Considerations in Making a Site Map

Adam Anderson    – Phoenix, AZ
123Triad: Web Design & SEO Company

Considerations in Making a Site Map

A site map is one of the most essential features that should be found on every web site. Such a map will borrow heavily from the site super structure and will be the general guide around the site. Web designers need to develop provisional site maps after gathering enough information. The information should have been synchronized carefully through analysis and creation of web scenarios. The resulting site structure would provide a platform upon which one could create an effective site map. The site map could therefore serve as improved or refined version of the scenario sketches that feature prominently in the site structure.

The site map should give clear indications of how information will be presented on the web site. This includes what pages one may ant to include on the site. If one plans to group information, then they would have to decide what groups will be available and what items will feature in every group.  The site map should also indicate what links if any at all will be included one the site along with their placement positions. Finally the site map should indicate what navigation tools will be available to aid target users as they get around the site.

There are a number of considerations to be made as one develops the super structure. The kind and number of links to be included must be decided. One must also decide on how such links will appear on the site in terms of the home page and other pages. In addition, it is important to create an appropriate number of sections in the site. This will help to direct the designer’s focus to the relevant places hence making work easier. Once the site is operational, it will also improve the ease with users will navigate the site. However, one should create only those sections that are necessary since too much segmentation may also crowd the site without really adding any value.

The site map must be very inclusive since it is the real thing as opposed to the earlier sketches. Whereas one does not have to include such features as Log In and Contact Us in the scenario sketches such titles are mandatory on the site structure. Depending on the kind of function that the site is being made for one could also include a help button.

It is important to optimize the site to make navigation easier. The optimization process should focus on ensuring that all the paths leading to key goals are not only functional but also efficient. These paths should target to avail information to the user using the shortest route and consuming the least time possible. In the same vein, the web developer could make use of links optimally. One can therefore go for deep links as well as smart links that make accessing information the site a very simple task.

The sitemap is all about the accessibility of the web site. In developing an effective site map, the designer must be motivated by the need to simplify every task that prospective would want to perform on the site. The end result should not be compromised on the simplicity of the navigation process.

123Triad webdesign offers affordable custom website design. Our full service website design company only hires certified website designers. Please contact us today on 1-800-720-0816 for your next web site design project.

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