Write For The Web

Write For The Web

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Reorganize and Group Your Tabs

Organization and information are often usefully combined
Organization and information are often usefully combined

It's time to think about how to organize your tabs


1 . Hierarchy of the tabs builds clarity

The questions that your readers could ask probably come in a fairly clear order of importance.
It is useful to put the most common or the most important questions near the top of the page.
[ Enter "Move Mode" to move things around in your site ]


2 . Organize your pages into groups of tabs

Looking at your tabs, you might be starting to make a clear distinction between them. You may see how some pages describe similar aspects of your subject and others are more isolated or specific. You can use these classifications to break them into groups.
[ Do this by separating your tabs with spacers, in the menu when you add a page. ]
As you visually regroup your tabs, keep in mind to guide readers in understanding and navigating your content.

 • Contact section

It is very important that your readers can contact you.
A "contact us" page is often implemented near the bottom of the site. This typical location will allow readers to find your contact information easily. Don't forget to include a map if you are a location based business. You could create a tab titled "where to find us", regrouped with your "contact us" tab, if you actually want people to find your physical location easily. 

 • Creating order shows your choices and the attention you bring to service

"Practical information" is another example of what could be used as a group of tabs, such as including a "links page" with useful resources, "about us", the history of your company, or a list of nearby activities.


Tabs are a list and small lists are perceived well

Research has shown that when grouping items together, 3 elements are ideal. Readers will easily focus on and retain the information in lists of 3 elements and up to 5. When lists have more than 5 elements readers start to pay less attention. It is beneficial to your readers to have small groups of related items which they can focus on and digest with ease.


Small groups of tabs allow readers to comfortably navigate your site

White on black? or black on white? Without regrouping them, your tabs can feel pretty confusing
White on black? or black on white? Without regrouping them, your tabs can feel pretty confusing

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Now that the structure of your website is easy to navigate, it is time to offer your readers a proper index of what you will present them in the website. 

Now is the time to write your homepage.