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Practical WordPress guides · Structure and navigation
At a glance
A menu does not need to contain every page. It should make the most important visitor tasks easy to understand and explore.
Approach and context
Group content around user needs rather than internal departments. Use short, distinct and consistent labels. The theme determines whether navigation is maintained through classic menus or the site editor. Inspect submenus as well: a menu that works with a mouse is not automatically usable on a phone or with a keyboard.
Implementation checklist
- Use the most common visitor tasks to shape the main navigation.
- Combine overlapping items or give them more precise names.
- Test long labels, the mobile menu and keyboard operation.
Illustrative example
A small consultancy groups specialist offers under Services. Visitors can first choose the relevant subject instead of comparing twelve similar top-level labels.
A common pitfall
A rigid rule about the maximum number of menu items cannot replace testing with realistic tasks.
How to check the outcome
Someone unfamiliar with the website can find the offer, the responsible team and a contact route without explanation.
Further official documentation: WordPress: Menus. The exact controls depend on your theme, extensions and installed versions.