Often referred to as Web navigation the Hierarchical navigation model goes from the general to the specific; from a homepage to main sections to subsections and databases. It is a way to tie together many areas of information into a working website structure.

A visitor could easily go from the homepage to other areas of the website and back again. The goal of any hierarchical/website navigation system is to offer the user a clear and simple way to access all pages in a site easily and to do so quickly from anywhere in the website.

Hierarchical Navigation Link Diagram

The most popular navigation model is hierarchical

This type of navigation is most commonly used by most webmasters and is often referred to as web navigation. It is a combination of linear and database structures which are interconnected to provide access to any page in the website.

A good example of this is a sitemap. The links are arranged into a pattern by the webmaster and are easily accessible by the visitor.

Using drop-down menus for website navigation

This method of website navigation is often employed by the use of multiple drop-down menus. Each of the main website sections are displayed on a webpage as a link. Then by clicking on the links the subsections and/or databases become visible via a drop-down menu.

Sitemaps are the most common type of hierarchical navigation system

The most common type of Hierarchical navigation system is the sitemap. Each page of a website is represented by a text link, in the sitemap, which when clicked opens the page it represents. A sitemap has the advantage of giving the visitor a birds eye view of the entire website at a glance making it easy for them to locate the information that they seek.

See: Beginners Guide to Sitemaps

Navigation bars link your visitors and your website

Navigation bars are also widely used throughout this type of website. They provide a way to link all or parts of the website content in a uniform manner.

By placing a nav bar on each page of your website you are providing an avenue, for your visitors, to explore deeper into the site.

See: Website Navigation and Theme

Selecting a navigation scheme

Look at some of the most popular websites and see how they accomplish their navigation. Take notes and design a navigation scheme, based on what you learn, that best suits your needs. The key here is to experiment until you achieve the desired result.

See: Types of Websites

Website Navigation and Layout

Sitemaps and SEO

For those who don't devote too much time on the SEO of their site - this is a good place to start. By submittíng a sitemap to various search engines, you are telling them that you exist and what pages your site has to offer the World Wide Web.

How to Make Easy Website Navigation

Navigation is how visitors get around your site. If your navigation is unclear then your visitors will get frustrated and go away.

Navigational Options for Your Website

There are many types of navigation methods to choose from. You must carefully consider the layout of your site so you can choose the system that will work best.

Web Site Navigation Best Practices

A great user experience will bring visitors back. Navigation is a key element in the user experience.

Developing a Theme for your Website

Every website should have some type of theme or a way of giving your site an identifying look. When visitors come to your website they should be presented with an experience that they will remember.

Website Navigation and Theme

Have you ever visited a website where you keep clicking on links, hoping you are going to find that information you're looking for, only to be led to more pages of links.

Tips for Improving Website Navigation

In order for visitors to find the right information, a website's navigation path needs to be clear.

Professional Webpage Layout

The layout of your webpages says a lot about you and your message. Good webpage layout is the key to a successful website.

Web Site Design Layout - Five Common Elements

Your web site design layout largely depends on the type of website you're building. A sales page, for example, has different requirements than a landing page, and a landing page has different requirements than a niche web page.

Web Page Design Ideas - How to Use Graphics Creatively

Keep your web site design simple, and never lose sight of what you want your visitors to do when they arrive.

Website Design - 3 Pointers For Color You Must Consider

The correct use of color in your website design is paramount to ensure your site is not plain and uninteresting or on the other spectrum too busy, glaring and difficult to look at for a period of time.

Creating a Basic Web Design Template

A "template" is simply a design format which you can apply to all (or most) of the pages in your web site.