Site architecture refers to the underlying framework that determines the structure of a website. This includes everything from information architecture, website navigation, user experience, website structure, and site maps. The architecture of a site is a critical component of a successful web strategy because it impacts user experience and search engine optimization (SEO). In this post, we will answer the six most popular questions about site architecture.
Information architecture involves organizing and labeling content on a website in a way that makes sense to both users and search engines. It includes designing the hierarchy of the website's pages and deciding which pages to include in the main navigation and which ones should be tucked away under sub-folders.
Website Navigation refers to the way users move through a website to find what they are looking for easily. Good website navigation ensures that users can find what they need quickly without getting frustrated or lost. A well-designed navigation menu helps search engines understand how the site is structured and makes it easier to crawl.
User experience (UX) considers every element of how an audience interacts with your site, including design, content, performance, and functionality. Site architecture plays an important role in UX by making it easy for visitors to find what they're looking for on your site quickly.
Website structure refers to how different pages on your site are connected. Your homepage will often be at the top level of the hierarchy with major sections of your site branching out from there. Sub-folders enable you to break down sections into smaller topics called categories or tags.
A sitemap is like an index for your website that lists all of your pages. It provides a way for Google's bots to crawl every page on your site easily. As user behavior changes over time, it is essential for sites with vast amounts of content to have sitemaps that update accordingly.
Site architecture impacts SEO in several ways. Organizing your website's content well helps search engines better understand what your site is about, allowing them to index and rank it more effectively. Additionally, clean and well-organized code prevents crawl errors and makes it easier for Google's crawlers to navigate your site quickly.
