Not many people know that good website navigation can actually increase visitor traffic drastically. It is no wonder that many website developers feel stagnant about their own site visitor traffic. In fact, if you know the strategy and how to make it, visitors will be more comfortable visiting.
Clear website navigation design is the key to providing a good user experience and engaging your audience for longer. If your site navigation is messy, users will quickly get frustrated and leave your website. Therefore, it is important to design an effective navigation menu so that users can easily find what they are looking for while supporting your website's SEO optimization.
Good website navigation will help optimize the user experience (UX) of the website. Visitors also enjoy accessing your website because they can easily find the information they are looking for.
In addition, search engines prefer websites with clear and intuitive navigation because it makes the crawling and indexing process easier. A well-indexed website will rank high in search engines and get more traffic.
But, what exactly is website navigation? How to create good website navigation? Let's continue reading this article! We will explain everything, as well as share the best examples for your inspiration.
What is Website Navigation?
Basically, navigation itself is a mapping feature that will make it easier for users including search engines to explore the website you are developing.
Generally, in the context of SEO optimization, this feature refers to the structure and navigation elements used to guide visitors and search engines. Especially for exploring and indexing website pages more effectively.
Most web developers make this navigation display in the form of an interface containing many links that direct to important pages on the website. There are also those who make it more interesting by adding designs or using tree diagrams that are connected to pages on the website.
Why is website navigation so important?
Website navigation is how your audience interacts and moves from one page to another on your site. Effective navigation design not only helps your audience find information, products, or services quickly but also keeps them browsing longer. When users find it easy to find their destination with just a few clicks, they will feel more connected to your website.
What are types of navigation?
There are 4 main types of website navigation that you can implement when designing a website. Each has its own function and uses different UI elements to help visitors navigate your website in different ways.
1. Global Navigation
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| Erzedka.com Navigation |
Global navigation is a layout section that is used to display the main menu of a website. This menu is always displayed on all web pages, making it easy for visitors to access the main sections of the website.
Here are some of the main features of global navigation:
- Fixed position. Global navigation is usually at the top of the page as a header navigation bar with a position that does not change.
- Limited navigation links. Only include links to the main pages of the website to keep the appearance neat and avoid confusion for visitors.
- Consistent appearance. The global navigation will always look the same across all pages of the website.
2. Local Navigation
Local navigation complements global navigation by providing a more detailed structure. Generally, this navigation is used to group several pages in one section, usually in the form of a drop-down. This type of website navigation is often used on websites that have many services or content, such as online store websites or educational platforms that require product categories or groupings.
Erzedka also uses local navigation in the global menu to help you navigate through each of our pages. For example, under the Hosting category, you can find a drop-down menu that lists our various web hosting services.
3. Supplemental Navigation
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| Erzedka.com Sitemap |
Supplemental navigation provides more comprehensive options beyond the global and local structures. This type of navigation provides contextual guidance and suggestions to encourage visitors to explore other parts of the website.
Examples of supplemental navigation include:
- Guides. Instructions that help new visitors understand the website further in terms of its content and features. These guides can be interactive tours, step-by-step instructions, or links to other resources.
- Breadcrumbs. Shows the visitor's current position in the website structure.
- Search. An essential component that provides users with the ability to search for specific content or pages by entering keywords.
- Utility links. Links that lead to other features, such as user account pages, contact, social media icons, privacy policies, and help pages.
- Sitemaps and indexes. Provide an overview of the structure of the website and make it easier to find content.
4. Contextual Navigation
Contextual navigation helps increase visitor engagement by providing links to other pages that are relevant to the content they are viewing.
These links are usually embedded within the content as internal links, which direct visitors to related articles or product recommendations. This method not only improves the user experience of the website, but also maximizes SEO strategies by encouraging visitors to browse more content and stay on the website longer.
How to design a website with effective navigation?
Well-designed website navigation will encourage audience interaction, which in turn can increase conversion rates. Optimal website navigation not only helps visitors move from one page to another, but also creates a smooth browsing experience with intuitive UX design.
Now, let's learn some ways to create optimal website navigation for your website. Here are three ways to design clear and engaging website navigation:
1. Limit the Number of Main Menus
For maximum clarity, limit the number of main menus in your navigation to no more than six or seven categories. This helps users process information more quickly and navigate to the pages they want.
If your website has a lot of content, consider using submenus or sidebar menus to organize it. Focus on the most important categories, and you can always adjust them based on user behavior analysis on your website.
