Have your ever visited a website and got lost trying to find the page or post you want? A search box is not enough. The main thing is to make sure your site is easy to navigate. Just like walking into a shop or museum, you want to be able to find things quickly.
Experts say that readers should be able to get back to the home page within two clicks. Make a map on paper first, to ensure that people can read the base pages (usually in the top menu). Then have no more than 5 to 8 categories (and not too many tags).
Be sure that it’s pretty clear where to go, to find certain information. And just as importantly, to come back to the beginning again. Just like going hiking, you want a compass to help you get where you want to go – and easily return to the start, if you get lost!
Most sites are way too complicated
More is not always better. If you feel you have a site with too much navigation, then simplify. Just because a theme has lots of gimmicks on the home page (hero pages, ‘about me lists of your favourite places or food etc), does not mean you have to use them.
It’s a bit like going into a kitchen shop and finding a big expensive set of saucepans. Buy one or two that you will use. Just because the shop is selling the whole set, does not mean you have to buy all of them!
Keeping your site simple will mean a more relaxing experience for readers. And means the information shared (always the reason to visit a green blog) will be read. And encourage visitors to return.
