Website navigation is a crucial aspect of web design that can make or break a user’s experience. When done correctly, it helps users find what they are looking for quickly and efficiently. However, when done poorly, it can frustrate users and drive them away from your website. Well formatted navigation is important for search engine optimization, to help web crawlers navigate the flow of your site. In this article, we will discuss website navigation best practices and common mistakes to avoid.

Menu Locations and Their Uses

• Top navigation: The top global navigation is the most common type of navigation bar. It is typically located at the top or bottom of the website header and contains links to the most important pages on the site. The top navigation is a great way to provide users with quick and easy access to the most important content on your website.
• Sidebar navigation: The side navigation is a great way to provide users with a more detailed view of the website’s structure, and can help users find specific content on your website. It’s sometimes used to show links related to the main content on the current page.
• Footer navigation: The footer navigation is located at or near the bottom of the website and contains links to important pages such as the contact page, privacy policy, and terms of service. The footer navigation is a great way to provide users with quick and easy access to this important information.

Website Navigation Best Practices

• Keep it Simple: One of the key navigation best practices is to keep it simple. Your website’s navigation should be easy to understand and use to improve your UX. Avoid using complex menus or confusing labels. The fewer navigation options you have, the easier it will be for users to find what they are looking for.
• Be Consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to website navigation. Use the same navigation structure and terminology throughout your website, so users know where they are and how to get where they want to go.
• Make it Easy to Find: Your website’s navigation should be easy to find and accessible from every page. A common location for navigation is at the top of the page, but you can also include it in the footer or sidebar.
• Use Descriptive Labels: Use clear and concise labels for your navigation links. Avoid using generic labels like “Links” or “Pages” and instead use more specific and descriptive labels, so that users know what to expect when they click on them.
• Prioritize Important Pages: Promote the most important pages in your navigation by placing them first or highlighting them with a different color or style.
• Group Related Items: Placing similar links together can make it easier and quicker for users to find the information they are looking for.
• Use a Logical Hierarchy: The navigation system should be organized in a logical hierarchy of pages, subpages, and categories. This will help users to understand the relationships between the different pages on the website.
• Icons: Simple and recognizable icons can help to make your navigation system more visually appealing and easier to use. Just be sure to use images and icons that are relevant to your content and that are easy to understand.
• Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumb trails are a line of text or links that shows users the hierarchy of the page they are on. Breadcrumbs are a great way to help users understand where they are on a website and how to get back to where they started.
• Search: If your website has a lot of content, it is important to make it easy for users to search for what they are looking for. Search is also a great way to help users find content that they may not be able to find through the regular navigation system.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Your navigation is only as strong as your weakest link.

• Too Many Options: Too many options in your website’s navigation can be overwhelming for users. Limit your navigation options to the most important pages.
• Poor Organization: Poorly organized navigation can make it difficult for users to find what they are looking for. Organize your navigation based on categories or topics.
• Hidden Navigation: Hidden navigation, such as hamburger menus, can be confusing for some users. If you use hidden navigation, make sure it is easy to find and use. It should be prominently displayed on all pages of the website.
• Non-Descriptive Labels: Generic labels like “Click Here” or “Learn More” can be confusing for users. Use clear and descriptive labels for your navigation links.
• Broken Links: Broken links in your navigation can lead to frustration for users. Regularly check all the links in your navigation for 404 errors or other problems.

By following these tips and avoiding these common mistakes, you can design a website navigation system that is easy to use, intuitive, and consistent. This will help to improve the user experience and make it more likely that users will return to your website.