When the pages of the site are linked logically, it is much easier for users to navigate. They quickly find the sections you want thanks to clear navigation and a clear structure. If you work carefully and professionally on building a site, it will appear higher in search results and attract more visitors.
What is the structure of the site
The structure of the site is a special scheme that is based on the placement of pages, categories and subcategories on a web resource. We can say that this is a plan without which it is impossible to build relationships between the individual components of the website and the links. If the structure of the site is arranged correctly, then users will have free access to information, and the site itself will be effectively indexed in the search engine.
The importance of proper site structure
You have to plan the form of the site in such a way that everything is concise and understandable. If a person does this, then it will be easier for people to navigate and find the necessary information. If the user does not waste their time and stays on the page longer, the probability of placing orders or leaving a request increases - this is what increases the conversion.
When the pages of the site are located successfully, this has a positive effect on SEO promotion. The result is an improved ranking of the resource in the search results. In addition, convenient navigation increases the efficiency of the information placed on the resource. Hence, development of a structured website forms a positive impression among partners, target audience and even competitors.
The main types of site structure
The architecture of a website is created taking into account its purpose and purpose. Linear (step by step), hierarchical (tree-like), grid (matrix) and network structure are distinguished by type.
Linear structure
For simple sites, step-by-step placement of information works best. Pages usually have one or two links — one leads further to the next section, and the other allows you to go back to the desired block. This approach helps users not to get confused and move around the site consistently.
Hierarchical structure
This structure works on the principle of “from the main to the detailed”. First, the user gets to the main page, and from it goes to the desired categories or subcategories. This approach helps to logically organize content and quickly find the necessary information.
Mesh (matrix)
In this case, the resource is built from separate thematic pages, which are linked by cross-links. Thus, the degree of SEO optimization increases and the relevance of the resource increases.
Network (hybrid) structure
The combination of hierarchical and matrix structures makes the site more convenient and flexible to use. This option is suitable for large portals, where there is a lot of information, there are main categories and additional links between different sections. This helps users find what they need faster and not wander through the pages.
Web designers always have a prototype on which the design of the resource is created. Proper placement of pages and content ensures effective promotion in search engines.
How to choose the optimal site structure
What structure can sites have? The choice of the best option depends entirely on the type and purpose of the web resource. Comparing different types of structures according to the principle of “better or worse” is not worth it.
When creating a business card or landing page, they usually choose a linear structure — everything is placed sequentially, step by step, without complex organization of materials.
But if the site has a lot of content, a tree-like structure is better. It is clear to users: people go to the main page, see the menu and easily find the information they need.
For blogs, encyclopedias or news resources, it is convenient to use a matrix structure with cross-references. This way you can quickly switch between thematic pages and not get lost in a large number of materials.
And large information portals or online stores usually work on a network structure. It is more complicated, but allows you to create many categories and constantly expand the site with new content.
How to properly create a site structure
To make a web resource accessible to the target audience, it should not be overloaded. Creating a site structure begins with defining the purpose, target audience and grouping of content.
Determine the purpose of the site
Have a briefing with the customer to find out what the platform is being created for. Determine what its purpose is (presentation of information, commercial services, presentation, etc.).
Analysis of the target audience
Find out who the target audience is and what actions users should take (registration, call, purchase, subscription). This is important for content selection and search tools.
Content Grouping
Make a list of all pages if the resource is multi-page. Determine in the menu which pages will be the main and which are secondary. Specify this in the footer and submenu.
Creating a sitemap
Create a sitemap on which the visitor can see the list of all categories and sections posted on the platform. Use a visual type or XML sitemap to index pages faster in the search engine.
Building menus and navigation
Plan the menu so that the user gets to the desired page in a maximum of 3 clicks. Make it clear and accessible by using the main menu, submenu, footer, and “bread crumbs”.
Internal links and SEO
Organize internal linking according to the principle of “movement in a circle”, referring to different pages of the site. Use different keywords as anchors to increase the relevance of the page and the degree to which it ranks.
