Website structure
The structure of a website is very important, because it dictates how your clients navigate through your site and how they receive various pieces of information that are available through your website. When we speak about website structure we are talking about how the website is designed as a whole, not the individual pages nor the graphic design elements. Website structure incorporates how pages are laid out and and arranged, which pages link to other pages, and how information is organized across pages.
Most web sites are structured in a similar manner, with three main categories of web pages: Home page, Main section pages, and Sub section pages. These pages are usually laid out in a classic tree structure.
Example:
Home Page
1. Main section page 1
a. Sub section page 1a
b. Sub section page 1b
2. Main section page 2
a. Sub section page 2a
b. Sub section page 2b
The home page will provide links to the main section pages, which will in turn provide links to the sub section pages that relate to the same topic. All pages will link back to the home page for website navigation purposes.
Home page
All websites have a home page. The home page is the entry point for most customers and is usually reached by simply typing in the domain name in the internet address bar. For example, if you type www.xtremeprogram.com into the address bar of your web browser, you will find yourself on the home page of Xtreme Program.
The home page has the primary purpose of guiding customers into your website. Some home pages will automatically redirect you to a different web page, while others will force you to choose a part of the website to navigate separate from the other parts of the website (for example, some home pages require the web surfer to pick a language of preference before continuing).
The best home pages are more than just an entry page to the website; they contain introductory information, site navigation, and other characteristics which interest the client in the website. A stellar home page should clearly define the purpose of the website and convince the reader to venture further into the website. It should also provide a clear indication of how the client should navigate the website, what type of information is available in the various sections, and how to properly access the information.
Main section pages
Main section pages can vary tremendously between websites. Usually, the main section pages are mini home pages for the subsection pages to which they link. The main section pages should provide more detailed information about a topic than the site home page does, but it should also provide a navigational system for the appropriate subsection pages. At times, this navigational system might be a text link in a paragraph or it could be included on a navigation bar.
Sub section pages
Sub section pages are the "nuts and bolts" of the website. This is where the nitty-gritty information is stored and provides detailed explanations or information for the clients who really want it. Most casual web surfers will never make it to all of your sub section pages. These pages are very specific and will not provide information that will appeal to all potential clients. However, sub section pages are extremely important because they provide your true clients (those who intentionally and purposefully enter your website) the information that they truly want.
Next: Example website structure
Most web sites are structured in a similar manner, with three main categories of web pages: Home page, Main section pages, and Sub section pages. These pages are usually laid out in a classic tree structure.
Example:
Home Page
1. Main section page 1
a. Sub section page 1a
b. Sub section page 1b
2. Main section page 2
a. Sub section page 2a
b. Sub section page 2b
The home page will provide links to the main section pages, which will in turn provide links to the sub section pages that relate to the same topic. All pages will link back to the home page for website navigation purposes.
Home page
All websites have a home page. The home page is the entry point for most customers and is usually reached by simply typing in the domain name in the internet address bar. For example, if you type www.xtremeprogram.com into the address bar of your web browser, you will find yourself on the home page of Xtreme Program.
The home page has the primary purpose of guiding customers into your website. Some home pages will automatically redirect you to a different web page, while others will force you to choose a part of the website to navigate separate from the other parts of the website (for example, some home pages require the web surfer to pick a language of preference before continuing).
The best home pages are more than just an entry page to the website; they contain introductory information, site navigation, and other characteristics which interest the client in the website. A stellar home page should clearly define the purpose of the website and convince the reader to venture further into the website. It should also provide a clear indication of how the client should navigate the website, what type of information is available in the various sections, and how to properly access the information.
Main section pages
Main section pages can vary tremendously between websites. Usually, the main section pages are mini home pages for the subsection pages to which they link. The main section pages should provide more detailed information about a topic than the site home page does, but it should also provide a navigational system for the appropriate subsection pages. At times, this navigational system might be a text link in a paragraph or it could be included on a navigation bar.
Sub section pages
Sub section pages are the "nuts and bolts" of the website. This is where the nitty-gritty information is stored and provides detailed explanations or information for the clients who really want it. Most casual web surfers will never make it to all of your sub section pages. These pages are very specific and will not provide information that will appeal to all potential clients. However, sub section pages are extremely important because they provide your true clients (those who intentionally and purposefully enter your website) the information that they truly want.
Next: Example website structure
posted by XP Mallorca at
10:34 AM
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