Eye tracking studies show that website visitors use "F" eye tracking
patterns to scan the content of a website. Few website visitors take the
time to read a website more often than not website visitors scan its
content. So, rather than creating a book, use bullets and headings to make
your website more easy for visitors to scan.
Many webmasters approach navigation as a map, but it should really be laid
out to lead visitors to the actions that the webmaster wants.
1. Scanning
The most important information therefore should be located in the "F" of
your website.
2. Choices
Do not offer too many choices in the navigation menu.
3. Clear Terms
Use clear terms to lead visitors down the path that you want them to take
through the website.
4. Above the Fold
Provide the most important content above the fold. The website visitors
should not need to scroll to view important content.
5. Action Buttons
Use action words on navigation buttons to encourage website visitors to
take the action that you want.
6. Ask for the Purchase
In your web copy and text on graphics ask for the purchase. Use an active
navigation layout rather than a passive one.
7. Go Home
All the pages on a website should contain a link to return to the main web
page of the website.
8. Consistency
Navigation should remain consistent through out the website.
9. Graphics
Use graphics to enhance your navigation, use visual queues that will
attract the attention of visitors.
10. Avoid Scripts
Avoid using navigational scripts that might be unsupported by some browsers
or browser settings.
11. Entry Points
Realize that not all website visitors will enter your website on the same
page. Provide navigation options on all pages within a website.
12. Depth
The fewer clicks the better. The most important content should be
accessible from the top level navigation. Do not bury content deep within
the site. Every web page should be accessible with as few clicks as
possible.
13. Links
Text links should be descriptive describing the content available when the
links are clicked.
14. Obvious
Links should be obvious to any website visitors. Links should look like
links. Commonly links are underlined, whatever visual queue, color scheme or
font you use, be sure that your links are obvious to website visitors.
Deploy a navigation system that will guide website visitiors through your
website. The navigation should be a road map ultimately leading visitors to
take the action that you want.
Regards Gerald Crawford
Webcraft.ws Stellenbosch
PO BOX 12216 Die Boord 7613 Stellenbosch South Africa
Telephone: +27-021-8833027 (office)
Cell: +27-0720390184 (mobile)
SMS: 0796343545
Skype: webcraft.guru
Fax: 0865657300
After Hours: 0881242372
Website: http://www.webcraft.ws
E-mail: gerald@webcraft.ws
Yahoo: webcraftguru@yahoo.co.za
Blog: http://webcraftws.blogspot.com/
Twitter: WebcraftGuru
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