Structure Testing
Test the finished structure on colleagues or users to make sure it is available. Check if the system is adapted to mobile gadgets.
Site Analytics
Conduct an analysis of the structure to determine its effectiveness and problem points. Perform this action systematically, improving the operation of the web-resource.
The constituent structures of the site must correspond to the selected type. Then the web-resource will be available to the user and successful in SEO promotion.
Common mistakes in site structure
It is necessary to clearly understand what the structure of the site is and why it is needed. Otherwise, typical mistakes can be made:
- Ignore the marketing strategy.
- Skip the analysis of the interests of the target audience and competitors.
- Lose the semantic core.
- Develop pages with the same key queries.
- Create pages that are not tied to the main structure.
The wrong approach in the planning of a web resource worsens navigation and usability, levels the indexing of pages, reduces conversions. There are problems with site scaling, loading speed, optimization.
Tips for improving the structure of the site
You can improve the structure of a web resource at any stage of its creation. To do this, listen to the tips:
- Use a clear hierarchy of pages.
- Create an accessible menu (key sections, footer, breadcrumbs).
- Choose clear and logical URLs.
- Insert internal links between pages.
- Test the project on mobile gadgets.
Review the hierarchy created every 2 months to make edits, scale, and add new sections in a timely manner. Pay attention not only to the design, but also to the logical placement of pages and content.
Examples of building a site structure
The design is greatly simplified by the site builder (XMind, MindMeister, Screaming Frog). An individual approach is guaranteed by web designers and website developers of Ambi studio. They offer the following examples of a website structure model:
- Linear: Home — Section 1 — Section 2 — Section 3 — Contacts.
- Hierarchical: Home — About us — Services (subcategories) — Blog (subcategories) — Contacts.
- Grid: Home — Section 1 with the transition to Page 1 — Page 2 — Page 3.
- Network: Home (with the transition to any menu page) — Catalog with subcategories — Blog (article, tags) — Landing pages — Personal account.
It is easy to choose the best model if you use the services of Ambi. We are ready to offer you a website architecture project and implement it in a short time.
How Ambi will help you
Professional web design studio Ambi provides its clients with high-quality web site structure development. We perform the work according to a clear scheme:
- We conduct interviews with the client, analyze competitors and target audience, form a content base.
- We create a schematic model of the site structure.
- We define UX scenarios and carry out SEO optimization.
- We present the site map and prototypes, we make edits.
The main thing is that you understand what the site consists of and have information about your business. All other steps for structuring the resource you can entrust to our team of professionals!
Conclusions
Creating a site structure is a creative process that affects both the convenience for users and how well the resource is progressing in search. In order for everything to work properly, you need the right methods and tools that Ambi experts have. When the architecture of the site is thought out correctly, it is easier to optimize for SEO and brings more results.
FAQ
How to properly create a site structure from scratch?
Creating a resource structure from scratch includes goal definition, target analysis, sitemap planning, navigation, and scenarios. SEO optimization, coordination and implementation of the project are carried out.
Why is the right website structure so important for SEO?
The correct structure of the web resource improves scanning by special bots, internal linking and the relevance of pages to key queries. It provides clear URLs and “bread crumbs”, promotes rapid scaling and usability of the site.
What tools will help analyze the structure of the site?
For a full SEO audit of the structure, tools such as Screaming Frog SEO Spider, Sitebulb, Netpeak Spider are used. With their help, you can conduct a quick scan, check and optimize the architecture of the resource.
How does the structure of the site affect the usability of users?
The logical and convenient hierarchy allows users to easily navigate and quickly find the information they need. If the structure is chaotic, the visitor gets lost and abandons the targeted action.
Do I need to change the structure of the site over time?
Thus, 1-3 months after the release, an additional audit and correction of the structure is required. You can make current edits, add sections, and scale the resource with new content.
