Many business owners have made attempts to design the perfect website. However, they are
not always effective due to poor site navigation. This frustrates users and often causes them to
leave the site.
A website should be designed so that it’s easily navigable – meaning that its navigation should
work like a map or like a signpost. It should help visitors better understand the site’s content and
the best way to get around. The navigation should basically make it easy for visitors to get from
one point to the other – especially for larger sites. The larger the website, the more content it
usually has, thus the better the navigation needs to be. Websites that lack proper navigation
makes it difficult for visitors to find their way around. They usually become overwhelmed
because the site appears to be loaded with good content but lacks a clear purpose and
direction.
Designing a website with good navigation should also include good functionality. When people
visit websites, they are looking for solutions and answers to their questions. They often need to
get to this information quickly. Websites that make it easy to do so are far more effective than
those that are too flashy, which is distracting.
A website that is well organised by subject area is easier for visitors to use and will allow them
to better, well-managed experience. When navigation tools (such as links, buttons, images, etc.)
are marked – similar to words marked on a signpost - users can be directed to where they want
to go quickly.
Oftentimes, visitors will use either the navigation or the search function to find what they’re
looking for. Both are equally effective and are what most users expect when visiting a site.
Otherwise, they may be compelled to move on to another site that does offer these functions.
Think about reading a book, you may have been drawn to the book by its title, but what if the
book did not have a table of contents, you’d become frustrated, right? As such, a good website
should also be designed in this way. Visitors should be able to narrow down their search
options. For example, they may know what they want from a general aspect (such as a mobile
phone, a computer or an automobile), but they may not know all of the specific details about
what they are searching for. Adding frequently asked questions and other resources is also a
useful touch.
If your website’s navigation provides users with a good well-designed layout, or a well-labeled
signpost so to speak, that guides them in the right direction. They’ll have a better user
experience and will likely remain or (and revisit) your site.
A good site should also have what is referred to as global navigation. This means that the site’s
navigation should include the basic essential links that most users expect.
Basically, all aspects of your website should function well and be easy to follow – including its
function and structure. Site visitors should always be able to get back to the home page from
wherever they are and should never feel lost.
Many business owners and entrepreneurs attempt to build their own websites without realising
the importance of an easily navigable layout design. However, having access to a webdev
guide can point them in the right direction so their navigation supports their content; making it
easy for users to find exactly what they need. Websites should be consistent. Thus the guide
also points out the importance of keeping your information consistent and streamlined so that
visitors are not confused and always know what to do next.
Lastly, visitors should never feel surprised because the pages look different, misled or uneasy
about anything on your site. They should feel like you’ve made it easy for them to contact you
for questions or support and that they’re in good hands and on a trustworthy website.