Site Architecture

Site Architecture is the hierarchical structure of a website (ROOT > SEED > NODE) that determines how crawlers and users navigate the site.

The architecture maps from a knowledge graph: nodes with Degree Centrality 8+ become Pillar Pages (ROOT), DC 4-8 become SEED Pages, DC <4 become NODE Pages. Flat navigation, proper breadcrumbs, and limiting mega menus to phrases with 5-10k+ volume ensure efficient crawling within the 2.5 MB limit. Site architecture is a direct translation of the topical map into URL structure and navigation.

For example, an outdoor furniture store built architecture based on linking within category descriptions instead of mega menu, which provides depth without wasting crawl budget.

In practice, map your knowledge graph and assign pages to the ROOT/SEED/NODE hierarchy based on Degree Centrality — pages with DC 8+ deserve visible placement in navigation, while the rest should be accessible through content linking.