First impressions are everything, especially when it comes to your website. That’s why your home page design is so important.
Since your home page is generally how most visitors will enter your website, it’s the most important page when it comes to first impressions.
You should think of your home page as similar to your home’s curb appeal. It’s the first thing most visitors will see when they visit your site so you want to wow them.
You only have a few seconds to capture the attention of visitors to your website so your home page design has to be spot on. You need a fabulous design that incorporates the essential elements that go into an effective home page – one that captures attention and converts.
I get that it can be tempting to put as much information as possible onto your home page. You have a lot to offer and you don’t want visitors to miss anything. Don’t do this – less is more.
If you highlight everything as important, then really nothing is important. Putting too much information on your home page will likely cause visitors to feel overwhelmed, not know where to start and they’ll likely leave your website.
Now, let’s go through my 6 tips for a successful home page design:
1. What you do and who you help
This should be very clear and be displayed at the top of your home page (above the fold) so it’s the first thing visitors see. You have to be crystal clear about what you do and who you help so visitors know they’re in the right place. A great way to do this is with a combination of words and an image representing what you do. Click here to watch a video by Donald Miller of what your above the fold should include.
2. What you sell
Focus on one main service on your home page. Don’t introduce too many services that are unrelated.
Visitors want to know if you can help them. Explain how the service you offer provides the solution to their problem. Make sure you showcase the benefits of your service.
Remember, you’re not selling a service. You’re selling a solution to a problem!
3. Short introduction
Include a short bio that introduces you to your audience. This can be just a few sentences – just enough so they know the person behind the business.
It’s a great idea to also include a photo of you here and a button that will take visitors to your about page where they can learn more about you and your story.
4. Focus on one single call to action
Visitors want to know what to do next. Make it super clear where you want them to go next. Don’t overwhelm them with options. Have one clear call to action.
The call to action is the main thing you want the visitor to do on that page, like book a call with you or subscribe to your newsletter.
If you’d like to find out more about calls to action, click here to read my blog post.
5. How to contact you
Make it incredibly simple and easy for a visitor to your website to contact you.
I’m not saying that you need to put all of your contact information right on your home page. But there should be a very clear and easy link or button that leads directly to your contact page, contact form or calendar.
6. Social proof
Social proof is incredibly important because it shows visitors that they can trust you. You can illustrate social proof by using testimonials or an “as seen in” section.
Showing that you’ve worked with clients and created results for them helps you build trust and credibility. Showing that you’ve been quoted in articles or been a guest on podcasts helps position you as an expert in your field.
To find out more about how to use testimonials on your website, click here.
If you found this information about your home page design helpful, I hope you’ll share it with others who may benefit from it using the links below.
If you’d like to start the conversation about working together, please fill out the client application form and I will be in touch to schedule a complimentary introductory call.
