Website Structure
The design and development of your website's structure
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Your website's structure is the framework for your siteNow 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. |
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Website structure and navigationThe 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: The homepage, the main sections and the subsections
Typical basic website structure
Developing a website networkThe 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.
 Layout of a Basic Website
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Navigation and website structureThe 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 two clicks for a visitor to find what they are looking for.Two click navigationIn 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.
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