is the smartphone, plugins are the “apps” you install to do specific tasks (like SEO, backups, or booking appointments).

137) Product Attributes

Definition: In WooCommerce, Product Attributes are the specific characteristics used to describe a product, such as “Color,” “Size,” or “Material.” You must define Attributes before you can create Variable Products. If you are providing product customizations or building products based on user requirements (build to order), you can use the Product Input Fields for WooCommerce plugin to easily let the customer choose the attributes they want, plus you can also add pricing for each customization so that the customers can make informed decisions. Smooth product customization from product page to checkout page with Product Input Fields for WooCommerce. 

138) Product Variations

Definition: Product Variations are the individual options a customer can select for a variable product. If “T-Shirt” is the product and “Color” is the attribute, then “Red T-Shirt” and “Blue T-Shirt” are the Variations. Each variation can have its own price, stock level, and image.

Shortcode

Definition: A Shortcode is a small code snippet in brackets, like [woocommerce_cart], that allows you to execute code or display content on your site without writing programming code. Usage: Store owners use shortcodes to insert “Add to Cart” buttons or “Product Grids” into blog posts.

139) Simple Product

Definition: A Simple Product is the most common product type in WooCommerce. It represents a unique, physical item that has no options (like size or color) and is shipped to the customer.

140) Slug

Definition: A Slug is the part of a URL that identifies a particular page on a website in a user-friendly form. Example: In tychesoftwares.com/product/red-shirt, the slug is red-shirt. Keeping slugs clean and keyword-rich is vital for SEO.

141) Staging Site

Definition: A Staging Site is a clone of your live website used for testing changes. Best Practice: Always test new plugins, updates, or code snippets on a staging site first to ensure they don’t break your live store.

142) Taxonomy

Definition: In WordPress, Taxonomy is a way of grouping posts and custom post types together. The two default taxonomies in WooCommerce are Categories (broad grouping) and Tags (specific details).

143) Theme

Definition: A Theme is a collection of files that determines the visual look and feel of your WooCommerce store. It controls the layout, colors, and fonts, but ideally should not control critical functionality.

144) Variable Product

Definition: A Variable Product is a product type in WooCommerce that lets you offer a set of variations on a product, with control over prices, stock, image, and more for each variation. Example: A shirt available in Small, Medium, and Large.

145) Webhooks

Definition: Webhooks are automated messages sent from apps when something happens. Usage: You can set up a webhook in WooCommerce to automatically notify your accounting software or Slack channel every time a “New Order” is placed.

Payments, Finance & Security Terminologies

Securely processing payments is the lifeblood of any ecommerce store. This section covers the critical financial infrastructure that allows money to move from a customer’s bank to yours. From understanding the difference between a Payment Gateway and a Merchant of Record to implementing security protocols like PCI Compliance and 2FA, these terms are essential for protecting your revenue and your customers’ data.

146) ACH Payment

Definition: ACH (Automated Clearing House) payments are electronic bank-to-bank transfers used for direct deposits and payments. In ecommerce, they offer a lower-fee alternative to credit cards, making them ideal for high-value B2B transactions.

147) Authorization

Definition: Authorization is the process where a payment gateway checks with the customer’s bank to ensure they have sufficient funds. The money is “held” but not yet transferred until the transaction is “Captured” (usually when the item ships).

148) BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later)

Definition: BNPL is a financing option that allows customers to purchase an item immediately and pay for it in future installments, often interest-free. Popular providers include Klarna, Afterpay, and Affirm. Implement buy now, pay later on WooCommerce using the Deposits plugin. Get the amount in full, in parts, based on a percentage or whatever you like. Automate the remaining payments easily through the Stripe integration. 

149) Chargeback

Definition: A Chargeback is a forced transaction reversal initiated by the cardholder’s bank, usually due to fraud or a dispute. Excessive chargebacks can lead to your merchant account being frozen or terminated.

150) Digital Wallets

Definition: A Digital Wallet (or e-wallet) is a software-based system that securely stores users’ payment information and passwords for numerous payment methods and websites. Examples include PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Wallet.

151) Discount Code

Definition: A Discount Code (or promo code) is a specific string of letters and numbers that a customer can enter at checkout to redeem a special offer, such as free shipping or a percentage off the purchase price.

152) Discount Rate

Definition: The Discount Rate is the percentage fee paid by a merchant to the payment processor for handling a credit card transaction. It typically ranges from 1.5% to 3% per transaction.

153) Encryption

Definition: Encryption is the process of encoding data (like credit card numbers) so that it remains hidden from or inaccessible to unauthorized users. It is a standard requirement for secure online transactions.

