How to Map Out Your Website Structure Before Building
A Strong Website Starts With a Clear Structure
Before any design or development begins, you need a clear website structure. Mapping out your website structure Kenya businesses can benefit from ensures your site is organised, easy to navigate and aligned with your goals.
A well planned structure saves time, reduces development errors and improves the overall user experience.
Why Website Structure Matters
Good structure determines how easily users find information. Without planning, pages become messy, confusing and disconnected.
Strong structure helps with:
- Navigation
- User experience
- Search visibility
- Content flow
- Conversion optimisation
A clear blueprint makes your website more effective.
Step 1: Define Your Website’s Purpose
Before mapping pages, identify what the website should achieve. Common goals include:
- Attracting customers
- Selling products
- Educating visitors
- Building credibility
- Generating inquiries
Your purpose determines the type and number of pages you need.
Step 2: Identify Your Main Pages
Most business websites include core pages such as:
- Home
- About
- Services or Products
- Portfolio or Projects
- Blog or Resources
- Contact
These pages form the foundation of your structure.
Step 3: List Subpages Under Each Category
If you offer multiple services, group them properly. For example:
Services
- Web Design
- SEO
- Branding
- E commerce Development
- Maintenance
This helps visitors find what they need quickly.
Step 4: Create a Logical Flow
Your website should guide visitors step by step. A typical user flow looks like:
- Home → Services → Specific Service → Contact
- Home → About → Contact
- Home → Portfolio → Project Details
Logical flow improves usability and keeps users engaged.
Step 5: Consider Your Audience’s Behavior
Think about what your audience wants to do when they land on your site. Ask yourself:
- What questions do they have?
- Which pages do they care about most?
- What actions do they want to take?
Mapping your structure around user behavior creates better results.
Step 6: Prioritise Mobile Navigation
African users browse mainly on mobile devices. Your structure must support:
- Simple menus
- Short paths to important pages
- Clear calls to action
Mobile friendly structure increases engagement.
Step 7: Plan for SEO
SEO friendly structure includes:
- Clear URLs
- Logical categories
- Well grouped content
- Internal links
A structured website ranks better and helps customers discover your services.
Step 8: Create a Visual Sitemap
A sitemap is a diagram showing all pages and how they connect. This helps your designer and developer understand the entire project.
Tools like:
- Flowcharts
- Mind maps
- Card sorting
can help visualise your structure.
Step 9: Plan Your Conversion Points
Your website should lead visitors toward actions such as:
- Calling your business
- Filling a form
- Buying a product
- Requesting a quote
Place calls to action in good positions across your user flow.
Step 10: Review and Improve
Share your structure with your team. Ask for feedback and refine it. A little planning now prevents big problems later.
How Africa Web Experts Helps With Website Planning
At Africa Web Experts, we help clients create clear and strategic website structures before development begins. You can explore real project results on our Portfolio page and view all services on our Services page. For consultations, reach out through the Contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a website structure before building?
It ensures your website is organised, user friendly and aligned with your business goals.
Can I change my structure later?
Yes, but clear planning reduces costly adjustments.
Does structure affect SEO?
Yes. Search engines prefer well organised websites.
How many pages should a website have?
It depends on your business. Some need five pages, others need dozens.
Who should create the sitemap?
Your designer or developer can help, but business owners should define goals.
Final Call to Action
A strong website begins with a strong structure. If you want a website that flows smoothly, ranks well and converts visitors effectively, Africa Web Experts is ready to help.
Reach out today and build a website with a clear strategic foundation.
