User-friendly navigation is arguably one of the most important items to consider when designing a website. It can be easy to get caught up in trying to make your website pretty when what it really needs to be is functional. The goal of visitors to your website is most likely to convert them into customers, and where do they start when they land on your website? They click through your menu navigation.

If you’re navigation isn’t up to snuff, it could be doing serious damage to your conversion metrics. Read on learn some basic website navigation do’s and don’ts.

Less is more

This first one may seem like a no brainer, but we can’t tell you how many websites we’ve visited that have way too many options on their menu. Keep in mind that you want to make it as easy as possible for your visitors to learn about your services & offerings. We recommend a simple menu of no more than seven menu options.

Use terms people will recognize

Keep in mind who is visiting your website and don’t forget to look at your website from an outside perspective. Use general terms like “Programs,” rather than using the name of your program. Your audience may not be familiar with the names of your services but will know to click “services” to find your offerings.

Use the general terms on your navigation. Once they click through to the actual page, you can share the actual names of your programs or services. This will keep people from being confused when looking at your menu.

Keep the fonts clean & legible

If you have script or handwriting fonts, use them sparingly throughout your website, and definitely don’t use them on your menu. Keep the menu font clean and easy-to-read. Remember, you’re trying to make it as easy as possible for your visitors to learn more about you and your services!

Optimize your menu for mobile visitors

This can be an afterthought sometimes, but we can’t stress how important it is that your menu (as well as the rest of your website) is mobile-optimized. The majority of website visitors these days are coming through the mobile version of your site. Having a site that isn’t easy to navigate on mobile can be extremely detrimental to your business.

Link your logo to your home page

We save the easiest for last. Make sure that when visitors click your logo at the top of the screen that it takes them back to your home page! Most people do this on websites without even thinking about it, so it’s important to link this so visitors can always get back to the home page of your website easily.

Always keep in mind who is visiting your website. Get feedback on your website from friends, past clients, and even strangers, if possible. Looking for a DIY website solution? Check out our website template shop.