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What is Website Sidebar Navigation?

3 min to read

A sidebar navigation is a vertical menu that gives users access to different parts of the site and is commonly positioned on the left or right side of a website.

A sidebar navigation works in the same way as a table of contents for a book helping visitors locate the needed sections even if the website offers abundant content.

Use a purposefully placed sidebar if there are many contents of the website or an apparent structure (for instance, with categories and many subcategories).

Deep Dive:
Websites that need to display numerous pages or tend to intricate layouts should utilize sidebars to organize content and improve visual appeal.
Key Takeaways:
  • Organise the website
    • Utilize sidebar navigation to structure complicated hierarchies.
  • Exhibit organization and simplicity in your design
    • Usability is the most important aspect.
  • Mobile users are a big part of the online presence
    • Place mobile responsiveness as a priority when designing your website.
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What is Website Sidebar Navigation?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of sidebar navigation?

Sidebar navigation has its advantages and disadvantages which you have to consider before employing on your website.

Advantages:

  • A sidebar navigation is mostly suitable for websites that contain extensive material.

  • Remains visible as the page is navigated upwards or downwards.

  • Most suitable for websites that have a clear structure.

Disadvantages:

  • Smaller devices may require different approaches as sidebar navigation suits better computer desktops.

  • Not ideal for smaller websites but great for content-rich ones.

  • Plan the design carefully to avoid being overwhelming.
Pro Tip: 
If you are in doubt that a sidebar suits your site, you can make an A/B test, where you compare the performance of various navigation styles.

How do I create an effective website sidebar navigation?

Here are some steps you should consider taking to come up with an effective sidebar navigation:

  • Prioritize the most relevant links

  • Highlight the important links and employ clear labels

  • Collapsing menus are better suited for websites that display a more complex hierarchy

  • Optimize your sidebar for mobile devices

  • Run usability tests and follow-up improvements 
Pro Tip: 
• Consider using icons along with the text to promote rapid recognition of key elements.

• Sidebar navigation is not a separate website element, make sure it fits into the general framework of the site as well as its visual and brand identity.

How does sidebar navigation impact user experience?

If designed effectively, your sidebar navigation should impact users’ browsing experience as well as the way they perceive your website.

An ideal sidebar will help visitors locate any content they are searching for: it makes them stay longer (a desirable outcome) and avoids poor navigation (which can lead to frustration and confusion). 

Offering a user-friendly sidebar and a visually appealing website can impact how visitors perceive your brand, potentially converting them into regular users.

Deep Dive: 
Collect user responses, either using surveys or observing heat maps to highlight some problem areas within the sidebar navigation and once all these are done and analyzed, make the necessary changes based on facts and research.

Three examples of popular websites that effectively employ sidebar navigation are:

  • Facebook: It has a left sidebar for sections like News Feed, Marketplace, and Groups.

  • Gmail: It provides a collapsible sidebar for email folders and other settings.

  • Medium: Navigational, social, and recommendation links are provided in a sticky right sidebar.
Pro Tips: 
• Stick to a sidebar design that makes sense to your website identity and aligns with your audience.

• Browse the sidebars of similar sites in your niche to get insights.

Conclusion

A carefully constructed website sidebar navigational panel is not just a menu; it is an integral part of the interface through which visitors browse your website. Shape your sidebar into a tool that enhances user experience, guides the website’s exploration while improving engagement and conversions.

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