2. Ensure Navigation is Responsive Across Devices
It’s crucial for website navigation to function flawlessly across all devices, from desktops to laptops to tablets to smartphones. Users should have a consistent and easy experience when accessing your website, without having to manually adjust the display. Responsive navigation ensures ease of access for all audiences.
3. . Use Clear and Descriptive Menu Labels
Menu labels should be short, clear, and directly describe the content of the page they are aimed at. Avoid terms that are too general or ambiguous. Good UI/UX writing here plays a major role in making the audience feel familiar and easy to understand each option.
Also, make sure the font size is easy to read and the language used is concise. Descriptive labels are not only good for users but also help search engines like Google understand the content of your site, which has a positive impact on SEO.
4. Create Clear and Practical Navigation
A clear and simple navigation structure will make it easier for visitors to find the information they need. The easier it is for them to find the page they are looking for, the higher their engagement and satisfaction levels.
Therefore, consider the following things when you create a website navigation menu:
- Intuitive UI. Make sure your navigation menu is clear, straightforward, but still easy to use.
- Create sticky navigation. Provide a sticky menu that always appears on the page to provide quick and easy access.
- Limit menu items. Don't fill the main navigation bar with too many links. Use local navigation or additional navigation to keep the website looking neat.
Actually, creating effective website navigation is not difficult if you use the right tools. Moreover, now there are many ready-to-use website templates that already provide navigation bars.
5. Use Descriptive Labels
Descriptive labels help visitors understand the content or function of links on your website so they can access them more easily.
Note the following important points when creating website navigation labels:
- Avoid jargon and ambiguity. Avoid technical or ambiguous terms that can confuse visitors. Your website navigation should be easy to navigate and understand for all visitors, regardless of their background.
- Conduct user testing. Regular testing can help ensure that your website navigation labels are appropriate for your target audience.
- Avoid overly formatted labels. Labels with overly flashy styles or complicated icons can confuse visitors. Opt for simple text labels to keep your navigation clear and easy to understand.
6. Organize Content Carefully
The navigation structure should be organized logically so that visitors can understand the layout of the website and find information more easily. For example, if you are creating a website for a digital marketing agency, the main menu might include Services, About Us, Blog, and Contact.
Once you have determined the main categories, group related content under them to form a simple hierarchy. For example, under the Services category, you might add subcategories such as SEO, Content Marketing, and Social Media Management.
Use a drop-down format to display subcategories. This will keep your website’s main navigation bar neat and easy to view. However, remember to avoid creating too many subcategories as this can confuse visitors. Limit drop-downs to one level per main category so visitors can quickly access the pages they want. If there are pages that don’t fit into a main category, you can add them as additional links in the footer menu.
7. Ensure Mobile-Friendly Navigation
A website that isn’t optimized for mobile devices can make your site less convenient for visitors to access and increase bounce rates. To create a mobile-friendly website, try implementing the following methods:
- Mobile-first strategy. Start designing your website by prioritizing ease of access on mobile devices. Create navigation that is practical and easy to use on small screens, then refine the design for larger screens. This step will ensure that your website navigation remains accessible on all devices.
- Responsive design principles. Use flexible layouts, scalable images, and responsive navigation menus to keep your website looking and functioning optimally on mobile devices.
- Mobile navigation elements. Use elements recommended for mobile devices, such as a hamburger menu, to simplify navigation on small screens.
You can also switch to mobile mode to easily adjust the appearance of your website on mobile devices.
8. Focus on the Essentials
To help your website navigation guide visitors more effectively, highlight the essentials in a clearer way. Here are some tips for emphasizing these elements:
- Prioritize the main elements. Determine the parts of your website that are most important to your audience, such as product pages, contact details, or special offers. Make sure these elements are prominently displayed in the navigation menu.
- Use eye-catching visuals. Different colors, fonts, or icons can draw visitors’ attention to your navigation elements. For example, you can apply a bold color to the Contact Us button to make it more visible.
- Place strategically. Place essential elements in places where visitors are likely to see them right away, such as in the upper left corner of the menu or in the middle of the top navigation bar.
- Create a consistent look. Make sure each of these essential elements is displayed consistently across the page so that visitors can easily find them no matter where they are on the page.
6. Monitor Website Analytics
To improve the functionality of your website navigation, you need to understand your visitors’ behavior. With this strategy, you can ensure that your navigation structure is in line with their needs and preferences.
Use website traffic analytics data to optimize your navigation in the following ways:
- Use analytics tools. Tools like Google Analytics can provide comprehensive data on how visitors interact with your website navigation. Monitor clickstream data to see which menu items are most frequently accessed and areas that may be confusing.
