Is Your Website User-Friendly?

Last Updated: 25 October 2006


Web sites are often like art. What one person finds attractive or interesting, another might absolutely hate. But beyond individual tastes, there are some basic rules you can follow to generally improve your web site's "user-friendliness".





  • Navigation Structure. The navigation of your web site is really important, and has to be logical. People need to be able to work out very quickly how to find what they want. This means making your headings as simple, yet descriptive, as possible. For example, instead of having a link that says "Subscriptions", make it say "Join our newsletter". Make it clear.

    Also, try to have the same navigation structure on each page. That way, your visitor doesn't have to re-learn how to navigate the site each time they get to a new page.

  • Use plain English. Avoid sounding like a lawyer, or a salesperson, and just say what you need to say in everyday language. People, unfortunately, are often in a hurry and will click onto another site if they can't understand what you're saying.

  • Put Your Contact Details EVERYWHERE. Some web sites look great, but trying to find their contact details is very difficult. You should have your contact details either on every page, or at least a clear link to them.

  • Ensure all your links and images work. Having broken links and images that don't appear is not only frustrating but unprofessional. Regularly test the links and images on your site.

  • If your site is large, include a search tool. For sites with many pages, it's often easier for your visitors to search for what they want through a search tool, rather than by browsing each page. There are some simple tools out there to install search facilities on your site.

  • If your site is large, consider a site map. A site map is simply a page that has a listing of all the pages on your web site, in list form. It's a way for someone to quickly browse through what's on your site and find what they want.


    Contact us for further information about this topic.


Disclaimer: This page is designed to provide information only and is not a substitute for advice that is specific to your business. Before acting on any of the information above it is important you seek further advice from a professional who has taken into consideration the nature and circumstances of your business.

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