A potential customer lands on your website, ready to buy. But instead of smoothly finding their way to checkout, they’re stuck, lost in a maze of confusing menus and broken links. What do they do? They leave. And just like that, you’ve lost a sale. Today, we’re tackling one of the most overlooked aspects of web design—navigation. I’ll walk you through the do’s and don’ts of website navigation so your site becomes a seamless experience that keeps visitors engaged and converts them into customers.
Let’s Recap: The Do’s & Don’t of Website Navigation
Why Website Navigation Matters
- User Experience: A smooth navigation flow keeps visitors engaged.
- Conversions: Helps guide visitors toward taking the desired actions.
- SEO: Well-structured sites rank higher in search engines.
The Do’s of Website Navigation
- Keep It Simple and Clear
- Avoid vague terms; use intuitive labels like “About,” “Shop,” and “Contact.”
- Limit Main Menu Items
- Stick to 5-7 items to avoid overwhelming visitors.
- Make It Mobile-Friendly
- Ensure your navigation works seamlessly on all devices with a collapsible (hamburger) menu.
- Prioritize User Intent
- Think like your ideal customer. What do they want to find first?
- Include a Search Function
- Allow visitors to quickly find what they’re looking for.
The Don’ts of Website Navigation
- Don’t Overcrowd Your Menu
- Avoid clutter and keep it streamlined.
- Don’t Use Hidden or Overly Complex Navigation
- Keep navigation visible and easy to use.
- Don’t Neglect Accessibility
- Follow web accessibility standards, including keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility.
- Don’t Bury Key Pages
- Make sure essential pages are one or two clicks away.
- Don’t Use Confusing Labels
- Avoid jargon or clever terms that don’t clearly describe the page’s purpose.
Bonus Tips for Better Navigation
- Add Breadcrumbs: Help users track their journey through your site.
- Highlight the Current Page: Show users where they are at all times.
- Test Your Navigation: Use tools to see how visitors interact with your site.
- Keep It Updated: Regularly audit and refine as your business grows.
Mentioned Resources
ADA Compliance
–> EP 004: The Accessible Website: ADA Compliance Unveiled
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