What you MUST include on your website homepage

Designing an effective website homepage requires careful consideration of the content and elements you include to engage visitors and convey your message clearly. Here are my top 7 things you must include or do on your website homepage:

7 things you must include or do on your website homepage:

1. Make A Good First Impression

Studies have shown it only takes 7 seconds to make a first impression. This means, if someone lands on your homepage you have moments to engage the viewer and create a promising first impression. Visitors make a decision about your brand almost instantly, soley based on the design and images. Having strong visuals and design is key to engaging your audience. Once engaged, they then look at the messaging and start to navigate around your website.

2. Your Elevator Pitch

When someone lands on your website they want to know that they are in the right place. Including an elevator pitch, which is a brief summary of who you are, what you do, who you serve and if you are location based, the area where you serve. This tells clients the exact information they need to know if they’re in the right place. For example, a brief elevator pitch such ‘The Flower Room offers luxury wedding flowers for couples in Yorkshire and surrounding areas’, you’ve answered who you are, what you do, who for and the areas you cover. Visitors will know instantly if you fit their needs.

3. Clear CTA (call to action) Above The Fold

Place a prominent and compelling CTA button on the homepage, encouraging visitors to take a specific action, such as signing up, making a purchase, or learning more. Think about the primary objective you want your visitor to do and what your visitors are there for.

4. Easy Navigation

A clear and simple navigation menu makes it easy for your visitors to navigate through your website. You want to ensure your visitors can easily navigate to the revenue-generating products or services you offer. Also, having an additional button further down the home page will ensure your visitor has another opportunity to navigate to the primary area you want them to visit, if they have missed it at the top.

5. Testimonial

Testimonials are very powerful. They play a crucial role in building trust, credibility, and confidence in your brand, which can ultimately lead to increased conversions and customer loyalty. Studies show that 72% of people say positive testimonials make them trust a business. When people see that others have had positive experiences with your products or services, they are more likely to trust your brand and it can influence their decision-making in a positive way.

Testimonials often include personal stories and experiences. This humanises your brand and makes it more relatable to potential customers. People connect with stories and real-life experiences.

6. An About Us Section

The “About Us” section on a website’s homepage, including your photo, is a valuable tool for introducing your brand, building trust, and establishing a connection with your visitors. It can include a brief introduction into who you are, what you do, and what your brand represents. Consider highlighting the outcomes that your customers can expect to experience. This will help communicate the value of products or services you offer. A CTA here can take them to the About Us page where they can read more if they want.

7. Functional Footer

Your website footer is an often overlooked but essential element of your website, and its importance cannot be understated. It will be visible among many, if not all of your website pages and provides important information, enhances trust, and contributes to a positive user experience. While it may appear to be a small detail, a well-designed and functional footer can have a significant impact on the overall effectiveness of your website.

This is such an essential part of your website that I will create a separate blog post highlighting what should be included.

Summary

In summary, a website homepage serves as the virtual front door to your online presence. A good website homepage is essential for making a strong first impression, guiding users to relevant content, enhancing your brand’s identity, and ultimately converting visitors into customers or engaged users. It’s a critical component of your overall web presence and should be carefully designed and optimised for maximum effectiveness.

Michelle’s Design Room creates beautiful unique logos, brand and website designs for small businesses. Hire Michelle’s Design Room to elevate your brand and website design and make the right first impression!

Custom Logo, Brand and Showit Website Design for Small Business Owners.