People surfing net are usually very impatient. If they find any site difficult to understand just because links are not clear to them, chances are that they will leave the page immediately. So, somewhere navigation system of the site plays a key role in web development to determine the effectiveness of a website. Since, website are meant to target average web users, it is important that website navigation is clear to them. Here are some common yet effective tips to develop easy and clear navigation system in the website:
- Ensure that every navigation elements are clearly linked through standard link conventions like buttons, menus, changing color of links while keeping mouse over it, underlining the text, etc. Avoid using any other color for the link than typical blue. Also avoid ambiguous or clever names for links.
- While using inks for the pages which are newly introduce to the site, let users clearly know about that link by highlighting or prominently displaying it with blinks or with different background.
- Don’t forget the ‘three click rule’ followed by many professional designers. It entails that visitors must be able to reach any page from any page of the site within three clicks.
- Make your users available with option to skip the entry page by providing a clearly marked clickable link or buttons. Don’t forget that visitors in your page expecting information and not entertainment.
Here are some significant navigation links and the ways to use them.
Internal Page Links – This element signifies over all linking in the page. Every page on the site must be reachable each other within two or three clicks.
Shopping Carts – If yours is a product based site and you sell them shopping carts, then don’t forget to display the view cart button prominently on every page. Place it at top right or just below the header.
Login Boxes – Firstly, it should be prominently displayed and should be placed at top right, top left or in the page header.
External Links – These links are commonly found in the text areas of a site. Purpose of these links could be to play references for additional information on other sites or for recommended products.
Order Buttons – Order buttons in your page are individual then make them large enough to be easily visible.
Site Map – If you provide your users with a site map, it will be a great help to them as they will be able to find their searches for required links easily.
Web Development - Top Tips For Website Navigation