Many clients struggle with appreciating this point when we say things like let’s put “Home” and ” About” in the Footer, not Header Navigation Menu
I have written on Header and Footer Navigation Menus before, for the importance of website layout and Flow for Google and your potential clients.
So, more needed on this topic!
Hubspot : “While helping visitors move from one web page to another is a main priority, it isn‘t the only one. Navigation also helps visitors comprehend the relationships between individual pages on a website.”
Your website Header Navigation Menu is like a clearly marked, easy to find store layout
Ever walked into a store and had absolutely no clue where anything was? Frustrating, right?
Well, that’s what a poorly worded website navigation menu does to your visitors (and Google’s crawlers). It leaves them lost, confused, and likely to bounce faster than a kangaroo on a trampoline.
As a Google Partner Marketing Agency, we know that your website’s layout and header navigation isn’t just a bunch of links; it’s the roadmap to your online kingdom.
It tells visitors (and search engines) exactly what you offer and where to find it.
Why IS clear navigation wording so important for website layout? Let’s break it down:
- Happy Visitors = Happy Conversions:
When visitors can easily find what they’re looking for, they’re more likely to stick around, explore your products or services and ultimately convert into paying customers.
It’s like giving them a clear path to the checkout – no detours or dead ends - Google Loves Structure:
Search engines like Google use your navigation menu to understand the structure and hierarchy of your website.
Clear and descriptive labels help them index your pages correctly, which is crucial for SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). Think of it as giving Google a clear table of contents for your entire website. - Improved User Experience (UX):
A well-structured navigation improves the overall user experience, making your website more user-friendly and enjoyable to navigate.
This leads to longer visit durations, lower bounce rates ( i.e.less engagement), a better overall impression of your brand .. and hopefully …sales! - Boosted SEO Performance:
Relevant keywords in your navigation labels can give your SEO a nice little boost.
By using terms that people actually search for, you’re signaling to Google that your website is relevant to those queries.
It’s like putting up big, flashing neon signs saying, “Hey Google, we’re over here!”
What happens when your navigation is a mess?
High Bounce Rates: Visitors leave quickly because they can’t find what they need ( Google now calls this “engagement rate” )
Lower Search Rankings: Google struggles to understand your website’s content, hurting your SEO.
Lost Conversions: Potential customers leave without making a purchase or inquiry.
Frustrated Users: A bad user experience damages your brand’s reputation.
Ok.. Lets go to some examples!
Instead of a vague “Products” label, try something more specific like “Organic Coffee Beans” or “Handcrafted Leather Wallets.”
Instead of “Services,” consider “Digital Marketing Services” or “Financial Planning Services.”
See the difference? ( Don’t forget naming & keyword research!)
How We Can Help:
As a Google Partner Marketing Agency, we can help you define the “Flow” of your website so it performs better.
How? Glad you asked.
Analyse your website layout’s current navigation:
We’ll identify any areas that could be improved. JSM is a DDDM Agency! It’s about the data.
Develop clear and relevant navigation labels:
We’ll use keyword research and UX (User Experience) best practices to create labels that both visitors and search engines will love.
Structure your website for optimal navigation:
We’ll ensure your website’s architecture is logical and easy to navigate.
Don’t let your website’s navigation be a source of confusion.
Let us help you create a clear, user-friendly/ SEO-friendly navigation that will guide your visitors (and Google) to exactly where they need to go.
Contact us today for a free consultation or call 02 5698 5445