Navigation Basics - Globals

Help and advice about website globals and how tkeep them simple and effective.

What are Globals?

Globals are the links that remain the same on every page. They are the reference for new visitors to keep them from getting lost. Sometimes they are on the left of the page, sometimes they consist of tabs at the top. Often they are in the footer of the page as well.

Have text alternatives

Make sure that you have an old style text version of your globals on every page. I usually create navigation at the top of a web page and put text versions in the footer at the bottom of the page. Find out what works best for you by experimenting.

Be critical of your navigation

Ironically, most people begin with drawing their homwpage with all the global navigation written it. They then try to add the content for those pages once the main navigation has been decided.

This is topsy turvy. Until you have actually written your content you will have no idea where it will lead you. It is common to find one particular section stands out with lots of interesting content, whereas other sections can suddenly appear empty and of limited value.

Write content first - then plan navigation

Write your articles and content first. When you have accumulated 20 to 30 pages of content, print it out and lay it all out on the floor. Now you can begin grouping the documents and creating a global navigation system that actually helps your customers and reflects your content. I know what you are thinking - "I know what I want on my site already!". If that is the case then good luck, I still strongly advise you to let your content dictate the navigation, not the other way around. Save your self time and effort in the log run by spending some time planning and writing your site before you start thinking about globals and navigational issues.