Most webpages consist of the following elements:

• Masthead
• Navigation
• Page Header
• Page Body
• Footer

Masthead

The masthead sits at the very top of the page and identifies your site. It may also be referred to as the nameplate. The masthead is displayed on all pages.

Navigation

Most websites today use a horizontal navigation beneath the masthead. This navigation is displayed on all pages; however, some pages may also display an additional left menu with links specific to the page or site section.

Page Header

The page header is the introduction to the body, and it is unique to each page. The header should provide a brief overview of the page’s content while also enticing the user to read further.

Oftentimes headers on landing pages have more visual interesting. Subpage headers are generally more basic. In addition to the page title and a 1-2 sentence introduction, they might have a lead image.

Page Body

The page body holds most of a page’s content. Simpler subpages may only consist of Text modules with well organized hierarchies. Other pages may have more design elements through the inclusion of modules such as Feature Content and Facts.

There isn’t a clear measure of when a page becomes too long. Combining content topics onto one page or splitting them into multiple pages is ultimately the decision of the content producer.

Footer

The footer is the bottom portion of a webpage, and it is displayed on all site pages. The footer is frequently used for contact information and utility-focused links. Many web users know to use the footer when they want to immediately complete a common task (make a gift, find contact information, access a resource such as MyPack Portal, etc.).

Special Pages

Not all pages have a traditional header and body. A homepage is the most common example of a ‘special page,’ but staff directories, calendar pages, and informational databases are also unique.

These pages are deemed special because their main content does not necessarily follow the design conventions of the site’s standard webpages.