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Website Structure
The design and development of your website's structure
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. A website's structure is the framework in which the information or content is presented. It is a distributed network of links that ties your website together. Your website structure is the functional shape of your website in terms of content presentation.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 website navigation scheme. If you develop a sound website structure navigation will fall into place naturally.
Basic website structureAs the diagram below shows a website structure is a network of links composed of three main website sections: The homepage, the main sections and the subsections.
Typical basic website structure
Developing a website networkThe structure of a website is like the framework of a building.. Every beam and rivet is connected together into a network of mechanical links, which in turn determines it's final shape and functionality. 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.
Structure of a basic website layout
Navigation and website structureThe key to the success of designing your website's structure is the ease with which your visitors can navigate the site and how well they are provided with opportunities for user interaction. 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 when they enter your website. |
Two click navigationIn the example above there are three tiers of content or website main sections which can be accessed in two clicks. From the homepage to the main sections (click 1) and then to the subsections (click 2) which is a simple and intuitive path.If necessary you can add a third tier of data. More than that will not only begin to confuse your visitors and complicate your link network but also impede the deep access of search engine spiders and hinder efforts to optimize your website.
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For more in depth information see:
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