Site structure refers to the organization of a website's pages, which impacts usability, SEO, and navigation.
Description
Site structure is the way in which web pages are organized and linked together on a website. A well-defined site structure enhances user experience and helps search engines crawl and index the site effectively. It includes core concepts such as hierarchy, navigation, and URL structure, which are essential for both users and search engines.
Implementation
- Define the main categories of your content.
- Create a hierarchy that reflects the relationship between categories and subcategories.
- Use clear, descriptive URLs that align with the site's structure.
- Design a navigation menu that allows users to easily find content.
- Implement breadcrumb navigation to enhance usability and SEO.
Best Practices
- Keep the hierarchy shallow to avoid deep nesting of pages.
- Use descriptive anchor text for internal links.
- Ensure all important pages are accessible within a few clicks from the homepage.
- Regularly audit your site structure to keep it optimized.
Additional Information
Consider advanced concepts such as siloing for topical relevance, using XML sitemaps for search engines, and assessing site structure through tools like Google Search Console. Metrics such as bounce rate and average session duration can provide insights into the effectiveness of your site structure.