Four no brainer things your homepage should include
Not sure where you should start when constructing your homepage? Let us walk you through the must-haves!
Every website has its own unique requirements and needs but there’s one thing they all have in common- the content of your homepage is an essential introductory handshake between your brand and your audience. While we always strive to create the most visually impactful website, we’re equally passionate about structuring the most functional website and homepage. A strategic website achieves the goals and outcomes our clients establish at the start of the design process. This website structuring occurs in the wire-framing stage and is where we make decisions about how content is presented.
Here are some of our top recommendations for what should appear on your homepage. Depending on the actions we want to insight from an audience we may recommend alternative practices than listed below for our clients. It’s all about creating the best outcome for every business.
Contact Information
Having your contact information easily available is essential as it allows your audience to contact you! This could be a direct “call now” button, email address element or even a clear link to your “Contact” page. Remove the barrier and make it easy for your audience to contact you! Having hidden emails in “About” pages or essay-length contact forms is a deterrent for most users. If you’re using a form, only obtain crucial information to keep the process easy for your user to maximise enquiries.
Brand Overview
Your customer should land on your website and feel like your content is directly speaking to them and their needs. A clear statement about who you are and what you do in a prominent homepage position helps your audience feel confident that you can solve their problems. Don’t worry about making this overly contrived- an easy to understand statement best speaks to your target market and can help them stay on your page.
When a potential consumer lands on your website they need to understand they are in the right place and feel like your content is directly speaking to them. Having a clear statement about who you are and what you do in a prominent place on your homepage helps your audience feel confident that you can solve their problems. Don’t worry about making this overly wordy or contrived- a simple, easy to understand statement best speaks to your target market and can help the user stay on your page for longer.
Social Media links
While they don’t need to be hyper prominent, social media links encourage your audience to get to know you. Social media shows the ‘behind the scenes’ and gives your audience a feel for your brand before they make a purchase. Not all businesses require social media to thrive however regularly updated content lets your audience know that you’re ready to do business.
Downloadable Opt-in
An Opt is a downloadable asset or sign-up-style incentive that captures leads and moves potential customers through your sales funnel. As most users don’t make a purchase the first time they visit a website, an Opt-in helps record visitors for future marketing possibilities. By giving something of value away for free your audience is ‘warmed-up’ to the idea of investing in your business. You can remind them of your expert knowledge, your business approach and unique solutions long after they leave your website.
Need a hand structuring the converting website of your dreams? Let us help you.