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We often underestimate the usability of a website. If you have ever ended up on a page and not sure how to get back to the homepage, you know what I mean.
People are on the Internet for instant gratification and they want that gratification every time they visit that site. Think about how you use websites yourself.
Do you like to sit through the 3-minute Flash presentation or do you just want the information you came there for?
User-Friendly Navigation Systems
Your website should have a navigation system that you are sure you would use. It doesn't matter how attractive the site is or if you have all the cutting edge graphics, a appealing website is not going to get to be the only factor in getting you customers. A site with a poor navigation system is going to drive your customers away.
It's important to remember that not all Internet users are computer whizzes. Many people need help and need to be guided through a site. Links should be clear and concise.
If your navigation system is different from the run of the mill website, then you will want to offer guidance with next buttons, home buttons or back to the top buttons. This will help people get back to the main navigation page of the site. Often the easiest sites are not the trendiest, but they will still get a lot of attention.
Keep It Simple
Many people will include landing pages and splash pages for extra graphical oomph. These may feature product offers, sale items and similar information, but they are often a nuisance to visitors. If you must have a splash page, consider giving the page a skip this link, so your visitors can quickly move on to the information they are looking for.
Keep It Updated
As your site grows you will begin adding pages. When you do this you need to be certain that you continue to update links on the older pages. There is nothing worse than looking for a page that used to be there but is no longer in existence.
Keeping the navigation system updated is just as important as updating the site itself. If you add new pages then you need to add new links. You also need to continue testing your links to ensure that the site is running smoothly and taking you to pages they are supposed to take you to. If you do away with a page or a section, then you need to do away with the link as well.
Testing Your Navigation System
Once you launch your site set up a testing session with your partners, friends or family. You can also choose to bring in outside people to use the site for the first time. As the people browse the site, have them write down any questions they have. If they can't seem to find pages right away, you will know that the site's navigation system needs to be tweaked.
Testing should be relatively easy and you can usually get good feedback from four to five testers. Each person browses a site differently, so you will be able to see the navigation system from a different point of view.
Action Steps for Choosing a Website Navigation System
1. Test, test, test. If your site is already in existence, call up some friends or partners and have them do a run through of the site. Have them write down their navigation system questions.
2. Look at several different websites in your niche and compare your navigation system to theirs.
3 Consider what you like in a navigation system and use your own instincts in your design.
Important Points to Keep in Mind When Creating A Website Navigation System
- People don't like to spend a lot of time waiting when surfing the Internet.
- As the site's usability increases, so will the profits.
- Testing is not a one-time thing. Every time you change the site, the links need to be tested.
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