The external structure is as important as the internal one, it includes such factors as: usability (user convenience), commercial factors (availability of search, phones, etc.), colorful design, and so on. When building an external structure, it is not necessary to violate generally accepted (or established rules) to the standard arrangement of blocks.
The structure of the site directly depends on whether the visitor will be able to find the right material or product, how comfortable the user will be on the site.
Each site has a header where the title (subtitle) of the site is usually written, a navigation menu where the names of categories, labels and other useful information are written, the main part of the site (in the figure – the content area), where the main information is published (simply put – where the article itself is), a basement where some information is shown service information.
Basic elements of the site
- The head, cap, header are all the names of the upper part of the site, the block in which the logo is located, the main horizontal menu plus additional elements inherent in this site or its subject (banners, advertising, color palette, large image).
- Left and right sidebar, there may be only one or both, or there may not be a side menu at all, which is rare in practice. The main purpose of these blocks is to provide additional information, to direct the visitor deeper into the site, to interest in slogans and videos. Add links to other sections of the site, filters.
- The central block, the most important one, is the information or service for which the visitor came to your site. It is this part that the user is primarily interested in. The content should be easy to read and noticeable in the first screen, well, at most in the second. There is no need to force the visitor to scroll lower and lower in search of what he needs right now. Nowadays, people have forgotten how to wait, so they will easily close your site and go to another one.
- The footer, the basement of the site, the block is intended primarily for placing contact information (company name, phone number, address). They also actively use the basement to add a navigation menu and other useful links.
When building an external structure, it is not necessary to violate generally accepted (or established rules) to the standard arrangement of blocks.
Approximately 99% of all existing sites on the Internet look like this, think twice, no three times before significantly shifting these blocks. The main menu at the bottom of the sidebar and the content in the basement is a failure, such a site is likely to be doomed. The user will not be able to find any navigation or information.
The external structure is formed at the stage of project creation. Ideally, a prototype is created and after approval, the design of the main pages of the site is created.
If you choose ready-made templates, then make the necessary changes in the process.
Conclusion
The task is to form the structure of the page in such a way that:
- it was user-friendly;
- answered his expectations;
- there was a desire to perform an action (order a service, put an item in the basket, leave a comment, etc.);
It’s about presenting content. The elements in the site header, sidebar and bottom are best formed taking into account commercial ranking factors.
In order for us to understand what elements are necessary for our site, it is important to study the sites of competitors.
To do this, we will conduct a commercial audit.
As technology and design trends continue to evolve, keeping these principles in mind during the website creation process remains essential for delivering a positive user experience and achieving business objectives.
Whether you’re a web developer, designer, or business owner, the insights provided in this article offer valuable guidance for creating websites that not only look appealing but also function effectively in the digital landscape.
The article’s focus on creating an external structure that encourages user actions, such as ordering a service or making a purchase, is in line with the goals of most websites. It highlights the role of strategic placement of content and calls-to-action elements in driving user engagement and conversion.
The mention of studying competitors and conducting a commercial audit is a practical step towards benchmarking and improving one’s website. Learning from industry peers and identifying best practices can lead to better decision-making in the site’s external structure.
The article wisely advises against drastically deviating from the standard arrangement of blocks, as it may confuse users and hinder navigation. This practical guidance ensures that website builders prioritize user experience and avoid common pitfalls.
The warning against placing essential navigation elements in non-standard locations, like the main menu at the bottom of the sidebar, is a crucial reminder for website designers. It underscores the need to balance creativity with usability to prevent user frustration.
Overall, this article serves as a helpful resource for both web developers and businesses looking to create user-friendly websites that effectively convey their content and encourage user interaction. It stresses the significance of thoughtful design and structure in achieving these goals.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of the external structure of a website, emphasizing its role in user convenience and overall functionality. It highlights key elements such as the header, sidebar, central block, and footer, shedding light on their purposes in creating an effective website.
The mention of conducting a commercial audit and studying competitor sites is a valuable strategy for ensuring that the external structure aligns with industry standards and user expectations. It underscores the importance of research and analysis in website development.
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In conclusion, the article effectively highlights the significance of the external structure in website development, emphasizing user-friendliness, alignment with expectations, and the promotion of user actions. Following the recommended guidelines and conducting thorough research can contribute to the creation of successful and user-oriented websites.
It’s commendable that the article stresses the importance of prototypes and design approval in the website creation process. This approach ensures that the external structure aligns with the overall vision of the project and meets the needs of the target audience.