Setting Your Web Site's Structure

The structure of your web site is how it is set up: the Navigation scheme. The navigation of your web site is one of the most important considerations in constructing your web site. If people can't find what they want in 3 clicks or less, they will leave and likely not return.

You must also make your web site's structure intuitive -- that is, there should be a natural and logical flow which people can understand and follow with ease.

It's easier than it sounds. Here's our tried-and-true method:

1. Brainstorm your topics. Write down all the topics you can think of which you want covered in your site.
   
   
2. See which topics you can arrange into categories. Complicated or long topics should be broken down into subcategories.
   
   
3. Look for logical sequences, and rearrange as necessary.
   
   
4. Assign a page name to each category and subcategory. What you will end up with is something of an outline.
   
   
5. Count your pages.

Remember: It is better to have several short topics or subcategories than to have everything on one long page. Subcategories will also help visitors find specific information easier.

next  >> Planning Your Web Site, Section 5: Deciding on Content