Reviewing your home page for maximum impact
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When it comes to your website, the home page is often the page most viewers see first. It also happens to be the page many viewers leave your site from the most. This means you have a few seconds, literally the blink of an eye, to make a lasting impression on people visiting your site.
Your home page’s job is to capture the attention of the viewer, keep them hooked long enough to lead them on a journey through your site and - hopefully - convert them into a client or customer. Based on our experience, we’ve put together a neat list of what we think constitutes a good home page structure. You’re welcome!
Nav menu
For optimal user experience, it’s best to keep your navigation menu to a max of five to six buttons that are clear. Example: About us, Services, Contact us, etc) – so people can easily find what they want, and what they expect to see.
Incorporate highlighted call to actions that are relevant to your business/organisation. Example: A charity page may highlight a ‘Donate’ button, where as a dental surgery may choose to highlight a ‘Book now’ button.
Burger menus (those three little lines that symbolise the menu on your mobile) and side menus aren’t advised for desktop sites. You might think you’re trendy and cutting edge, but visitors want to find what they’re looking for SUPER fast. Which is more important to you? Easy navigation or jumping on the latest thing?
Website banner
This is the section underneath the nav bar, and its main purpose is to compel people to keep scrolling!
Hence this space is often filled with a visual element – a video, hero image, key statement, or even just some colour blocking with a bit of wording. Whatever it is that you choose, make sure it’s brand-aligned and makes the most of this space.
Don’t forget to utilise this super valuable real estate on your website by updating it when you’re running specific campaigns – that then link through to the event/product/whatever the landing page is.
What do you do?!
This seems like a no-brainer, but it can get overlooked (for reals). Make sure you include what you offer your clients and the benefits of your products/services on your home page. You know your business better than anyone else, and what may seem like common knowledge to you, could be brand new information to someone else. Make doing business with you as easy as possible!
Proof of work or capabilities
There are many ways to show your business’ capabilities through your website. These include:
Adding a page with case studies – then linking a few highlight ones to the home page
Making use of before and after photo galleries – again, tiling your best shots on a home page section
Have a client slider – whether it’s logos or testimonials, helping to prove your credibility
Email database sign up
By now, you may have heard us drone on about how valuable your email database is! (No really, check out Episode 21 to find out all about it!) Add a sign-up button or a lead magnet on your home page so people know how to get the latest deals and details from you.
Social connectivity
A pet peeve of ours is when we come across a website with no social links. If you’re on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, or wherever you’re active on socials – make it known!
CTA/How can I do business with you?
If after looking over your site, your audience wants to buy from you or do business with you – guide them and make that next step super clear for them.
If the next step is requesting a quote or setting up a meeting, add an online form so they can get the ball rolling while they are excited and in the ‘buying’ frame of mind.
If they need to come in-store to make a purchase or a booking, then make sure your address and open hours are clear and easy to find.
Check your analytics
Data as a standalone doesn’t mean much – but it’s MEGA useful when it compared to other data. For example, if you had 1000 visitors coming to your site – that sounds great. But let’s say you had 5000 visitors in the previous month, then that 1000 is actually not so great. Tune in to our podcast to see some key metrics you can keep your eye on to give valuable insights into your website’s performance and how it relates to your audience.