When creating your website navigation it's important to think from a customers perspective. Ask yourself, where would you go to find my services or contact information?
Here are some best practices that you can use to ensure that people can use your website with ease.
The most important aspect is to keep it simple. Visitors should be able to find what they're looking for without having to click through multiple pages or menus. Limit the number of menu items to no more than seven, and use clear and concise language that people can easily understand.
A consistent layout makes it easier for people to navigate their way around your website. Use a clear hierarchy, with primary navigation options at the top and secondary options in drop-down menus. Ensure that the layout is consistent across all pages, so that your visitors don't get confused.
If possible, have a search bar to allow people to quickly find the information that they're looking for, without having to navigate through menus or pages. Ensure that the search bar is visible and easily accessible on all pages.
Breadcrumbs are a secondary navigation option that shows visitors where they are on your website. They appear at the top of the page and show the path visitors have taken to get to the current page. Breadcrumbs can be especially useful for larger websites with lots of content.
Nearly everyone uses a mobile we we need to ensure that your website is responsive and can adapt to different screen sizes. Use a mobile-friendly menu, such as a hamburger menu, to make it easier for visitors to navigate on smaller screens.
Use descriptive labels for menu items and buttons so people know exactly what to expect when they click on them. Avoid vague labels such as "click here" or "read more," and use clear and concise language that accurately describes the content or action.
Your website navigation should be regularly tested and refined to ensure that it's meeting the needs of your customers. We can use analytics tools to track how visitors are navigating your website and identify any areas that need improvement.
If you get completely stuck, test your friends and family to see if they can find a certain service or product. Make sure you watch them as they navigate through the website and take notes on how they got there. You'll be surprised at what you find.
