What are the types of website structures and which one to choose?
Websites are globally accessible sources of information, knowledge, and ideas. By the virtue of its wide reach and easy accessibility, a well-structured website is becoming a necessity for organizations to be able to compete in the contemporary marketplace.
Any sort of information on the website is bifurcated among internal web pages, putting together the basic structure of a website. This website structure defines the architecture of the website and the navigation channel for the user and search engine bots.
In this blog, we will overview the different types of website structures, and how these website structures can be put to best use.
What are the different types of website structures?
Exploring the options, you will find a range of website structures with different linking and navigation. However, narrowing down to the basics, there are essentially three types of website structures.
Let us elaborate on these different types of website structures and which website structure is the best for you.
- Linear Model or Sequential Website Structure
Linear website structure or the sequential website model follows a simple and basic interlinking approach. Here the user can only move back and forth between different web pages. In a nutshell, the pages are connected in a linear manner, following a logical path of action.
It is a straightforward and user-friendly website structure that can be operated at low maintenance. The sequential website structure is created by linking the homepage or landing page with other basic subpages by providing links or running left to right.
Usage of a Linear Website Structure
A linear website structure can be used for websites with lesser web pages that do not have further sub-categorization, such as small businesses with a limited product range. Moreover, it is also the ideal website structure model for websites that follow a sequence, such as onboarding, account creation, or a step-by-step process approach.
- Hierarchical Model or Tree-Like Website Structure
The hierarchical model or the tree-like website structure is the most commonly used website structure. The webpages in a hierarchical website structure navigate through a home page to the primary sections or the top-level web pages. These top-level pages further link to the sub-sections or child pages, following a basic top-down approach.
This interlinking between the home page and the subsequent subpages conveys the hierarchy of the website to the search engine algorithm and establishes a clear navigation path for the users. Further, the top-down approach followed in a hierarchical website structure helps in conveying the importance of the pages and the content.
Usage of a Hierarchical Website Structure
A hierarchical website structure is feasible for large websites with a wide spectrum of information, as the navigation path can easily be defined for the user.
With the optimal use of SEO, UX designs, and content, the hierarchical website structure can be used to establish an effective website structure with a logical page placement.
For example, an e-commerce website with an elaborate product range can use a hierarchical website structure to guide the user as well as the search engine from the home page to the subpages with product categories, which can further be connected to the pages containing information about the individual products.
- Network Model or Webbed Website Structure
The webbed website structure or network model creates a webbed visual through multiple interlinks within the website. The network model connects the main page with subpages and child pages. Further, there is interlinking done between the main pages and child pages as well, so that the web pages are accessible with minimal clicks.
The reason for the lack of structure or hierarchy in such websites is to facilitate a simplified user experience where the users can change the navigation direction at their convenience. The webbed model works best for websites with a limited number of pages that are connected to each other.
Usage of a Webbed Website Structure
Ideally, a webbed structure of a website can be used for business websites with inter-connected products, such that the user can navigate from the product page to retail information, and the like within a few clicks.
What are the different types of website structures?
The website structure is just as important as the website content. For better search engine optimization, smart linking, and smooth user experience, establishing an efficient website structure is important.
Let us get a clear understanding of how a well-structured website is helpful in boosting search visibility and optimization.
- Enhancing User Experience
Besides the technical aspects, elevating the user experience is radical while designing a website. A well-structured with smooth navigation and interlinking will make the user spend more time on the website, increasing the overall dwell time of the website and significantly reducing the bounce rate.
This will further indicate the relevance of your website and boost your website ranking.
- Chances of getting sitelinks
Sitelinks are blocks that indicate the importance of your website. Sitelinks are shown on the SERP with the domain and several internal URLs grouped below. Sitelinking separates your website from other search results and significantly improves the clickthrough rate, increases your business value, and improves the SERP rank of your website.
The search engine automatically picks the website with the most relevant information to generate sitelinks. A great website structure with adequate information and linking can increase the chances of your website getting sitelinks.
- Ensuring proper crawling
A website with an efficient website structure and good interlinking will help the crawlers to crawl through your website easily, discover the important pages, and understand the page hierarchy.
By optimizing the website structure, the overall performance of the website can be increased, as it can make the crawling process easier.
How can you get a well-structured and SEO-friendly website?
Figuring out the website content and establishing a website structure with appropriate links besides taking care of search engine optimization and user experience sounds like a task, doesn’t it?
As we have discussed through this blog, the significance of website structure is uncanny, but the question is how to tick mark all these aspects. The answer is to get your business website designed with Webtel.
Webtel’s team of experts constantly works towards designing a business website that fits the DNA of your brand while also ensuring that all the technical requirements are met for better website performance. Mentioned below are the features of Webtel’s business website designing services at a glance,
- 100% SEO-Friendly Website Design and Structure: Webtel is a leading website designing service provider with the goal to offer a website with the full potential to attract clients from around the globe. That is why we provide a 100% search engine-optimized business website.
- Custom Website Structure and Design: Webtel’s website designing services aim at bringing your ideas to life by creating website structure and designs as per your vision and business requirements. We offer complete customization benefits to ensure that your online and offline business marketing is synchronized.
- Mobile-Friendly Website Structure: We understand that designing a website structure that is accessible on mobile is important as modern-day internet surfing is mostly done over mobile. Our team ensures that the website design and structure are compatible with any device.
To know more about the website designing services by Webtel, get in touch with us at +91 73033 93220