The most important aspect of web page navigation is that it must be easy.

Readers who are endlessly lost will not return, maybe because they are still lost, but most likely because they could not easily find what they wanted. One of the pure joys of the internet is the ability to instantly access information. A web page designer who provides quick easy access to that information creates an environment people enjoy using.

So what makes navigation easy?

• A linkable menu or table of contents on the main or home page.

• Accurate links and links that aren't dead.

• Navigation links or buttons on the bottom of each page providing an additional menu of choices, or paths to the next area or back to the main page. Remember, your reader may not enter your site on the home page. A good page contains the path back home.

Are there any other ways to navigate?

Yes. The avenues to navigate a page are as abundant as the styles of page design. Several additional methods which incorporate the above ideas are floating menu windows, image maps, having only one page, and frames. Tailor your navigation to fit the design of your page. But remember, make it easy for the user, you want them to return.