The Basics of Website Architecture and Navigation

Good Website navigation is essential to keep customers engaged. The navigation structure and architecture of your site describe how different pages on your website are connected to one another. Proper navigation allows visitors to quickly and easily find the information they are looking for.

In this article, we will understand what website navigation is and why it is important to keep it easy and clean. 

What is Website Navigation?

Website navigation is the process to navigate the site pages to reach useful information. The technology that allows for smooth navigation is referred to as hypermedia or hypertext. Use of menus and internal links make navigation easy for visitors. Smooth navigation is an important element for creating a user-friendly website.   

A website navigation menu is the structured and organized links to other web pages, majorly internal web pages. Some content on the website can only be reached through a specific page. That’s why website development professionals spend a lot of time planning and developing the navigation structure before they start the design process. 

The navigation menu appears in the header of the website while some designers prefer keeping it in the sidebar as per the website theme and client’s preferences. Navigation also helps users comprehend the connection between pages on a website. 

Sound website navigation strengthens user experience by allowing the users to find information seamlessly without hovering across all the pages of the site. After careful consideration, the website developers decide on the navigation type for their site. The three main types of website navigation include:

  • Global website navigation 
  • Local website navigation 
  • Hierarchical website navigation 

Regardless of the type of navigation you select, properly inserting menus and links will allow you to grab more customers and keep them engaged. This will ultimately improve the conversion ratio and optimize the revenue stream. 

What Does Good Website Navigation Look Like?

When you structure your website keeping your target customers in mind, you will end up integrating clear, precise, easy-to-understand menus and links. All these elements work in conjunction to make navigation smooth and deliver an excellent user experience. 

User-centric navigation is contextual as it takes both user expectations and experience into consideration when designing websites. Some of the tips that can help you improve your website structure are:

  • Plan your website navigation and structure 
  • Follow set website development standards
  • Build responsive design and menus 
  • Ensure easy navigation on mobile devices 
  • Use Website’s footer logically
  • Flatten your website structure 
  • Use your user’s vocabulary and keep it simple
  • Balance colours and white space to give readers a break

Want to Build A Website for Your Business?

Most businesses already have intuitive websites that help them reach more customers. Have you got yours?

Stand out from others by having a highly responsive website that is designed using the best navigation guidelines in mind. Contact the expert website design agency today to consult your business requirements.

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.