The secondary menu, often also called the “eyebrow” menu, sits above the primary navigation and provides quick access to high-priority links that support, but don’t compete with, your main site navigation. This space is also where global tools like search and language translation live, to ensure they are always accessible.
Common uses include links for login portals, contact information, specific audiences (such as students, parents, or staff), key resources, or calls to action like giving or applying.
By placing these items in the secondary menu, you keep the primary navigation focused on core content while still surfacing essential tools and pathways for your users.
Best practices and recommendations
Prioritize utility over volume: Keep the number of links limited. This space should highlight only the most important, frequently used actions.
Think audience first: If your site serves distinct groups, use this space to provide direct entry points tailored to their needs.
Use clear, action-oriented labels: Short, recognizable labels like “Apply,” “Log in,” or “Contact” help users act quickly without confusion.
Reserve space for global tools: Search and language translation should remain easily accessible and visually consistent across the site.
Avoid redundancy: Don’t duplicate links that already exist in the primary navigation unless there’s a strong usability reason.
Design for speed and scanning: Users often rely on this area for quick tasks — keep it simple, predictable, and easy to scan on both desktop and mobile.
Highlight key actions sparingly: If using a button (e.g., “Give” or “Apply”), limit it to one primary call-to-action to avoid visual clutter.