Why Backend Menu Columns Become Messy
After a website goes live, as content increases and business adjusts, backend menu columns often gradually become cluttered. Mixed old and new columns, inconsistent naming, and overly deep or shallow hierarchies can make every operation feel like navigating a maze. This is not an isolated case; many website operators encounter similar issues.
Conduct a Comprehensive Review Before Organizing
Before starting, it's recommended to list all existing columns in the backend, including first-level, second-level, and even third-level columns. Record their names, purposes, whether they are still in use, and content volume. Although this step takes time, it provides a solid foundation for subsequent organization.
Categorization Principle: Divide by Function and Content Type
There are two main ways to categorize menu columns: by business function (e.g., Product Management, News Management, Customer Service Management) and by content type (e.g., Text & Images, Videos, Downloads). For most corporate websites, it's advisable to prioritize business functions, supplemented by content types. For example:
- Product Center: Stores product introductions, product categories, product specifications, etc.
- News & Updates: Stores company news, industry trends, media coverage.
- Service & Support: Stores after-sales service, FAQs, download center.
The number of second-level columns under each first-level column should ideally be between 3 and 7. Fewer indicates overly broad categorization, while more suggests clutter.
Naming Convention: Keep It Simple and Intuitive
Avoid using internal jargon or abbreviations in column names. Use common terms that most people can understand. For example:
- ❌ “CPGL” → ✅ “Product Management”
- ❌ “XWZX_2020” → ✅ “News Center”
- ❌ “After-Sales Process V3” → ✅ “After-Sales Service”
If version or year identifiers are necessary, place them in notes rather than using them as display names.
Hierarchy Optimization: No More Than Three Levels
Deep column hierarchies reduce operational efficiency. It's recommended that backend menus generally not exceed three levels: first-level columns, second-level columns, and third-level operation pages. If a business requires four or more levels, consider splitting it into independent first-level columns or using tags and filters to replace deep nesting.
Eliminate Unused Columns
Many website backends contain numerous inactive columns, such as temporary pages from past events, discontinued product categories, or outdated special topics. It's advisable to delete or archive these columns. After archiving, set up an “Archive Area” in the backend that does not interfere with daily use.
Regular Maintenance and Review
Organization is not a one-time task. It's recommended to review backend columns quarterly or semi-annually: Are new columns needed? Are old columns still relevant? Do names need adjustment? Assign a dedicated person to ensure the menu remains clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if there are too many columns to fit on one page?
A: Consider using grouped collapsible menus to hide infrequently used columns by default, or merge some functions into other columns.
Q: How to handle more than 7 second-level columns?
A: Re-evaluate whether the first-level categorization is reasonable. Promote some second-level columns to independent first-level columns, or further subdivide first-level categories.
Q: What if the old CMS doesn't support hierarchy adjustments?
A: If the CMS has limitations, use tags or keyword searches to help locate columns, or discuss a backend redesign with developers.
Conclusion
Organizing backend menu columns is not complicated; the key is to develop a habit of regular maintenance. Clear categorization, standardized naming, reasonable hierarchy, and timely cleanup keep the backend tidy. It's recommended to spend half a day reviewing the backend starting today—you'll likely see a significant improvement in maintenance efficiency.