154) Fraud Protection Systems

Definition: Fraud Protection Systems use algorithms and data analysis to detect suspicious activity in real-time, such as mismatched billing addresses or unusually large orders, to prevent fraudulent transactions before they are processed.

155) Identity Access Management (IAM)

Definition: IAM is a framework of policies and technologies for ensuring that the proper people in an enterprise have the appropriate access to technology resources. In ecommerce, it controls who has admin access to your store’s backend.

156) Merchant Account

Definition: A Merchant Account is a type of business bank account that allows a business to accept and process electronic payment card transactions. It acts as a holding pen for funds before they are deposited into your regular business bank account.

157) Merchant of Record (MoR)

Definition: The Merchant of Record is the legal entity responsible for processing customer payments and handling all financial liabilities, including collecting sales tax and ensuring PCI compliance.

158) Payment Gateway

Definition: A Payment Gateway is the technology that captures and transfers payment data from the customer to the acquirer. It acts as the digital equivalent of a physical point-of-sale terminal. On the WooCommerce store, if you want to simplify your fees and discounts based on the payment gateway, you can try the Payment Gateway Based Fees and Discounts plugin.

159) Payment Processor

Definition: A Payment Processor is a company (often a third party) appointed by a merchant to handle transactions from various channels such as credit cards and debit cards. They execute the transaction by transmitting data between the merchant, the issuing bank, and the acquiring bank.

160) Payment Service Provider (PSP)

Definition: A PSP is a third-party company that provides shop owners with online services for accepting electronic payments by a variety of payment methods including credit card, bank-based payments such as direct debit, and real-time bank transfer.

161) PayPal

Definition: PayPal is a global online payment system that supports online money transfers and serves as an electronic alternative to traditional paper methods like checks and money orders.

162) PCI/DSS Compliance

Definition: PCI/DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.

163) Recurring Transaction

Definition: A Recurring Transaction is a payment model where the customer authorizes the merchant to charge their card automatically at regular intervals (e.g., monthly subscriptions). 

164) Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)

Definition: SSL is a standard security technology for establishing an encrypted link between a server and a client—typically a web server (website) and a browser. It turns “HTTP” into “HTTPS” and is required for secure payments.

165) Square

Definition: Square is a financial services and mobile payment company that provides a suite of business software, payment hardware, and small business services. It is popular for integrating physical POS sales with online stores.

166) Stripe

Definition: Stripe is a technology company that builds economic infrastructure for the internet. It provides powerful APIs for developers to integrate payment processing into websites and mobile applications.

167) Third Party Payment Processor

Definition: A Third Party Payment Processor lets you accept online payments without a merchant account of your own. Instead, you use their merchant account. PayPal and Stripe are common examples.

168) Transaction

Definition: A Transaction is an instance of buying or selling something; a business deal. In ecommerce analytics, a transaction is recorded when a payment is successfully captured.

169) Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Definition: Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process in which users provide two different authentication factors to verify themselves. In ecommerce, this is often used to secure admin accounts or verify high-value customer purchases.

Metrics, Analytics & Data Terminologies

In ecommerce, data is your compass. You cannot improve what you do not measure. This section defines the critical Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that reveal the health of your business. From high-level financial metrics like Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) and ROAS to granular user behavior tracking like Bounce Rate and Heat Maps, understanding these numbers is the key to sustainable growth.

170) Analytics

Definition: Analytics involves the systematic computational analysis of data or statistics. In ecommerce, it refers to tracking user behavior (clicks, views, purchases) to make data-driven decisions that improve revenue.

171) Analytics Platform

Definition: An Analytics Platform is a software solution that collects, processes, and visualizes data. Examples include Google Analytics 4 (GA4), Adobe Analytics, and Mixpanel.

172) Average Order Value (AOV)

Definition: Average Order Value (AOV) tracks the average dollar amount spent each time a customer places an order. It is calculated by dividing total revenue by the number of orders over a specific period. Providing discounts are one of the best ways to increase your AOV. Use Flexi BOGO to add different types of discounts, buy one get one discounts, and more to your WooCommerce store in minutes.

173) Average Time on Site

Definition: Average Time on Site is an analytics metric measuring the average duration a visitor stays on your website. A higher time usually indicates engaging content and a higher likelihood of conversion.

174) Bounce Rate

Definition: Bounce Rate is the percentage of visitors who land on a webpage and leave (“bounce”) without interacting with the page or viewing a second page. High bounce rates often indicate poor design or irrelevant content.

175) Buy-to-Detail Rate

Definition: Buy-to-Detail Rate is a metric that calculates the percentage of visitors who viewed a product’s detail page and then purchased the item. It helps identify which products have high interest but low conversion.

176) Churn Rate

Definition: Churn Rate is the percentage of customers or subscribers who stop doing business with a company during a given time period. It is a critical metric for subscription-based businesses.

