Speedy and Intuitive Navigation Is Critical for a Successful Website
The goal of every website is to encourage action from the reader. In many cases it is to sell something. Readers may be able to order online, call for an appointment, or come into your shop with coupons. But not every website developed to sell something. But that does not have a different purpose and should inspire the desired action from your readers.
Navigation is very important when developing and planning your site. The layout allows viewers to easily determine how to get from page to page and from product to order form. If it is difficult to navigate, it will prevent visitors from returning and it will make them frustrated. Just like in the brick and mortar store, you may never get a second chance to make a good impression on the web.
Here are the terms to help you build a website which makes navigation a customer-friendly process:
Toolbar/Menu- Usually a horizontal navigation bar at the top of a web page allows users to easily jump directly to a specific department or pages.
Icon-small drawings or sketches and links pointing to different areas on your site.
A search engine search tool that allows viewers to draw a particular document or a product based on keywords or phrases.
Pop-up/Drop-Down menu-Allows viewers to choose from several options. A list of items they would like to see or buy.
Frame-A design format which allows multiple pages (each with different URLs) to be viewed on one screen.
“Areas Most Popular” list-Indicates new visitors what is seen on the page you are on.
Offering short-term explanations of terms found on your site.
Site-Map A full list of extended features in a hierarchical order.
Map-big picture and graphic images can be clicked on, sometimes making up the entire home page, which allows users to “click and go” to certain areas of the site.
