Are you wondering what should be on your homepage? Your website's homepage should look like a cover of a book. It should catch your attention and draw you in. It should be designed differently than your other pages in your website. Just like when you walk into a bookstore, they have books on display. Which one catches your eye? Why are you drawn to pick up that particular book in the sea of hundreds that are displayed on the table? Think about the magazine in your grocery store. Which magazine did you pick up and why? Does the cover look different than the inside pages? What does your homepage say about your business right now?
I had a client who called to talk to me about marketing her business. I pulled up her website and was confused. She hadn't updated her website since pre-COVID and she wasn't even offering the services listed on her site. Actually, she told me the whole business had actually changed in the recent months...So if your homepage is confusing and not giving your clients a clear message on your business, how can you start advertising and marketing your business?
When designing a website homepage, there are several elements you may consider including to create an engaging and informative experience for your visitors. Here are some essential components for a well-rounded homepage:
Clear Branding: Display your logo prominently at the top of the page to establish brand identity and make it easy for visitors to recognize your website.
Navigation Menu: Include a user-friendly and well-organized navigation menu that enables visitors to find their way around your site easily. Use clear labels and logical categories for your menu items.
Hero Section: Feature an attention-grabbing hero section at the top of your homepage. This section should include a compelling headline, a concise and impactful tagline, and a visually appealing image or video relevant to your brand or offering. This section sets the tone for your website and encourages visitors to explore further.
Value Proposition: Clearly communicate the unique value and benefits your products, services, or content offer to visitors. Use concise and persuasive messaging to highlight what sets you apart from competitors and why visitors should choose your brand.
Call-to-Action (CTA): Place a prominent and action-oriented CTA button or form on your homepage, encouraging visitors to take a specific action, such as signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, or requesting more information. Make sure the CTA stands out visually and is compellingly worded.
Featured Content: Showcase your most important or popular content, products, or services on your homepage. This can be done through a grid of images or cards, a carousel, or a featured section with brief descriptions and links to the full content.
Testimonials/Validation: Include testimonials, reviews, or client/customer success stories on your homepage to build trust and credibility. Real-life experiences and positive feedback can persuade visitors to engage further with your brand.
Social Proof: Display icons or links to your social media profiles to encourage visitors to connect with you on other platforms. This helps establish your online presence and allows visitors to explore more content related to your brand.
Contact Information: Make it easy for visitors to get in touch with you by providing contact information such as a phone number, email address, and physical address if applicable. Consider including a contact form to capture inquiries directly from the homepage.
Responsive Design: Ensure that your homepage (and your entire website) is mobile-friendly and responsive, meaning it adapts to different screen sizes and devices. With the increasing use of smartphones and tablets, it's crucial to provide a seamless experience across various platforms.
Remember, the specific elements you choose for your homepage will depend on your industry, target audience, and business goals. Have any questions? Call me so we can discuss your future branding and get you more clients.