177) Cohort Analysis

Definition: Cohort Analysis is a method of analyzing the behavior of a group of users (a cohort) who share a common characteristic over a specific time span (e.g., “All customers who signed up in January”).

178) Conversion

Definition: A Conversion occurs when a visitor completes a desired goal on your website, such as making a purchase, filling out a form, or signing up for a newsletter.

179) Conversion Funnel

Definition: The Conversion Funnel is the path a potential customer takes through your site, from first landing to final purchase. It is typically widest at the top (visitors) and narrowest at the bottom (buyers).

180) Conversion Path

Definition: The Conversion Path is the specific series of clicks and pages a user visits before completing a conversion. Analyzing this helps identify high-value pages.

181) Conversion Rate

Definition: Conversion Rate is the percentage of visitors who complete a desired action. It is calculated as (Conversions / Total Visitors) * 100. The average ecommerce conversion rate is typically between 2% and 3%.

182) Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

Definition: CAC is the cost associated with convincing a customer to buy a product/service. It is calculated by dividing all sales and marketing costs by the number of new customers acquired.

183) Customer Lifetime Value (CLV)

Definition: Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) is a prediction of the net profit attributed to the entire future relationship with a customer. Increasing CLV is often more profitable than acquiring new customers.

184) Engagement Rate

Definition: Engagement Rate is a metric that measures the level of interaction users have with a piece of content (likes, shares, comments) relative to the number of people who saw it.

185) First-Party Data

Definition: First-Party Data is information you collect directly from your audience (via your website, email signups, and purchase history). Owning this data is critical as third-party tracking cookies become obsolete.

186) Funnel Analysis

Definition: Funnel Analysis involves mapping and analyzing a series of events that lead towards a defined goal, allowing you to identify exactly where users drop off in the process.

187) Heat Maps

Definition: A Heat Map is a data visualization tool that shows where users click, scroll, and move their mouse on a webpage. “Hot” (red) areas show high interaction, while “Cold” (blue) areas show low interaction.

188) Impressions

Definition: Impressions refer to the total number of times an advertisement or a piece of content is displayed on a screen, regardless of whether it was clicked.

189) Inventory Turnover Rate

Definition: Inventory Turnover Rate is a ratio showing how many times a company’s inventory is sold and replaced over a period. A low turnover implies weak sales or overstocking; a high turnover implies strong sales.

190) Key Performance Indicators (KPI)

Definition: KPIs are the quantifiable metrics a company uses to gauge its performance against strategic goals. Common ecommerce KPIs include Sales Growth, Conversion Rate, and AOV.

191) Micro-Conversions

Definition: Micro-Conversions are the small steps a user takes toward a primary goal (a sale). Examples include signing up for a newsletter, adding an item to a wishlist, or viewing a product video.

192) Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR)

Definition: MRR is a measure of the predictable revenue that a business expects to receive every month. It is the most important metric for subscription-based ecommerce businesses.

193) Net Promoter Score (NPS)

Definition: NPS is a customer satisfaction benchmark that measures how likely your customers are to recommend your business to a friend. It is calculated based on a 0-10 survey scale.

194) Online Value Proposition (OVP)

Definition: OVP defines the unique benefits a customer gets from using your online service compared to competitors or offline alternatives. It answers the question, “Why should I buy from you online?”

195) Pageviews

Definition: A Pageview is an instance of a page being loaded (or reloaded) in a browser. It is a basic metric for measuring the total volume of traffic to specific content.

196) Profit Margins

Definition: Profit Margin is the percentage of revenue that remains as profit after all costs are deducted. It is calculated as (Revenue – Cost) / Revenue.

197) Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)

Definition: ROAS is a marketing metric that measures the amount of revenue earned for every dollar spent on advertising. Formula: Revenue from Ad / Cost of Ad. If you spend $1,000 on ads and make $5,000 in sales, your ROAS is 5:1.

198) Return on Investment (ROI)

Definition: ROI measures the gain or loss generated on an investment relative to the amount of money invested. It is used to evaluate the efficiency of an investment or to compare the efficiencies of several different investments.

199) Time Lag

Definition: Time Lag is the amount of time (in days) that passes between a user’s first interaction with your brand and their final conversion. Understanding this helps in planning retargeting campaigns.

200) Transaction Log Files Analysis

Definition: Transaction Log Analysis involves examining the server logs to understand the technical details of transactions. It is often used by developers to debug failed payments or checkout errors.

201) Unique Users

Definition: Unique Users (or Unique Visitors) refers to the number of distinct individuals who visit a website within a specific period, regardless of how many times they visit.

202) Web Analytics

Definition: Web Analytics is the measurement, collection, analysis, and reporting of web data for purposes of understanding and optimizing web usage.