- Analyze heatmaps. Tools like Hotjar can provide visual data on which areas of your website visitors click, view, or scroll the most. This will give you a clearer picture of how visitors are using your website navigation.
10. Use Clear Visual Hierarchy
A visual hierarchy in website design will help you clarify important pages and organize secondary content better. As a result, visitors can access your website without feeling confused.
To create a good visual hierarchy, you can follow these tips:
- Prioritize primary links. Position the most important links at the top of the main menu. These links should immediately direct visitors to the main action or information they are likely looking for, such as Products, Services, or About Us.
- Place secondary links strategically. Place less important links in areas such as the footer navigation menu. For example, such as the FAQ, Blog, or Contact Us pages, which can still be easily accessed without distracting from the main focus of your website.
- Balance appearance and ease of access. Make sure your navigation structure is able to display primary links clearly, but still provides easy access to additional information. This strategy will guide visitors to explore parts of your website naturally.
11. Add a Search Column
Adding a search column to the website navigation will help visitors find information faster without having to manually browse through menus one by one.
Consider the following when adding a search field:
- Search field position. Place the search field in the header or near the main navigation menu so that visitors can easily access it.
- Intuitive design. The search field should be clearly visible and easily accessible. Use the familiar magnifying glass icon and add a clear label such as “Search” to clarify its function.
- Advanced search features. Consider adding additional features such as autofill, filters, or sorting to enhance the search function on your website.
12. Ensure Optimal Accessibility
Accessibility or ease of access to website navigation is an important aspect of providing an inclusive browsing experience for all visitors. To optimize the accessibility of your website navigation, try implementing the following tips:
- Keyboard navigation. Make sure visitors can use a keyboard to access navigation elements on your website. Therefore, you need to determine a logical tab order and arrange links, buttons, and forms so that they are accessible using a keyboard.
- Contrast and clarity. Use a combination of high-contrast colors for text and backgrounds in the navigation menu to make it easier to read for visitors with visual impairments. Choose large, easy-to-read fonts to improve website accessibility.
In addition, you can also apply the following steps to optimize the accessibility of your website:
- Semantic HTML. Use semantic HTML elements such as <nav>, <header>, <footer>, and <main> in your website code. These elements make it easier for assistive technologies such as screen readers to understand the structure and function of each part of the website so that your navigation is more intuitive.
- ARIA Role. Apply the ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) role to make your web elements more accessible. With it, assistive technologies can convey more detailed information to visitors with visual impairments.
What is an example of website navigation?
There are various types of menus that can be adjusted to the needs of website design. Each type of navigation has a specific function and arrangement that guides visitors to navigate through parts of the website more easily.
To help you understand it further, we will provide some examples of website navigation with different features and styles:
1. Alibaba
Alibaba uses a neatly organized navigation system using a mega menu. Although the products sold are very diverse, the main menu only has two levels: one level for subcategories, and another for products below.
To keep the menu hierarchy easily accessible, this platform also uses an overlay menu and adds a descriptive image at the last level of the menu.
2. The New York Times
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| example of website navigation |
The navigation on The New York Times website features a sticky horizontal navigation bar that is always available to visitors. Each major news category is equipped with a drop-down menu for easy access to news subcategories.
Sticky menus like this are especially useful for one-page websites or websites that have a lot of content that requires a lot of scrolling. With it, visitors can directly access the menu without having to go back to the top of the page.
3. YouTube
On the desktop version, YouTube uses a vertical sidebar that can be opened with a hamburger menu. This menu provides quick access to important features such as Home, Shorts, and Subscriptions when expanded. Visitors can open the menu by clicking the hamburger icon to display additional options in the sidebar.
Conclusion
Effective website navigation will help visitors navigate each section and page of the website easily. Ultimately, well-designed navigation will help improve their user experience and satisfaction. To optimize website navigation, you can do the following tips:
- Create clear and practical navigation. Make sure your website navigation is easy to understand and clearly labeled. This will help visitors find information quickly without feeling confused.
- Apply the principle of mobile-friendliness. Adjust the navigation to remain optimal on various screen sizes so that visitors can enjoy a consistent experience on all devices.
- Provide descriptive labels. Use easy-to-understand and relevant labels for each menu item. Avoid technical jargon that can confuse visitors.
- Use a logical hierarchy. Place the most important links in the main navigation section, then organize the content logically so that visitors can navigate the website more easily.
Remember, website navigation will continue to evolve along with changes in design trends and user behavior. So, make sure you always keep up with the latest developments to meet the needs of visitors. Good luck!
