How to structure a website menu

A website menu is a navigation tool that helps users find and access different pages on a website. It is typically found at the top, side, or bottom of a page, making it easy for visitors to navigate through the site and find what they need quickly. The menu is a digital roadmap, providing quick access to various website pages such as Home, About Us, Products, Services, Blog, Contact Us, and more.

Why is structuring a website menu important?

While people often focus more on the content of the website pages, they tend to deprioritize the importance of the navigation menu. The menu, however, is very crucial for the following reasons:

• Improves the user experience: A well-structured menu makes it easier for visitors to find what they need without wasting time. This means fewer frustrated users, better site navigation, and a smoother experience overall.

• Improves navigation: When the menu is clear and easy to follow, users can quickly find the pages they’re looking for. This is especially important on larger websites where there’s a lot of content to sift through.

• Improves search engine optimization: A logical menu structure helps search engines understand what pages are most important. This makes it easier for search engines to index your site and rank your content higher in search results, which can bring more traffic to your site.

How to structure the website menu?

Step 1: Identify the key pages and categories

Refer to the sitemap you have created. Start by listing all the key pages on your website. Think about the most important pages that users need easy access to. A few important pages can be:

• Home

• About Us

• Products/Services

• Blog

• Contact Us

Step 2: Plan and create a drop-down for the subcategories

For sections with more than one page (like "Products" or "Services"), use dropdown menus to organize related pages. This keeps the main menu clean and accessible. Keep dropdown menus manageable and go no more than 6 items per dropdown. For larger sections, consider using “mega menus” for easier navigation.

Step 3: Name the pages clearly

Label each menu item clearly to avoid confusion. In the menu, choose names that all the users can understand. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms unless they’re necessary for your audience.

For example, for the contact us page, call it “Contact us” and not “Get in touch.”

Step 4: Put the important pages first

Position the most important pages (like "Shop Now," "Free Trial," or "Contact Us") toward the beginning of the menu so they’re easily accessible. Place secondary pages or less frequently visited content further down the list or under dropdowns.

Step 5: Make the menu mobile-friendly

Use a collapsible “hamburger” menu for mobile devices, allowing the menu to open and close, saving space on small screens. Test the mobile menu to ensure all links are easy to tap and that it’s quick and simple to navigate.

Step 6: Include a search bar

If your site has a lot of content, consider adding a search bar to the menu so users can quickly find what they’re looking for.

Step 7: Keep the menu consistent

Your menu becomes familiar to the users who check it. Make sure the menu remains consistent across all pages. The same structure, labels, and links should appear on every page to avoid confusion.

Step 8: Run a test

Once the menu is structured, conduct usability testing with real users to see if the navigation is intuitive and easy to use. Take their feedback and make the necessary changes.

Tips:

• Link the names in the menu to the right URLs of the website. Avoid the 404 error pages and other deleted pages.

• Subtle hover effects like underlining or changing the color of menu items can make the navigation feel interactive and engaging.