Following our part 1 post, here are the WordPress terms you should know part 2. Logic Web Media of Long Island is a web design company, specializing in custom WordPress development.
In Part 1, we covered the basics of WordPress — from Posts and Pages to Categories and Tags. Now, in Part 2, we’ll explore some of the more advanced but essential terms that give WordPress its flexibility and power. Understanding these concepts will not only help you navigate your site better but will also give you insight into how developers like Logic Web Media tailor websites to meet client needs.
Intermediate WordPress Terms and Their Meanings
| Custom Fields | Custom fields are used when you need more than just the basic title and body fields. For instance, the title of your WordPress post is a custom field generated automatically by WordPress. Using custom fields to add additional content, media or other information, makes WordPress extremely useful. As an example, one of our clients requested a specific area they could post their pricing schedules each week. Therefore, we created a custom field where the client could simply click add pricing and upload the file at their discretion. |
| Plugin | A WordPress plugin allows you to add additional features to your website. However, WordPress plugins are not always reliable, at Logic Web Media, we custom design and develop these additional features from scratch. Avoiding plugins, by having a developer create these features from scratch, is a much safer solution. |
| Widgets | These are areas on a website used to perform designated functions. Examples of widgets are search boxes, category sections and sidebars, these widgets are automatically set up when you install WordPress onto your server. Widgets are user interface elements which allow the user to make adjustments to the widget from the fronted. |
| Permalinks | These are permanent URL’s written to your individual blog post in order to be able to trace back to the post. Although you may update your blog post, the permalink will never change. |
| Featured Image | The featured image is most frequently used for uploading the main image of your blog post. The featured image is best interpreted, as the picture that represents or relates to your blog post. |
| Themes | A WordPress theme is the function and visual aesthetic of your website. In simpler terms a WordPress theme is the clothes your website wears. When creating a WordPress website at least one theme is required to be installed. At Logic Web Media, we create custom themes in order to provide one of a kind websites. |
Diving Deeper into Each WordPress Term
Custom Fields: Add Flexibility to Your Content
Custom fields allow you to expand your WordPress posts or pages beyond the standard title and body text. These fields can be used to store and display additional information—such as author bios, testimonials, prices, or special notes. Developers use custom fields to create a more dynamic and tailored website experience.
Example of How Custom Fields Work
- Let’s say you run a restaurant website. Custom fields can store menu prices, weekly specials, or nutritional info.
- For real estate websites, they can display property details like square footage, location, and price.
At Logic Web Media, we build custom fields into our WordPress sites to simplify content management. This allows business owners to update specific sections of their website without needing to modify the code.
Plugins: Extending Your Website’s Functionality
Plugins are software components that extend the functionality of your WordPress website. There are thousands of plugins available for nearly every purpose — from SEO optimization to e-commerce management. However, not all plugins are safe or efficient.
Pros and Cons of Using Plugins
- Pros: Add new features without coding; easy to install; wide community support.
- Cons: Poorly coded plugins can slow down your site, create compatibility issues, or expose security vulnerabilities.
That’s why Logic Web Media often develops custom-coded solutions instead of relying on third-party plugins. This approach ensures cleaner code, faster performance, and enhanced security — something especially important for businesses relying on their online presence for revenue.
Widgets: Enhance User Experience
Widgets are small content blocks that perform specific functions on your website, like showing your latest posts, displaying a search bar, or embedding social media feeds. They appear in areas such as sidebars, footers, or headers.
Examples of Common Widgets
- Search Bar Widget: Helps users find content quickly.
- Recent Posts Widget: Displays your latest blog entries.
- Social Media Widget: Connects your site with your social channels.
Widgets are easy to manage through the WordPress Customizer or Dashboard. You can drag and drop widgets to rearrange them, allowing for flexible page layouts. Developers at Logic Web Media can also design custom widgets that align with your website’s branding and purpose.
Permalinks: Create SEO-Friendly URLs
Permalinks (short for permanent links) are the URLs that lead directly to your blog posts or pages. A clean, descriptive permalink structure not only makes your site look more professional but also improves SEO.
Best Practices for Permalink Structure
- Use descriptive keywords that reflect your content.
- Avoid unnecessary numbers or symbols.
- Example: www.example.com/wordpress-tips-for-beginners is better than www.example.com/?p=123.
At Logic Web Media, we configure custom permalink structures to help clients rank higher in search engines and create a smoother browsing experience for users.
Featured Images: The Visual Anchor of Your Content
The featured image represents the visual identity of your post or page. It’s the thumbnail that appears on blog feeds, social media previews, and within the post itself. A relevant featured image helps capture attention, establish branding, and improve engagement.
Tips for Choosing the Right Featured Image
- Use high-quality, original images that reflect your content.
- Optimize for size and loading speed.
- Add descriptive alt text to improve accessibility and SEO.
When Logic Web Media designs WordPress websites, we ensure that featured images are properly sized, compressed, and styled to enhance your site’s visual consistency.
Themes: The Personality of Your Website
Themes define both the design and the functionality of your website. A theme controls layout, typography, color schemes, and user interface elements. While there are thousands of pre-made themes available, they often come with bloated code or limited customization.
Why Custom Themes Make a Difference
At Logic Web Media, we create custom WordPress themes from scratch. This ensures your website is unique, lightweight, and tailored to your business goals. Custom themes also provide better SEO performance and integrate seamlessly with any special features your site requires.
Think of your theme as your brand’s digital wardrobe — it should fit perfectly, look professional, and make a strong impression.
Why Understanding These Terms Matters
Whether you’re managing your own blog or running a full-scale business website, understanding these WordPress terms helps you communicate effectively with developers, make smarter design decisions, and manage your content with confidence.
WordPress is more than just a CMS — it’s a versatile tool that empowers businesses to grow their online presence. With guidance from Logic Web Media, you can harness its full potential safely and strategically.
If you’re in need of help with your website give us a call we’d be happy to help. With over 20 years experience, we build custom WordPress websites, Furthermore, we are experts in search engine optimization, e-mail marketing, e-commerce, and more. Our web services are always tailored to best fit your individual needs.
We hope this blog helped you gain clarity of the very contradicting language of WordPress. Did we cover all the terms you were looking for? If not let us know we’ll be happy to add more!
FAQs About WordPress Functionality
What are custom fields used for in WordPress?
Custom fields are used to add additional information to your posts or pages. They’re ideal for displaying unique data, such as product details, reviews, or pricing.
Are plugins safe to use?
While many plugins are safe, some can slow down your site or cause security risks. Working with a developer like Logic Web Media ensures your added functionality is coded securely and efficiently.
Can I customize widgets?
Yes! Widgets can be rearranged, added, or customized within the WordPress Customizer. Developers can also create custom widgets that match your brand and functionality needs.
Why are permalinks important for SEO?
Permalinks create clean, keyword-rich URLs that help search engines and users understand what your content is about. Optimized permalinks improve visibility and click-through rates.
What’s the difference between a theme and a plugin?
Themes control your site’s design and layout, while plugins add functionality. Both work together to create a fully functional and attractive website.