A website can be the online face of an organization, so it’s important that it features a design that appeals to users. Website navigation is an essential part of web design. A good website navigation system will allow users to find content quickly and easily, helping them to become more engaged with the site.
A well-designed website navigation system will allow users to find content quickly and easily, improving their overall experience. Here are some of the reasons why you should care about website navigation:
Website Navigation Increases Visit Duration
That’s right – well-made website navigation will keep your visitors on the site longer. This is important because the average user spends less than a minute on a page and may not return if they can’t find what they’re looking for quickly and easily.
Well-designed website navigation will help users do just that, allowing them to focus on one area of the website at a time. A site that is difficult to navigate may encourage users to bounce or to view only one page within the website before moving on to another.
Good Navigation Improves Search Engine Optimization
Good navigation allows engines to crawl and index a website more effectively. People are increasingly using search engines, which mean it’s important for websites to offer easily accessible information.
Good navigation is also more likely to encourage users to link back or share content with others on social media sites, which will further increasing the site’s exposure.
Website Navigation Reduces Bounce Rate
Website navigation helps people stay on the site and reduces the likelihood of getting frustrated and leaving. Users who find it difficult to navigate a website are more likely to get distracted, switch tabs in their browser, or look for content elsewhere.
If a user finds what she is looking for right away, there is less chance of her abandoning the search process.
Improve Conversions on Your Website
The navigational design of your website can greatly improve your site’s conversion rate. If your navigation is confusing and fails to fulfill all the needs of your visitors, you won’t be able to convert visitors to customers.
At the center of planning your web design and navigation, you should think about the needs and wants of your target customers. Do they want a creative navigation design, or would they prefer something simple? You need to use common sense when deciding on this.
Increases Purchase Rates
Good navigation means that users can easily find what they want. If users have trouble locating the products or services they’re looking for, their conversion rate will nose-dive.
Research shows that online shoppers take less than three seconds to judge a site before leaving it forever. This means you need to design your navigation so that users can find what they are looking for in just seconds.
Website Navigation Influences Users’ Feelings
Well-designed navigation helps users find the information they need quickly and self-sufficiently.
A user who encounters no obstacles in their search for data is more likely to have a positive attitude towards your website. Users who enjoy using the site will also spend more time on it, generating more revenue.