Reference
Manufacturing web design glossary
The terms that come up when you build a website for a manufacturing or industrial business, defined in plain language.
- RFQ (Request for Quote)
- A buyer request for pricing on a specific part or job, usually with a drawing, quantity, and target date. For most manufacturers, the RFQ is the main conversion on the website, not a checkout.
- Capabilities page
- A page that describes one process you offer (machining, fabrication, finishing) with the specifics buyers screen on: equipment, envelope, tolerances, and materials.
- Spec sheet / datasheet
- A document listing a product or material's technical details. On a website, the data should appear as on-page HTML so search engines can read it, with the PDF as an optional download.
- Tolerance
- The allowable deviation from a specified dimension, such as plus or minus 0.0005 inch. Stating the tolerances you hold lets buyers self-qualify before they call.
- Distributor / dealer locator
- An interactive map or search that helps buyers find an authorized seller near them. Common for industrial companies that sell through channels.
- Product configurator
- A tool that lets a buyer choose options (size, material, finish) and get a valid product or price. Powerful but custom to your product line, so it adds build cost.
- Faceted search
- Search that lets buyers filter a catalog by attributes like material, size, or rating. Essential once a catalog passes a few hundred items.
- Industrial SEO
- Search optimization aimed at the specific terms engineers and buyers use: processes, materials, certifications, and part numbers, rather than broad consumer terms.
- Core Web Vitals
- Google's measures of page experience: loading (LCP), responsiveness (INP), and visual stability (CLS). They affect both rankings and conversions.
- Schema / structured data
- Code that describes your content to search engines, such as Organization, Product, or FAQ markup. It helps machines understand and surface your pages.
- 301 redirect
- A permanent redirect from an old URL to a new one. Used during a redesign to carry search rankings and links forward so traffic does not reset.
- Canonical URL
- A tag that tells search engines the preferred version of a page, preventing duplicate-content problems when similar URLs exist.
- Lead capture
- The forms and calls to action that turn a visitor into a contact, such as a quote request or a newsletter signup.
- CMS (Content Management System)
- The software you use to edit your site's content. A good CMS lets your team update text, photos, and pages without a developer.
- SSL certificate
- The technology behind the padlock and https in your address bar. It encrypts traffic and is expected by buyers and required for good rankings. Included in every plan.
- CAGE code
- A unique identifier assigned to suppliers doing business with the US government. Defense and aerospace buyers often look for it when qualifying a vendor.