First impressions in any situation are a big deal, so why would your website be any different? Your homepage is the first thing many of your users see. If it’s not appealing or easy to navigate, do you think users will continue exploring? We’ve come up with five features we think your homepage should have to help make that great first impression.
1) Call-to-Action
All good homepages will have at least one or two calls-to-action (CTA). A call-to-action is used to bring users exactly where you want them to go. It also helps with allowing your users to explore your site deeper with ease. Don’t be afraid to be creative with your CTAs. Make them attractive by adding pictures and using different shapes. Your CTAs should also have a clear action. Your user should know exactly what you’re trying to get them to do. See below for some tips on creating a great CTA!
- Use action words: learn more, explore our portfolio, view our menu
- Use words that provoke enthusiasm
- Use numbers (Get 20% off now)
- Create urgency
2) Clear Navigation
The navigation menu is the roadmap to your website. If your navigation is clustered and has a bunch of buttons that link to the same thing, it’s going to be confusing. You want to make sure it’s straightforward and guides users to exactly where they want to go. Your navigation should also reflect on what your business is trying to promote and as well as what pages your users visit constantly. These are the types of content that should be standing out and easily accessible in the navigation.
3) Contact Us
Just think, has there ever been a time when you’ve been frustrated because you couldn’t find a site’s contact information? I know I have! Users should be able to find your contact information quickly and with ease. Regularly, companies will put all their contact information in the main homepage footer. The footer is a great spot to put all your contact information in because it’s a simple area that anyone can find.
Here are a few examples of what you could display:
- Address
- Phone number
- Social media icons
- Map
Depending on the types of leads you’re hoping to drive, you may also want to use in-header contact information like a sales or support number, or even a quick “request a quote” or “schedule a demo” button.
4) Social Proof
Social Proof has become a big way for companies to show that they are a trusted company and are exceptional in their business. It’s a great way to show new users that you are worth the time and purchase. As a user, wouldn’t you feel confident in purchasing or contacting a business if you saw other users had a great experience? Some examples of Social Proof you could display are:
- Customer stories
- Client testimonials
- Reviews
- Case studies
5) Video / Photos
Sites these days can be seen including videos and high-quality photos on their homepage. Videos are a great way to add movement to your site and a way to make the site interactive for your users. Videos can also be used as banners and sometimes even as the whole background on your homepage. Adding photos creates a visual experience for your customers. It’s also a great way to break up content. Customers would rather view your products than read about them. By adding these features to your homepage, you’ll be creating a very visual experience for your users.
Hopefully, these features gave you some ideas on how to design or redesign your homepage. And remember, your homepage is the face of your site. Add what you need to make it captivating and interesting for your users.
