Build a Strong Foundation
A successful WordPress site starts with thoughtful planning. Your sitemap and structure directly impact usability, SEO, and long-term maintenance. Here’s how to get it right:
-
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.
-
Keep It Flat and Simple – Limit depth to 3 levels max (e.g., Home → Section → Page). Flat structures help with navigation and SEO. Avoid burying pages deep in the hierarchy.
-
Organize by Sections – Group pages into clear, logical categories like About, Services, or Resources. Use names that make sense to your visitors.
-
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?
-
Limit Top-Level Navigation – Stick to 5–7 main menu items. Use dropdowns sparingly to avoid overwhelming users.
-
Plan for Maintenance – Assign ownership and plan for updates. Fewer well-managed pages are better than many outdated ones.
-
Use WordPress Features Wisely – Pages = evergreen content, Posts = timely updates, and Custom Post Types = recurring formats (e.g., events, profiles)
-
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 names
- Avoid duplicate/orphaned pages
- Prioritize mobile navigation
- Don’t keep pages just out of habit
Bottom Line
Great websites are user-friendly, maintainable, and purposeful—starting with a smart sitemap.
Need guidance? Reach out to your Student Affairs Communications partners—we’re here to help.