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The Business of making websites | 14th September 2020

Sailing the Digital Seas: 8 Navigation Tips for a Smooth Website Journey

Navigating a website should be like sailing on calm waters, not getting lost in a digital Bermuda Triangle. Imagine your website as a ship. Your visitors are eager explorers, and the navigation? That’s your trusty compass, guiding them through the treasures of your content. Let’s chart a course through the top 8 best practices for website navigation, ensuring every visitor reaches their destination with ease and delight.

1. Charting the Course: Plan Your Navigation

Before setting sail, every captain needs a map. Spend quality time sketching out your site’s structure. It’s all about anticipating what your explorers seek at every turn, ensuring treasures like the ‘Buy’ button are never more than a stone’s throw away. Think like a visitor; make their quest for information a breeze.

2. The Beacon of Importance: Prioritise Your Pages

Not all treasures are equal. Highlight the most valuable jewels of your site – the pages that matter most. Place these gems where they’re sure to catch the eye, at the beginning or end of your menu. Don’t let your prized ‘Buy’ button fade into the background; make it shine.

3. Clear Signals: Label Menus with Care

Once your course is set, it’s time to name the islands on your map. Choose words that are simple, direct, and clear as the Caribbean sea. Skip the sailor’s jargon – if a landlubber can’t understand it, you’re off course. Each label should be a clear signpost, telling visitors exactly what wonders await them.

4. Beyond the Horizon: Avoid Generic Labels

Labels like ‘Photos’ or ‘Services’ are like unmarked bottles of rum – they don’t tell you what’s inside. Be specific. If your ship is loaded with ‘Services,’ let a submenu reveal the variety of your cargo, from ‘Map Making’ to ‘Treasure Hunting.’

5. The Plank of Drop-down Menus

Though popular, drop-down menus are the plank many a visitor walks off, never to return. Scanning is faster than scrolling, and if your menu requires a telescope to navigate, you’re likely to lose your crew. Plus, these tricky menus can sometimes lead search engines astray, marooning your content on a deserted island.

6. The Lighthouse: When to Use a Search Bar

If your vessel is as stocked as a Spanish galleon, with goods stretching from stem to stern, a search bar is your lighthouse. Especially for vast websites, it guides visitors directly to their sought-after treasure. A well-placed search bar, armed with predictive powers, can turn a daunting expedition into a delightful voyage.

7. All Hands on Deck: Access from Every Page

Imagine if, to explore a new part of the ship, you had to return to the dock each time. Frustrating, right? Ensure your visitors can set sail to any page from wherever they are – no backtracking needed. Display your main menu across all decks, inviting exploration and discovery.

8. Following the Stars: Stick to What Works

Innovation has its place, but when it comes to navigation, the stars have guided sailors for centuries for a reason. Stick to the familiar skies. Users expect certain constellations – like the menu in the header or the top left corner. A hidden treasure map might seem exciting, but if it leads to confusion, your visitors will abandon ship.

In Conclusion: Navigating Success

Creating a website that welcomes and guides visitors smoothly from port to port is an art. By following these eight navigational principles, you ensure your digital ship is a vessel of discovery, not dismay. Remember, in the vast ocean of the internet, a clear, user-friendly navigation is the compass that keeps your visitors on course.

“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor, but a well-navigated website creates happy visitors.”