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  • Website Basic Divisions

    • Website Basic Divisions
    The basic divisions of a website layout


    Homepage - The first tier of website content

    The homepage is the first tier of website content and leads into the interior of the website. It links directly to the main sections of a site. In other words, from the homepage links are introduced that access the internal website sections or main subject areas of a website.

    Website Homepage/Index Page diagram

    The Homepage - 1st tier of website content

    The homepage is where the visitor is first introduced to your website. As you go about designing your website put a large part of your efforts into perfecting this homepage. Here is where you present your first arguments and begin the development of your website theme. It is important that the homepage clearly conveys the essence of what your website is all about. From here, through the judicious application of links, your visitors should be directed to the main sections of your website.



    Main Sections - The second tier of website content

    The main sections or subject areas of a website should be identified in this second layer of content. Here is where the people visiting your website should be able to access more detailed information on the topic in which they are interested. This collection of documents should begin a logical progression of thought that leads deeper into the website content. From this level of data links should be provided that interface with the main body of the website's material or subsections.

    Website Main Sections/Site Index diagram

    The Main Sections - 2nd tier of website content

    Links coming from the homepage should lead to the main sections of your website. In other words, your index page should provide links that interface with specific subject areas of website content. Each of these divisions should be a distillation of it's particular subject matter. Here you begin a trail that will lead your visitor into the main body of information contained in your website structure, the subsections.

    Subsections - The third tier of website content

    Subsections should be placed in their proper categories and the content tied to the main sections of the website. This is where the main body or database of your website content resides. The bulk of information available to a visitor should be contained in this collection of material.

    Website Subsections/Database diagram

    The Subsections - 3rd tier of website content

    The subsections of a website are the areas in which a collection of supporting material for the website's main sections is accumulated. This is the heart and soul of your website. Whatever knowledge you have accrued about a particular subject should be stored here in it's proper category. These basic divisions of a website should also be in a constant state of expansion. As you learn more you should provide this enlightened material to the people who visit your site.

    Developing a basic website layout

    Develop an outline of the website basic layout you have envisioned. Organize your ideas and content into a concept that satisfies your purpose and keep it simple. Be sure to start with an overall approach and work your way through all the divisions you will need to communicate your message or promote your product.
    Draw a layout diagram showing the basic divisions of your website. It doesn't have to be fancy but it should reflect a pattern that will be followed throughout your site. Include all the main divisions and subdivisions you will need to accomplish your objectives.

    Organize your files into a structure that reflects your website layout. Develop website files and directories that are easy to maintain and track as your website grows.

    The time that you spend on this aspect of your website design is important. Draw a diagram, organize your files and stick to a website structure that is easy to maintain.

    For more see:


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