Now we're going to look at the overall structure of a website. This is different from the individual pages within the site (i.e. content). A website's structure is the framework in which the information or content is presented.

The structure of your site is composed of the different sections of your website and navigation within those sections. It is the framework that shapes your site and defines your navigation scheme. If you develop a sound website structure everything else will fall into place.

Basic Website Structure

As the diagram below shows a website is composed of three main areas:

Typical basic website structure

The structure of a website is like the skeleton or nervous system in the human body. Every joint or synapse is connected together into a network of mechanical or electrical links, which in turn makes us who and what we are.

So should a website be connected through a network of links into something that provides form and function to your site. The website basic layout shown below is a simplified example of such a network.

Example Layout of a Basic Website

Navigation and Website Structure

The key to the success of your website's structure is the ease with which your visitors can navigate the site. A general rule of thumb is that it should take no more than three clicks for a visitor to find what they are looking for.

In the example above there are three tiers of content which can be accessed in two clicks. From the homepage to the main sections (click 1) and then to the subsections (click 2) is a simple and intuitive path.

If necessary you can add a third tier of data but more than that will not only begin to confuse your visitors but also impedes the deep access of search engine spiders.

See: Optimize Website

Breaking Down the Structure of a Website

The Home Page of a Website

This is a visitors first impression of your site. It should tell visitors what your site is about. The homepage should answer the questions Who, What, and Why about the sites purpose.

A home page should also provide an sitemap or table of contents and guide visitors to the information they need. If they can find the information they want quickly and easily, they will enjoy their visit. And if they enjoy their visit and find that the time spent there was worthwhile, they'll come back.

A home page should not contain a lot of text. 400 words should be about the limit you should shoot for. It should provide an overview of your site giving the visitor a clear idea of what is available and how to get there and also provides the search engines with something to go by when they index your site.

Also, don't present your visitors with a huge list of links to every single page on your site - that's why you have main and sub sections. (see diagram above)

It has been determined that most web users browse a website's homepage quickly. They look to see if there is any reason for them to go deeper into the site. They want to find this information quick without being confused by irrelevant distractions.

A large percentage of those using the web never scroll down past the first screen full of information. So, keep that homepage short and to the point. Have your links prominently displayed and make sure a visitor knows what your site is about on the first screen they see.

The Main Sections of a Website

The main sections of a website form the headings of specific bodies of data. In other words the main sections of a website form the gateway or entry point into particular areas of your site (i.e. site index). For example if you are selling shoes your main sections might be mens shoes, ladies shoes and childrens shoes. The subsections would break down each category of shoes into color, size and style.

Your main sections will form the backbone of your navigation system. These will be the links that take your visitors deeper into your website. Select them with care, keeping in mind that your website structure will be shaped by them. These pages should provide one click access to the subsections.

This tier of your website structure is primarily a collection of links that provide access to the main content (i.e. subsections) of the site. Each main section should cover a specific subject or data base which is focused on a single topic. Theme each main section to correspond to its subsection content.

The Subsections of a Website

Once you have developed the main sections of your website and decided upon your navigation scheme group your data into subsections. Each subsection should contain all of the important data relating to a particular main section. Keep the topical information organized into its specific category for easy retrieval.

The subsections of a website form the body and central message of the site. This is where most of your content will reside.

When a visitor decides to look further into your site it is into the subsections that they should be directed. Provide a navigation scheme that allows one click access to your subsections.

Well organized and easily accessible subsections should always be your goal.

Subsections are the Money Pages

This level of a website is often referred to as the money pages. Here is where sales occur and the place that your primary message is presented. If a website had a soul the subsections would fill the bill.

If your visitors have drilled down this deeply into your website they are very interested in what you are presenting. It is likely that they are ready to purchase a product or click on ads. The heart and soul of any website is in the subsections so spend a lot of time and effort here.

Advanced Website Design

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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.