A website is a collection of web pages and related content published on a web server. Famous websites include Wikipedia, Google, Amazon, and Facebook. Here is a closer look at the different aspects of a website. In addition to the content, there are also sub-navigation, domain name, and home page.
Table of Contents
Sub-navigation
A sub-navigation on a website can help guide users to content that interests them. First, however, users need to understand how to use this functionality. Users are generally accustomed to seeing the sub-navigation close to the main navigation in a horizontal or vertical format. If users cannot identify the sub-navigation on a website, it can lead to problems with the user experience. In Figure 6.7, for example, some participants did not notice the sub-navigation menu, relying instead on embedded links to find content. These problems led to users failing to complete their information-seeking tasks.
A good sub-navigation will include a menu that expands to cover the most critical spots on a website. The menu is organized to make it easy to navigate and will help users find the information they need with just one click. The menu will also include the same sub-navigation in multiple categories, so users will not have to click multiple times to find what they need.
Domain name
A domain name represents a website’s string of letters, numbers, and hyphens. These case-insensitive labels can be any combination of letters, numbers, and hyphens. A high-quality domain name carries significant value and can be used for advertising and search engine optimization.
When you purchase a domain name, it is essential to ensure that it is not already registered or used by someone else. A good domain name is unique and should reflect your identity. The internet has many resources to help you purchase and register a domain name. Choosing the right domain name is key to creating a successful website. Selecting the proper TLD extension to suit your website is also essential.
Home page
The home page of a website is the first page the user sees when visiting the site. Many different terms describe this page, such as the home base, main page, index, or home page. The primary purpose of the home page is to serve as an entry point to the rest of the website. It should also tell the visitor what to expect on the rest of the site.
Having a home page on a website is extremely important. It helps orient visitors to your site and allows them to learn more about your business and products. It is also a great way to showcase special offers or introduce blog posts, testimonials, and case studies. Getting your message across in a few seconds is essential, so visitors are more likely to explore further.
Sub-pages
Sub-pages on a website are web pages that are associated with a person. The name of the person is prominently displayed on these pages. The name is also included in the meta-data and the direct URL address. This helps web hosts tie the sub-pages to the individual. For example, if you do a Google search for “John Smith,” you will be directed to a website that contains the individual’s mugshot.
Navigation
Navigation is a critical aspect of website design. If a customer cannot navigate through your website, it indicates there are problems with the website. A website with intuitive navigation is not likely to receive complaints from users. However, if your customers complain about difficult navigation, you must address the problem immediately. Conversely, a website with overly complicated navigation may result in lost sales.
One way to improve your website’s navigation is to analyze your website’s traffic and understand what your visitors are looking for. Many website visitors do not start on the home page but frequently move around the site. You want to encourage these visitors to explore more by inspiring curiosity and encouraging them to follow links. A website’s navigation must be easy to navigate and simple to use.
CTAs
Using CTAs on a website can help increase conversion rates. You can use Google Analytics to test the effectiveness of different CTAs and determine which ones are most effective. In addition, using a user-friendly website builder will help you create effective CTAs. These website building tools offer dozens of templates, hundreds of fonts, stunning photo galleries, and easy editing options. They are also optimized for mobile devices.
The placement of a CTA is critical – make sure it makes sense for the content on your site. For example, a call to action for donations may not be the best idea if you’re writing an email about the need for volunteers. Instead, try using a CTA that says, “Sign up to spend a Saturday helping the garden flourish this summer!” This will give your readers a clear picture of what they can expect when they click the link.
