What is Site Structure?
In this part of the SEO Manual I will be giving an explanation into what Site Structure is and how different types of websites use different structures. The Site Structure identifies how a website is constructed, taking into consideration the web page structure.
There are 3 main types of website structure; Linear, Hierarchical and Web. Many websites follow one of these types, although some websites do not.
Linear
A Linear structure is a website with web pages linked to one another in a linear fashion; one after another. Usually these websites are of a more simple variety and are aimed at visitors who are there to learn from what the website has e.g. a tutorial guide on how to create a website.
The above diagram depicts how a basic Linear structured website interlinks with each web page. The user lands on page 1 which in most cases will be a website homepage. The user is then directed and guided through the other web pages by the use of content and hyperlinks. You can easily see why a structure like this is great for tutorials.
Hierarchical
A Hierarchical structured website has a certain amount of ‘levels’. There can be 2 or even 10 levels depending on the size of the website and how many categories there are. Having a Hierarchical structure seems to be the best form of website due to the fact that it almost makes you categorize content in such a way that it is understandable and more readable to humans. This in turn makes the whole website easier to understand and navigate around.
The above diagram depicts a Hierarchical Structure. Users will land on Page 1 which will be the homepage, pages 2 and 3 are then the main topics of the website. Pages 4 and 5 contain further information, or connected information that follows on from the previous pages.
Web
A Web Structured website is quite complex in the way the web pages interlink. Websites based on the Web structure tend to be in-depth technical websites which expect the user to be well-informed on already. An example topic of website that would generally use the Web structure is a theory website. The Web based structure allows different websites and web pages link to each other effortlessly, using the internet to its fullest. There comes a point when a website has so many links and so many web pages that it can be confusing for the user.
The above diagram depicts how the web pages interlink within a website. There is no hierarchical structure, and all web have the same importance level.
Summary
Depending on the type of website, depends on what sort of website structure should be followed. Generally, a hierarchical structure is the most common and easiest to use for the user. Using a web structure could prove to be really effective, yet really detrimental.
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