One of the biggest frustrations for employees is not being able to find what they need on your microsite. Solution: stop organizing and naming content based on your needs, and structure your microsite based on what they need. Here are some ways to improve how visitors navigate your site.
![One](/sites/default/files/tips/numbers/1-stroked.png) |
Make navigation obvious
Most people expect to find the navigation bar across the top of your microsite or down the left side. So, make sure your navigation is in one of these spots:
![Screenshot of horizontal navigation on the davisandco.com website](/sites/default/files/tips/davishomeexample.jpg)
![Screenshot of vertical navigation on the amazon.com website](/sites/default/files/legacy_files/images/smart-tips/2013-07-08/amazongrab-nav.jpg) Credit: Amazon.com
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![Two](/sites/default/files/tips/numbers/2-stroked.png) |
Improve headlines and links
Remember, not all employees use the same lingo or acronyms that you do. Make sure headlines and link names are short, simple and descriptive, so people know what they’re clicking. For example:
Headlines
- New HR Software Speeds Up Employee Time Entry
- Apex Reaches 1Q Revenue Goal: $1.2m
- Open Enrollment Begins June 10: Register Now
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Links
- Employee Time Entry System
- Apex Revenue Status
- Open Enrollment Registration
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![Three](/sites/default/files/tips/numbers/3-stroked.png) |
Create a “top links” section
One big reason employees visit a microsite is to get information they need to do their work. Post these “popular” links in a clearly visible section on your landing page so employees can find them right away.
![Popular links from the Huffington Post](/sites/default/files/legacy_files/images/smart-tips/2013-07-08/huffpost-toplinks.jpg) Credit: Huffington Post
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![Four](/sites/default/files/tips/numbers/4-stroked.png) |
Leave breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are navigational tools that allow visitors to keep track of where they are on your microsite (like Hansel and Gretel in the forest). Ask your IT team to set up breadcrumbs horizontally across the top of your microsite, below title bars or headers.
Typically, they are set up in this format:
Home page > Section page > Subsection page
![Breadcrumbs from davisandco.com](/sites/default/files/legacy_files/images/smart-tips/2013-07-08/dco-breadcrumbs2.jpg)
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![Five](/sites/default/files/tips/numbers/5-stroked.png) |
Make your search function prominent
This is a quick fix to improve your navigation. Make sure your search box is at the top of your microsite, so it’s easy to spot. You should also position it in the same place on each sub-page so people don’t get lost.
![Search bar from davisandco.com](/sites/default/files/legacy_files/images/smart-tips/2013-07-08/dco-search2.jpg)
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