Here's how to structure your website pages for optimal results:
Understanding Website Structure
Think of your website structure like a well-organized house. Each page serves a purpose and is connected to others in a way that makes sense. A logical structure ensures visitors can find what they need easily and intuitively.
Common Website Structures
- Linear Model: This is a simple, sequential structure, often used for small websites with minimal content. Pages follow a single path, like a brochure.
Hierarchical Model (Tree Model): This is the most common structure. Imagine an upside-down tree. The homepage sits at the top, branching out into main categories (parent pages) and then subcategories (child pages) with more specific content.
Webbed Model: This structure resembles a net, with pages interconnected in various ways. It's suitable for complex websites with a lot of interrelated content.
Choosing the Right Structure
The best structure depends on your website's content and goals. Here are some tips for choosing:
- Consider your target audience: How would they expect to navigate your website?
- Inventory your content: What kind of content do you have and how does it relate to each other?
- Plan for future growth: Will you be adding more content in the future? How will your structure accommodate that?
Building a Logical Structure
Once you've chosen a structure, follow these steps:
- Identify Key Categories and Subcategories: List the main topics your website covers and then break them down into subtopics.
- Create a Sitemap: A sitemap is a visual representation of all your website's pages and their hierarchy. It helps visualise the structure and identify any gaps. There are two main types of sitemaps:
- HTML Sitemap: This is a user-facing page that lists all your website's pages, often categorised for easy browsing.
- XML Sitemap: This is a file specifically for search engines that helps them understand your website's structure and content.