subject: Website Design - The Importance Of Good Navigation [print this page] Website Design: The Importance of Good Navigation
The average web user has a very limited attention span and easily loses interest if he thinks the desired results are not obtained within a short period of time. The key component in determining the success of a site is website navigation. Website design services should determine the goal of the site and its target groups. An interactive website design is great for user-friendly websites.
A good website design does not only capture the attention of the surfer but holds him for further exploration. Websites are designed to convert surfers into customers. There are different components that affect the surfers decision and one of these is navigation.
Website Navigation Defined
Navigation is the road where a website is built in order so that the surfer can seek the information he or she desires. Studies show that surfers leave the website for another if that person does not obtain what is desired within three mouse clicks. Interactive website design makes sure that the surfer has the capability of getting information easily.
Steps for Good Navigation
Be consistent. User experience is greatly improved if the style, kind, position, and colors of the navigation bars are uniform. Visitors get confused if there are different changes on every web page and would seek a simpler website that gives the required information.
Be searchable. If you create a navigation style that is very complex, visitors get confused and they leave the site because of loss of interest. The site should be easy to browse with and it must have easy navigation.
No complexities. You might be overzealous with your web design in that you tend to overdo things. There should be simple and conventional navigation. It is advised that you refrain from naming sections with unique names since visitors will not be accustomed to this. They will not be able to see the sections that have good content. The navigation of a website design should be simple. Titles that are common should be provided for each different section and web page on the site.
Less is enough. Surfers tend to get confused with too many navigation icons on the website. Visitors that are given too many alternatives may not reach the page that they want to read. Too much is not good as this decreases the possible conversion into sales.
Emphasize the contact us button. Visitors should see the contact us button. This is one way where you can connect with your visitors. If they decide to contact you and ask for specific information, you are now just a step away from making them lifetime customers.
Include the back button. Visitors should be guided properly. Your website must have a back button so they can come back to where they started.
Make the Site Map button visible. This serves as the entry point of every website. You should make this easily seen on your website.
Make your website soothing to the eyes. The colors and fonts should be soothing and calming when viewed. You do not want your visitors to have eye strain and leave your website.
Make visible Call to Action Buttons. It is important that you make call to action buttons visible and clear. It is not enough for a visitor to see the click here on this site.
Put a home page icon. Your website should have a home page icon on every page. This way, your visitor can go back to the home page when desired.
Website design is fun but should be done with these steps in mind for good navigation.