203) Cross-Selling

Definition: Cross-Selling is the practice of inviting customers to buy related or complementary items (e.g., “Would you like fries with that?” or “Add a lens to your camera order”).

Technical & Development (General Terminologies)

A beautiful store means nothing if it doesn’t load quickly or breaks when a customer clicks “Buy.” This section covers the fundamental technical infrastructure that powers the web. From frontend languages like HTML and CSS to backend architectures like Headless Commerce and APIs, these terms explain how data moves, how pages render, and how your site stays online.

204) 404 Error

Definition: A 404 Error is an HTTP status code indicating that the server could not find the specific page requested by the user. This often happens when a product is deleted or a URL is changed without a proper redirect.

205) API (Application Programming Interface)

Definition: An API is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. It acts as a bridge, allowing your ecommerce store to exchange data with shipping carriers, payment gateways, or inventory systems automatically.

206) Cache

Definition: Caching involves storing copies of files or data in a temporary storage location (like a user’s browser or a server’s RAM) so that they can be accessed more quickly on subsequent visits, significantly improving page load speeds.

207) CDN (Content Delivery Network)

Definition: A CDN is a geographically distributed network of servers that work together to provide fast delivery of internet content. It serves images and scripts from the server physically closest to the user, reducing latency.

208) CMS (Content Management System)

Definition: A CMS is software that enables users to create, manage, and modify content on a website without needing specialized technical knowledge. WordPress is the world’s most popular CMS.

209) Comma Separated Values (CSV)

Definition: A CSV is a simple text file format used to store tabular data, such as spreadsheets or databases. It is the standard format used for importing and exporting bulk product lists or customer data between systems.

210) CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)

Definition: CSS is the coding language that describes how HTML elements are to be displayed on screen. It controls the visual layout, colors, fonts, and responsiveness of your online store.

211) DAM System (Digital Asset Management)

Definition: A DAM System is a software solution used to store, organize, and share digital assets like product images, videos, and marketing files from a central location, ensuring brand consistency across channels.

212) Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

Definition: DLP refers to a set of tools and processes used to ensure that sensitive data (like customer credit card numbers or personal info) is not lost, misused, or accessed by unauthorized users.

213) Domain Name

Definition: A Domain Name is the unique address that people type into a browser to visit a website (e.g., google.com). It translates the technical IP address of a server into a human-readable name.

214) Headless Commerce

Definition: Headless Commerce is a modern ecommerce architecture where the front-end (the digital storefront customers see) is decoupled from the back-end (the commerce engine). This allows for greater flexibility in design and content delivery across different devices.

215) Hosting

Definition: Web Hosting is the service that provides the storage space and computing power on a server to make a website accessible on the internet.

216) HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)

Definition: HTML is the standard markup language for creating web pages. It provides the basic structure of the site (headings, paragraphs, links) which is then styled by CSS and made interactive by JavaScript.

217) Intelligent Product Recommendation Systems

Definition: These are AI-driven algorithms that analyze user behavior and purchase history to automatically suggest relevant products to shoppers, typically displayed as “You might also like” or “Frequently bought together.”

218) JavaScript

Definition: JavaScript is a scripting language that enables interactive web pages. In ecommerce, it powers dynamic features like image sliders, add-to-cart animations, and real-time shipping calculators.

219) Mobile Optimization

Definition: Mobile Optimization is the process of adjusting your website content to ensure that visitors accessing the site from mobile devices have a customized experience optimized for their specific device (e.g., larger buttons, simplified navigation).

220) Open Source

Definition: Open Source software is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance. WordPress and WooCommerce are open source, which allows a global community of developers to contribute to their improvement.

221) PIM System (Product Information Management)

Definition: A PIM System is a centralized platform used to manage and enrich product information (specs, descriptions, technical data) across all sales channels, ensuring data accuracy and consistency.

222) QR Code (Quick Response Code)

Definition: A QR Code is a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned by a smartphone camera to quickly access information, such as a product page, a coupon, or a payment portal.

223) Responsive Design

Definition: Responsive Design is a web design approach that makes web pages render well on a variety of devices and window or screen sizes. The layout automatically adjusts and reflows content based on the screen width.

224) REST API

Definition: REST (Representational State Transfer) API is a specific architectural style for web services. It is the standard method used by modern web applications (including WooCommerce) to interact with external data over HTTP.

225) Service Level Agreement (SLA)

Definition: An SLA is a contract between a service provider (like a hosting company) and a customer that defines the level of service expected, specifically regarding uptime, performance, and support response times.

226) Virtual Assistant

Definition: In ecommerce, a Virtual Assistant can refer to an AI-powered chatbot that handles customer queries or a remote human worker hired to handle administrative tasks like order processing and inventory management.