Build a strong foundation
A successful WordPress site starts with thoughtful planning. Your sitemap and structure directly impact usability, SEO, and long-term maintenance.
Student Affairs menu structure includes:
- Secondary pages
- Tertiary pages
- Quaternary pages (which should be used with caution)
Tips for creating a strong menu structure
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Start with users and goals: Define your audiences and what they need. Align your site goals, like sign-ups or storytelling, with a user-first, not organization-first, structure.
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Keep it flat and simple: Limit depth to three levels max (e.g., Home → Section → Page). Flat structures help with navigation and SEO. Avoid burying pages deep in the hierarchy.
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Organize by sections: Group pages into clear, logical categories like “About,” “Services,” or “Resources.” Use names that make sense to your audience.
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Draft before you design: Use tools like GlooMaps or sticky notes to outline your sitemap. For each section, ask: What’s here? Who’s it for? What should they do?
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Limit top-level navigation: Stick to five to seven main menu items at the most. Use dropdowns sparingly to avoid overwhelming users.
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Plan for maintenance: Assign ownership and plan for updates. Fewer well-managed pages are better than many outdated ones.
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Use WordPress features wisely
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Pages = evergreen content
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Posts = timely updates
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Custom post types = recurring formats (e.g., events, profiles)
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Test with real users: Ask a few users to try your draft. Can they find what they need? Is anything unclear?
Pro tips
- Use clear, consistent titles
- Avoid duplicate/orphaned pages
- Prioritize mobile navigation
- Don’t keep pages just out of habit
Great websites are user-friendly, maintainable, and purposeful, and this all starts with a smart sitemap. If you’re unsure how to structure your sitemap, SA Communications is here to help. We’re available to partner with you to ensure your site is effective and easy to navigate.