WebOriginate : Why Good Website Navigation Is Important?

WebOriginate : Website is designed for your target customers or visitors and not for yourself. So while you are getting your website designed or re-designed, always bear in mind the usability factor. The structure of the website should be such that the visitors are able to find what they are looking for on the website without any hassle. Navigation should be made very easy. If this is not met, then visitors will never return to the site.

As a web designer you must always keep in mind the basic purpose of the website and the intended audience when designing navigational elements.
Important Navigation Elements
Internal Page Links – An internal link allows you to link to another section on the same web page, so it basically scrolls the page up or down to the desired location. The pages on the website should be one click away on the website.
External Links – These are the links from the webpage or the URL the user is on to another website. They may be references to more information located on another site.
Breadcrumbs – This is a navigation method through which the user’s location can be established. Breadcrumbs are usually located at the top left of the page just under the header
Shopping Cart – When building a shopping cart site, the Cart button should be prominently displayed on all pages. Login – If there is a member login area then the login button should be displayed.
Order Buttons – If order buttons are used, they should be large and visible. It is advisable for the order page to be one click away from the order button.
Downloadable Items – If the user has to download any item like PDF, video files, mp3 then proper instructions or links the plug-in required should be provided.
Site Map – A site map is a good way to layout your entire site for your visitor. This is important for SEO as well.