In today’s digital shopping world, understanding the common terms used in e-commerce can make conversations about websites much more efficient. Instead of saying, “That page with all the products listed,” you can use the industry-standard term: PLP (Product Listing Page). Learning these key terms will not only streamline discussions but also help you navigate online stores with greater ease. Let’s break down the most important e-commerce terms you should know.
Core E-commerce Terms
1. PLP (Product Listing Page)
The page where multiple products are displayed, usually in a grid or list format. This is where you can browse items, filter by category, and sort by price, popularity, or reviews.
2. PDP (Product Detail Page)
The individual product page that provides detailed information about a specific item, including images, descriptions, prices, and reviews. This is where you add an item to your cart.
3. Cart (Shopping Cart)
A virtual container where selected products are stored before checkout. This page lets you review your items, adjust quantities, and proceed to purchase.
4. Checkout
The process of completing a purchase, where you enter shipping details, select payment options, and confirm your order.
5. SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
A unique identifier assigned to each product variation (e.g., different sizes or colors) for inventory tracking.
6. UX (User Experience)
Refers to how easy and enjoyable it is to navigate a website. A well-designed UX makes online shopping seamless and intuitive.
7. Conversion Rate
The percentage of visitors who complete a desired action, such as making a purchase. A high conversion rate indicates an effective website design.
8. A/B Testing
A method of comparing two versions of a webpage to see which performs better in terms of engagement or sales.
9. CTA (Call to Action)
A button or link that encourages users to take a specific action, like ‘Buy Now,’ ‘Add to Cart,’ or ‘Subscribe.’
10. Omnichannel
A seamless shopping experience across multiple platforms (website, mobile app, physical store) so customers can interact with a brand wherever they choose.
Why Learning These Terms Matters
Using these terms correctly makes it easier to discuss website improvements, understand e-commerce best practices, and even troubleshoot issues faster. Whether you’re a shopper, a business owner, or someone working in web development, knowing these terms helps you communicate effectively in the modern digital marketplace.
By adopting these terms, we can all make online shopping conversations smoother and more efficient. The next time someone asks about “that page where all the items are listed,” you’ll know exactly what to say—PLP!
