Website architecture

What is site architecture?

Site architecture is the system of organizing a web resource that defines how the components of the site are arranged and how they are connected to each other. It is the foundation upon which your site's structure is built, and it plays a key role in its usability.

Architecture includes:

Resource structure — the hierarchy of pages, sections, and subsections, as well as their interconnections;
Navigation system — elements such as menus, buttons, links, internal search, and site maps;
Page URLs.

For example, on a marketing agency's website, navigation is presented with a panel of sections, making it easier for users to find the information they need, whether it's a list of services or contact details.

Why is site architecture important?

Site architecture has many advantages, including:

Improving usability and user experience: A well-organized site makes navigation intuitive, allowing users to easily find the necessary information and perform target actions, such as purchasing products or applying for services.
Increasing conversions: The easier and more convenient it is for users to navigate the site, the higher the likelihood that they will become clients.
Improving search engine rankings: Search engines better understand sites with good architecture, which increases site visibility and, consequently, traffic.

A site with poor architecture can resemble a maze, where users get lost, leading to customer loss and decreased sales.

How to build site architecture?

There are several standard structures that serve as a basis for developing site architecture. Specialists can use one of them or combine different approaches. The main types of architecture include:

Hierarchical structure

Users first access important information and can then delve into more detailed sections. This approach is suitable for small sites with a limited number of pages.

Sequential structure

The user follows a predetermined path from one point to another. This is often used in online stores and delivery services.

Matrix structure

Users can choose how to navigate the site on their own. This is suitable for large multi-page resources.

SILO structure

Contains hubs — overview pages that group content by themes and keywords, making navigation through a large number of pages easier.

Recommendations for developing site architecture

The development of site architecture should take place at the design stage, as changes after the resource has been filled can be labor-intensive and costly. Here are some recommendations:

Consider user needs: It is important to study the target audience and understand their specific needs and interests.
Simplify access to content: Users should be able to quickly find the information they need, minimizing the number of clicks.
Ensure clear navigation: Navigation elements should be intuitive, including components such as "breadcrumbs" and a search bar.

The main navigation elements include:

"Breadcrumbs" — show the user's path from the homepage to the current page;
Site search — allows users to enter queries and find relevant materials;
Filters — help sort products by various criteria;
Header and footer — the upper and lower parts of the site containing links to important sections;
Internal linking — connects different pages of the site to avoid "orphan pages";
Site map — a guide to the resources, containing links to all pages on the site.

Working with URL addresses

A good URL address should be:

Informative and user-friendly;
Match the structure of the site;
Reflect the essence of the page's content.

To create user-friendly URLs, services for transliteration can be used, which will help properly form addresses according to search engine requirements.