How should I optimise our navigation and filters for both UX and SEO?
To optimise your navigation and filters for both user experience (UX) and search engine optimisation (SEO), ensure they are intuitive, descriptive, and mobile-friendly. Use clear, keyword-rich labels in your navigation menu and filters to enhance discoverability. Avoid overly complex structures and keep your navigation shallow to improve both user engagement and search engine crawling.
Why Navigation Matters
Good navigation is like a well-marked road. It guides users to their destination without making them feel lost. For businesses, especially in B2B or SAAS, a well-structured navigation can mean the difference between a potential client exploring your offerings or bouncing off your site.
Think of a SaaS company offering multiple products. If their navigation is cluttered or confusing, users might never find the specific solution they need. On the flip side, clear navigation can lead users directly to product pages, increasing the chances of conversion. Plus, search engines love it when they can easily crawl your site, understanding its hierarchy and relevance.
Steps to Enhance Navigation and Filters
Getting your navigation and filters right isn’t rocket science. Here’s how to do it:
- Keep it Simple: Limit your main navigation to 5-7 items. This keeps choices manageable for users and helps search engines understand your site structure.
- Use Descriptive Labels: Instead of generic terms like “Products” or “Services”, use specific, keyword-rich phrases. This not only helps users but also boosts your SEO.
- Ensure Mobile Friendliness: With more users accessing sites via mobile, ensure your navigation is responsive. Dropdowns and expandable menus should work seamlessly on smaller screens.
- Implement Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help users trace their path back and provide search engines with additional context about your site structure.
- Optimise Filters for Search: Make sure your filters use terms that align with what users might search for. This helps in driving organic traffic directly to filtered results.
By following these steps, you not only enhance user experience but also give search engines a clearer map of your site. This dual benefit is why many businesses turn to a search engine optimisation expert to get better rankings.
A Word on Overthinking
Don’t overthink it. Seriously. Many businesses get bogged down trying to perfect their navigation to the point where it becomes a chore. Instead, focus on what your users need. Ask yourself: what are the top tasks users come to your site to accomplish? Prioritise those.
Remember, good navigation doesn’t just serve the user. It serves your business goals. If users can’t find what they’re looking for quickly, they’ll leave. And that’s a missed opportunity.
So, pour yourself a cup of coffee, sit back, and take a fresh look at your site’s navigation. Is it intuitive? Does it align with your business goals? If not, it might be time for a revamp.