Declutter Your Website Navigation to Build Better Relationships with Visitors

Your website navigation can make or break your relationship to new and existing customers. If a user is able to find the information they’re looking for without struggling, they’re more likely to engage with your brand. If a user struggles and gets frustrated, they’re more likely to bounce.

Here are three ways to declutter your website navigation and make your site more friendly and engaging for visitors.

01 Less is More

We know it’s tempting to put everything and the kitchen sink in your primary navigation menu. How will users find things if they don’t see them right away?! But having an uncluttered menu allows your users to make quick and easy decisions about where they need to go next. You want them to get from point A to point B efficiently, so you don’t need to post signs for points C, D, and E in your main navigation.

Be as concise as possible when developing your primary navigation menu. Consolidate items that can be grouped together so your menu is clean and minimal. Apply the same logic to words. Don’t use extra words where one will do. Use “About” instead of “About Us.”

02 Say What You Mean

Be clear and direct with your navigation language. Words like “Explore” or “Learn” might make sense to you, but could be confusing to your visitors. Steer clear of jargon and tell your users what they can expect when they click on a heading, link or call-to-action button.

It’s better for your visitors and your SEO!

03 Relax!

Don’t panic and think you have to put all of your navigation moments in your primary menu. Take advantage of sub-menus, in-page links and CTA buttons. Use your footer to list priority links that are not main menu material.

If you give users the exact information they need at the exact moment they need it, they’ll move around your site without even considering the navigation.