The first impression of a business’s website is often what will determine whether a visitor stays to browse and read or leaves. After all, a poorly designed or functioning website can easily make users go looking elsewhere. While all parts of a website should be well-designed, the homepage deserves its special point of focus. This is because the homepage essentially functions as the digital front door of any website.
In other words, the homepage will often be what makes that user stay to visit or walk back out that door. Meaning, businesses want to ensure that their homepage delivers the maximum impact possible. Several elements go into a well-constructed website homepage, so let’s take a look at what to include for maximum impact.
Homepage Essentials of Website Design
Let’s take a look at some of the elements that any business should include in a homepage to ensure they keep users interested.
1. Logo Front and Center
A well-designed logo functions as a visual hook to visitors. A majority of well-designed websites will feature the logo at the top or center of the page. However, make sure it isn’t too big. While it should be present to represent the brand, it doesn’t need to take up half the page.
2. Impactful, Clear, and Concise Headline
The headline of a website is one of the most important hooks on the page. A clear and concise headline communicates what the site is about and why the visitor should care. When the user can clearly understand the headline, it can encourage them to explore the site further. So, here are a few tips for writing a good headline:
- Clear and Concise: Use as few words as possible without getting too complex.
- Relevance: The headline should communicate the core brand message and be relevant to the target audience.
- Benefits: Ideally, the headline can communicate the benefits the user stands to receive from the brand, rather than just advertising the product or service.
- Talk to the Audience: Remember to write the headline in such a way that it is talking to the audience rather than just at them. Users easily get disinterested when the headline seems like it’s just advertising product details.
3. Subheadlines for Context and Flavor
The primary headline is meant to hook, while the subheadline elaborates upon that hook. It is meant to add additional value to the benefit-driven headline and generally can follow much of the same tips above as the primary headline.
The primary difference is that the subheadline should elaborate on the value of the headline. It should also function as a bridge to the rest of the page and give reasons for the user to continue reading.
4. Navigation Menu and Search Function
An easy-to-understand navigation menu is a necessity in any modern website. Businesses want their visitors to be able to easily find what they want or are interested in, and easily navigate to that page.
The most common and ideal method to include this menu is with a collapsible hamburger icon. Also, an additional part of easy navigation is a search bar where users can look for exactly what they came for.
5. Visual Impact
On many well-designed sites, users will see a featured primary image or video that acts as a focal point. If this is going to be a feature of the homepage, it needs to be done right. Some tips for the primary image or video include:
- Product images or videos should show it in action
- Looping videos should be simple with an easy-to-understand message
- Keep it relevant and interesting — don’t just throw stock photos up
As an additional note on visuals, be sure to use colors that complement the brand. This could be the brand theme/colors, or just general colors that align well with the design.
6. Social Proof
Well put-together social proof is one of the biggest appeals for a brand. This can include case studies on previous projects the brand has done, other known companies they have worked with, or reviews from happy customers.
Ultimately, this type of proof shows users that the brand is legitimate and satisfies its customers with the product or service. Never neglect the power of social proof.
7. Interesting and Clear Copy
The copy of a website can make or break its bounce rate. Overly complex words or sentences, walls of text, and bad grammar can make users turn away in an instant. Website copy, especially on the homepage, needs to be well-thought-out and written so that it maintains the user’s interest. Here are some tips for writing good homepage copy:
- Keep it simple and concise
- Communicate an understanding of the problem and how the product or service solves it
- Communicate why this brand is the one with the solution
- Avoid massive paragraphs that will cause loss of interest
- Create whitespace in between sections for users to “rest” their eyes
- Offer links for additional context on certain topics
- Include a brief overview of offered products or services
8. The Call to Action (CTA)
Leaving out a call to action can be a conversion killer. The CTA is what prompts the user to take action on the information they just took in. Now that they understand what the brand is, the problem, and how the product or service solves it, the CTA offers them a clear path forward. Some tips for a high-quality CTA include:
- Contrasting color to draw attention (contained within a different colored box on the page or a warmer color contrast)
- Contained higher up in the page for visibility
- Create whitespace around the CTA to avoid distraction
- Create easy-to-understand buttons to click
9. Contact Information
If a user wants to learn more or has a question, it should be easy to find contact information for them. The contact information section can include:
- Email address
- Phone number
- Online contact form
- Physical address (if there is a physical location)
- Live chat options for quick response
- Social media links to connect with the brand
Common locations for contact information include the header, footer, or on a ‘contact us’ page. It can even be included in multiple places, such as a phone number in the header, with the rest of the info in the footer. If opting to use a contact page, ensure it is easy to see and clickable in the navigation menu.
Graphem Solutions Offers Website Design Services You Can Trust
If you are looking to construct a well-crafted homepage and website, you’ve found the right place with Graphem Solutions. Our team offers years of experience in the best website design practices to ensure your business gets a website that fits every need and desire. We work closely with you to understand your business and target audience so that your website can truly connect with users.
To learn more about our website design services, you can reach out to us through our online contact form or call us at 1-800-590-0175. We look forward to working with you on your homepage or whole website. Be sure to also check out our work on other business websites to see what you can expect from our team!
