What is Website Structure?
Site structure or website architecture refers to how your website is designed or how various pages on your website are connected for excellent user experience. This is important not just from the user’s perspective but also for search engine optimization.
What are the types of website structure?
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Hierarchical Model
The hierarchical model in website structures is the most commonly used one since it is very easy to understand. Also called the tree model, this website structure is used by websites containing a large pool of information distributed amongst many pages. The hierarchical model uses a home page, main category pages, subpages, and child pages within subpages to distribute the website structure.
This model also uses internal links to connect child pages, subpages, and category pages in order to convey the hierarchy of the pages to the search engine algorithms. The simple to-down approach helps websites in clearly conveying the importance of the pages within a website, as well as the relevance of the content within.
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Sequential Model
Also called the linear model, this one is the most suited for websites with a basic structure with not too many pages. Not all websites require multiple pages to convey information. The sequential model is most commonly used by small businesses.
If a website does not require subcategories or child pages, this model is the best fit. This model usually has a main page, a home page, or a landing page. This is followed by a small number of basic parent pages that lead to the relevant call to action for the users. Usually, this model takes the users on a predefined sequential journey on a website in a straight line.
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Matrix Model
The matrix model is more commonly known as the webbed model for website structures. It is named after the visual it creates for a website structure, which is a web of landing pages. This model interconnects all the parent pages with the subpages and main page so everything can be accessed by the user in minimal clicks.
Best suited for eCommerce websites, this model can seamlessly connect product pages with retail pages and payment gateways. The goal of this model is to create an environment for the user to access whatever pages they want to with a minimum amount of clicks via internal links. While it may look like a lack of structure to many, that is almost the point. It makes it a user experience the website however they want to based on their needs, even if they change their mind midway through.