How to Get Your Government Contracting Website Navigation Right

Imagine this: after months (or years!) of outreach, a procurement manager from a key agency has finally landed on your website. This is your moment to shine. You have put a lot of time and effort into making this moment happen! But now that they’re here, can she quickly find the information she needs? Or will she leave frustrated by a complicated, confusing layout?

We’re diving into why easy navigation is a make-or-break factor for government contracting websites with top tips to make sure your website navigation helps visitors quickly find what they’re looking for. Watch the video or read on for a breakdown of how to optimize your website’s navigation for success.

 

1. Keep It Simple and Accessible

When we say “simple,” we mean clear and direct. Government contracting websites don’t need flashy gimmicks—your audience is here to find specific information, not navigate a maze. Make sure your navigation is easy to see, easy to read, and, importantly, accessible to users of all abilities. This includes:

• Clear labels: Label your menu items in straightforward language that your visitors will recognize.
• Readable fonts: Make sure your fonts are legible, even on smaller screens.
• Easy-to-see design: Avoid color contrasts that are hard on the eyes, and make sure your menu is accessible to screen readers.

“Fun” menus like hidden or sliding elements may be trendy, but they’re not ideal for the no-nonsense government contracting space where clarity is king.

2. Avoid Overwhelming Choices

Here’s something we see a lot: websites with so many menu items that it’s hard to know where to click first. When users have too many choices, they can get decision fatigue. This often leads to users simply leaving your site.

Instead of overwhelming your audience with too many options, consider these guidelines:

• Streamline your menu to show only the essentials.
• Use categories to group related items. For example, instead of listing every contract vehicle on your menu, create a “Contract Vehicles” category that leads to a page listing all your options.
• Prioritize user flow: Ensure your website’s main pages and functions are organized in a way that helps visitors understand their path.

3. Logical Drop-Downs Are a Must

In an effort to stand out, we once tried some “fun” names for menu items here at Spring Insight, but soon learned there’s a reason why classics like “About” or “Services” work. These categories serve as easy baskets to contain relevant content. The clearer and more predictable your drop-downs, the better the user experience.

Make sure each drop-down:

• Reflects the hierarchy of your information and keeps key information within easy reach.
• Avoids excessive items—two or three categories per drop-down are ideal.
• Helps users easily navigate by structuring your content logically.

4. Label Your Pages for Users, Not for Internal Teams

Sometimes, a website’s page labels align to an organizational structure instead of how a potential client might think. Avoid letting department labels or internal terminology sneak onto the navigation. Instead, think from your user’s perspective. If you’re unsure how your labels look to new users, here’s a tip: get feedback from someone unfamiliar with your industry, and see if your terms make sense to them.

5. Make Key Pages Easy to Find

In the government contracting world, we know certain information is essential—such as Capabilities, Contract Vehicles, Certifications, and Designations. These are the high-traffic pages your visitors will want to access immediately, so keep them prominent on your main navigation menu.

Think of these key pages as equivalent to a restaurant’s hours or menu. No one wants to hunt for them. Place them front and center, and if there’s any crucial data like NAICS codes, make sure it’s in multiple places so it’s easy to locate.

6. Don’t Forget Accessibility Compliance

Accessibility isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s essential. WCAG 2.1 compliance is becoming mandatory for government contracts, and designing with accessibility in mind benefits all your users. Here are a few accessibility fundamentals to keep in mind:

• Navigation by screen reader: Screen readers should easily read your menu items.
• Focus indicators: Ensure that interactive elements like forms and drop-downs are navigable using keyboard commands.
• Accessible forms: Make sure your forms have correct labels and IDs for screen readers so they’re usable by all visitors.

An accessible website is easier to navigate, shows inclusivity, and, with WCAG 2.1 becoming the standard, positions your site as compliant and forward-thinking.

If you’re ready to revamp your site’s navigation for clarity, accessibility, and functionality, why not chat with us about it? Schedule a complimentary consultation with Spring Insight to see how we can help you create a website that guides your visitors effortlessly to the information they need.