site-architecture

Website hierarchy planning involves defining an L0-L3 page structure, establishing URL patterns, and mapping a hub-and-spoke internal linking model to improve findability, SEO, and user experience. This structured approach ensures intuitive navigation and consistent URLs across marketing sites.

The 3-click rule in information architecture is a design principle stating users should reach any page within three clicks. Apply it by maintaining flat site depth where possible, designing clear hub-and-spoke internal linking models, and structuring major page sections to minimize unnecessary navigation layers.

Visual sitemap diagrams are created using ASCII or Mermaid formats to communicate page hierarchy and navigation zones to design and engineering teams. These diagrams map out the information architecture, showing relationships between pages and proposed URL structures for technical review and implementation.

URL structure patterns for marketing websites should be human-friendly and consistent, aligned with site taxonomy using paths like /features, /blog, and /docs. Establishing clear URL conventions supports SEO, maintains hierarchical consistency, and helps users understand their location within the site architecture.

Restructuring a marketing site before relaunch is a primary use case for this information architecture approach. It helps reduce clicks, improve page hierarchy, and establish consistent URL patterns, ensuring the new site structure supports intuitive navigation and better findability for users and search engines.

Context-first planning in product marketing site architecture is a method that prioritizes the surrounding context of information before structuring pages. It ensures the site hierarchy and navigation zones align with how users encounter and understand product marketing content, leading to more intuitive user experiences.