When it comes to designing a web page, the details aren’t only details but rather the building blocks that make for an attractive design. A good web design comprises several features and elements that make the user experience seamless and make the website engaging. Learning about these elements, features, and functionalities will help you understand why you might love some websites and hate others. You will also learn about the things you should incorporate to make an intuitive and efficient web page. Here is everything you need to know about the basic anatomy of a web page.
1. Header
As the name suggests, a header is situated at the top of the web page. It is the first thing that people see before scrolling down the web page. Needless to say, this placement renders the header a strategically important component of the website as it provides users with the core navigation of the website, allowing them to split and scan the website within seconds before heading over to the main page. If you have a look at the header of eBay or Microsoft, you will notice that it covers an area between 100 and 50 pixels and features the company’s logo, contact information, search box, basic categories of the website content, and links to social media pages.
2. Footer
Located at the bottom of the webpage, the footer marks the end of the website. Therefore, it usually comprises important links such as the contact page, site map, credits to the website creators, subscription field or button, badges, testimonials, brand identity signs, and terms and conditions.
3. Site Structure
If you are a website copywriter to better understand, consider the website’s structure as a directory having nested subfolders or a tree diagram. The home page is situated near the head of the site structure, right below the header. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you create a site structure diagram before designing the website, as it helps in organizing the content and creates ease in navigation. Ideally, you should have at least three nested levels or tiers right under the home page. However, when designing a website, remember that less is more as the more complex your website will be the harder will it be for the users to keep up with the information. Hence, create a simple website structure yet provides the users with all essential information easily.
4. CTA Button
The call-to-action (CTA) button is an important part of the website as it encourages users to take a certain action- buy your products or services. An effective and engaging CTA results in conversions for a particular screen or page (such as subscribe, contact, and buy). In short, a CTA button tells your consumers to invest in your brand, resulting in boosting sales.
5. Main Navigation
Featuring five to eight page links to the most essential website pages, the main navigation is a horizontal row-like structure that you might often see on a webpage. Automatically highlighted when a user is in a particular section, the main navigation is designed to be evident and visible. However, when creating backlinks, make sure that the web page doesn’t look cluttered.
6. Secondary Navigation
Secondary navigation is the second tier of a website’s structure and refers to the web pages below the topmost level of the site. Unlike the static nature of the main navigation, the secondary navigation can vary depending on the website page you are browsing. It is usually placed either on the left-side of the screen or under the main navigation.
7. Page Titles
The page title of your website should use HTML’s H1 tag as it has an important role to play in your site’s search engine ranking. Situated at the head of the web page, developers have determined that most users will only be at the top of the website for less than thirty seconds, hence the page title should draw them in – be relevant and snappy.
8. Banner and Hero Images
Hero and banner images can be defined as the larger graphics (images) that you see at the top of the page. They are incorporated with the aim to grasp visitors’ attention. Therefore, it should include engaging images or videos of your brand’s products and services. You can even use sliders or carousels to make the web page more interactive.
9. Embedded Videos
Though not a basic part of a website, embedding a video improves your website’s overall ranking and keeps customers hooked. Being one of the top digital marketing trends, videos help in getting you more traffic as they bring your webpage to life. However, because they have a larger bandwidth, professional web copywriting services advise website creators to upload the video on Youtube and embed it into your site’s content. Click here to learn more about popular digital marketing trends.
Final Thoughts
Even though the developmental components of your website are a lot more complex than what we have covered here, understanding the basic anatomy of a web page should give you the upper hand when it comes to effectively communicating your requirements with your web copywriting services provider. Doing so will ultimately help you and your web designer create an intuitive website that attracts customers and results in lead generation.
