A good user experience (UX) is essential to retain visitors and convert them into customers. The navigation is a key part of the UX, as it allows users to find what they are looking for quickly and easily. Here you have some tips to improve the navigation in your web site.
1. Menus are Clear and Simple #
- Main menu visible: Put the main menu in an easy to find place, usually at the top of the page.
- Clear categories: Organize your categories in a logical manner. Use simple terms and understandable.
- Submenus: If you have many categories, it uses submenus drop down to keep the main menu clean and tidy.
2. Search bar #
- Prominent placement: Place the search bar in a prominent place, such as the top right of the page.
- Advanced functionality: Make sure that the search bar is effective and fast. Includes suggestions and automatic correction of spelling errors.
3. Internal Links #
- Navigation crusade: Use internal links to guide users to related content. This not only improves the browsing, but it also keeps users on your site for a longer time.
- Anchors: Use links anchorage to allow users to quickly jump to specific sections of a long page.
4. Site maps #
- Accessibility: Include a site map in the footer of the page to help users to find specific sections.
- SEO: A map of the site also helps the search engines to index your content more effectively.
5. Consistency #
- Uniform design: Keep your design consistent navigation on all pages of your site. This includes the location of the menus, search bar, and internal links.
- Styles consistent: It uses the same style of buttons, colors and fonts so that users familiarize themselves quickly with the navigation.
6. Visual Feedback #
- Status indicators: Used by visual cues such as color changes or underlined to show you which elements are clickable.
- Highlighting the current page: Highlight the section or page that the user is currently so that you always know where they are.
7. Optimization for Mobile #
- Drop-down menus: Use drop-down menus or burger to save space and keep the navigation clean mobile devices.
- Suitable size: Make sure that the buttons and links are large enough to touch with ease.
Practical Example #
Suppose that you have an online store of beauty products. Here's an example of how to apply these principles:
1. Menus are Clear and Simple #
Main Menu: "Start", "Makeup", "Skin Care", "Hair", "Offers", "Contact". Submenus: Under "Makeup", adds subcategories such as "Lips", "Eyes", "Face".
2. Search bar #
Location: Place the search bar in the top right of the page. Functionality: Added automatic suggestions as the "red lipstick", "moisturizing cream".
3. Internal Links #
Navigation crusade: On the page of a specific product, include links to related products or complementary. Anchors: In a categories page long, links anchorage to allow users to jump to specific sections such as "New Products" or "Sold".
4. Site maps #
Site map: Adds a link to the site map in the footer with the light sections as "Makeup", "Skin Care", "Hair".
5. Consistency #
Uniform design: Keep the same menu structure and style of buttons in all pages. Styles consistent: It uses the same colors and fonts throughout the site.
6. Visual Feedback #
Status indicators: Change the color of the buttons when the user passes the cursor. Highlighting the current page: Highlight the current category in the main menu.
7. Optimization for Mobile #
Drop-down menus: Use a menu burger for mobile devices to be deployed with a touch. Suitable size: Make sure that the buttons are large enough to touch with ease.
Practical steps to Improve the Navigation in your Web Site #
- Check your main menu: Make sure that it is clear and easy to use. Simplifies the categories if necessary.
- Add a search bar: Place the search bar in a prominent place and make sure it's functional.
- Implements internal links: Add links to related content on your pages in order to improve the navigation cross.
- Create a site map: Adds a link to the site map in the footer of the page and make sure it is well-organized.
- Maintain consistency: Using a design consistent navigation on all pages of your site.
- Provides visual feedback: Uses visual indicators to show you which elements are clickable and highlight the current page.
- Optimized for mobile: Use drop-down menus and make sure that the buttons are large enough to touch with ease.
By following these tips, you will improve significantly the navigation in your web site, which can lead to a better user experience and higher rates of retention and conversion. Good luck!
