We’re seeing a lot of Australian SMEs missing opportunities with their websites, and it often comes down to navigation. It’s not enough to just *have* a website; people need to easily find what they’re looking for, or they’ll quickly go elsewhere. As user expectations continue to rise, particularly with the advancements we anticipate in interface design throughout 2026, even small navigation flaws can significantly impact your conversion rates.
Here are some key navigation mistakes we’re observing that are actively hurting businesses:
- Hidden Navigation: “Hamburger” menus (the three lines icon) on desktop are still a problem. While common on mobile, hiding your main navigation on larger screens forces users to hunt for key pages. This adds friction and reduces the likelihood they’ll explore further.
- Vague Labelling: Terms like “Solutions” or “About Us” are too broad. Users scan quickly. Be specific. Instead of “Solutions”, try “Marketing Automation for Small Business” or “Website Design Packages”. Clear labelling instantly communicates value.
- Excessive Options: Too many choices overwhelm visitors. A cluttered navigation menu leads to ‘analysis paralysis’. We recommend limiting top-level navigation items to seven or fewer. Prioritise the pages that directly support conversions.
- Poor Search Functionality: If your website has more than a handful of pages, a robust search function is essential. It needs to be prominently displayed and deliver accurate, relevant results. Many SME websites have basic search that fails to understand common search terms or misinterprets intent.
- Ignoring User Flow: Navigation isn’t just about menus; it’s about the entire path a user takes. Are your internal links logical? Do calls to action guide visitors towards conversion? We often see websites with great content but poor internal linking, meaning valuable pages remain undiscovered.
These aren’t just aesthetic issues; they’re conversion killers. In 2027, we expect voice search and AI-powered navigation to become more prevalent, but the fundamentals of clear, intuitive design will remain critical.
The best next step is to conduct a thorough website usability audit, focusing specifically on your navigation. Record real users attempting key tasks (like finding a specific product or contacting you) and identify where they struggle. Addressing these pain points will deliver a significant return on investment.
