If you have decided that you want a website and are already in the preparation phase you are planning its functions and structure, you may ask: What does a well-built website look like? What elements make for a good user experience and why is it important to have them well laid out?
A well-designed website is not only aesthetically pleasing, it also has a logical structure that helps visitors navigate easily and find the information they need quickly. A well thought-out structure improves the user experience, reduces bounce rates and is also beneficial from an SEO perspective.
Generally speaking, the structure of a website can be broken down into several key elements, each of which performs a specific function and contributes to the effective functioning of the website.
Here are the most important structural elements that contribute to a well-functioning website.
Structural structuring of websites
In general, a website is made up of 3 main structural elements: the header, the body and the footer. Let's see what functions these elements perform!
Header (header)
a headline the top part of the website, typically containing the logo, the main navigation menu, sometimes contact details or a search bar. The header should be clear and easy to use, as it is the first thing visitors see. A well-designed header helps visitors to find the information they need quickly and sets the visual style of the website.
Modern websites often use a sticky header, which can be particularly useful because it allows navigation while scrolling. In a mobile view, a hamburger menu is commonly used to display the menu, which provides a space-saving and easily accessible navigation experience.
Side trunk (body)
From site the central part of the website where content is located. This is where the different text and visual elements, such as blog posts, product and service descriptions or other relevant information, are displayed. The structure of the page body has a significant impact on the user experience and search engine optimisation. Proper structuring, well-structured text and visual hierarchy all contribute to easier navigation and information transfer for visitors.
The logical structure of the content and the visual highlights (e.g. highlighted quotes, infographics, lists) help to make the information easier to understand.
Footer (footer)
A footer is located at the bottom of the website and most often contains legal information or additional navigation links. Contact details and social media icons can also be displayed here. In some cases, the footer may also contain a secondary menu or contact form, or a newsletter subscription option, which further enhances user interaction.
A well thought-out footer adds credibility and can help with customer service interactions. Dynamic footers are becoming increasingly popular, and can include features such as live chat widgets or automatically updating social media posts.
Special structural elements
Hero section
A hero section is one of the most important visual elements, usually located on the home page, at the top of the page. Áltincludes a large, eye-catching image or video at the bottom, a strong headline and a short description. This is the primary means of grabbing visitors' attention and getting the message across quickly. It often includes CTA (Call to Action) buttons.
The hero section can be static or dynamic, for example with automatically changing images or animated text.
Call to action (CTA)
A call to action a button or text element that encourages the visitor to take action, such as requesting an offer, contacting us or subscribing to our newsletter. A well-written CTA increases conversion rates and helps achieve business goals. It's important that CTAs stand out visually and convey the message clearly, so the psychological impact of colour and text is key.
In addition to the above structural elements, there are also special types of pages that require a different layout. Let's take a look at them.
Special cases
Some types of websites have unique structural elements, so they do not necessarily follow the three main structural units.
landing page
A landing page a standalone landing page created to promote a specific campaign or offer (which is why it is not displayed in the navigation bar - nor in the menu). It usually encourages a specific action, such as registration or a purchase. Minimalist design, a strong message and strong visual elements are particularly important here. A good landing page clearly guides the visitor through the desired process.
Often there is no menu or other distractions to encourage the visitor to take the action, and so that the visitor does not wander off but performs a specific action, such as filling in a form or buying a product. So while the landing page is a page created for a specific campaign, the home page is the main entry point to the website, containing a range of information and navigation options.
The main elements of a landing page:
- Eye-catching headline and subtitle
- Clear and brief description of the value offered
- Compelling visual elements, such as images or videos
- Strong, clearly visible CTA buttons
- Confidence-building elements such as customer reviews or guarantees
More about the Landing Page from this in the post.
One-page websites
The full content of one-page websites is contained on a single scrollable page, which is divided into sections. This solution is perfect for small businesses, personal portfolios or product launches. The main advantages are:
- Quick and easy navigation - visitors find everything on a single page.
- Mobile-friendly design - easy to use on your phone by scrolling.
- Effective storytelling - we can guide the visitor along a predefined path.
Although single-page websites are easy to navigate, they may have disadvantagesthat they provide limited SEO options and can be more complex to effectively measure each stage in analytics.
Funnel Page
These pages are designed to guide the visitor step by step towards a conversion, such as a purchase or a subscription. These pages usually:
- Have focused content
- Gradually build interest and trust
- Interactive elements to help engagement
- Automated solutions to support customer acquisition
In summary
These structural elements not only improve the user experience, but also benefit search engine optimisation (SEO). A well-constructed website is easier to index and can rank better in search engine results. In addition, it not only makes your online presence more aesthetically pleasing, but also more effective, which can contribute to your business success. The Evolve To Web will help you find the best solution for you, resulting in a logical, transparent, user-friendly, effective and well-built website.
