A homepage is the most important page on your website. A good homepage provides a description of your services and business, provides easy to use navigation so that people can access the rest of your website, and also provides the first impression that people will get of your website, and often your business. It is very important to have a well designed and easy to use homepage that lets people know that you care about your website and that makes it easy for them to see the services and/or products that you offer.
Essential Elements
1. Headline -- You have about 3 seconds to answer the question: "What does this site offer". Keep your headline clear and simple.
2. Sub-headline -- This element should offer a very brief description of what you do and offer. Show value to your site visitor and make sure you use this element to stand out from the rest of your competitors.
3. Benefits -- Don't just describe what you do but also why it MATTERS. Your potential clients want to know what are the benefits and advantages of using your services.
4. Primary Call To Action Buttons -- Guide your site visitors to action by using easy to see buttons. These should be in the part of your home page that is "above the fold". CTA buttons help drive conversions.
5. Features -- This is in addition to benefits. Help your site visitors understand what is provided by your products and services.
6. Customer Proof -- Add 1-2 testimonials to section on your homepage. This helps build trust and credibility.
7. Success Indicators -- Highlight some of your customer successes that are attributed to them using your services and/or products.
8. Navigation -- This element is very important in helping your site visitors get to the deeper sections of your website. Keep your navigation at the top of your page and keep it simple. You will reduce bounce rates providing an easy to use navigation scheme.
9. Supporting Image -- Many people are visual and websites should take advantage of that. Use images that clearly represent what your company’s vision and products/services. Try to stay away from just using stock images of fake people. Be real!
10. Content Offer -- Offer a FREE ebook, article, or guide that helps lead a site visitor to use your product and service.
11. Resources -- Most of your website visitors will not be ready to buy at that moment. Make sure you offer them a link to learn more about how to purchase your products and/or services at a later date.
12. Secondary Call To Action Buttons -- Offer CTA buttons at the bottom of the page for those who make it that far. This presents more lead generation opportunities for your visitors and it will build conversion rates.
Conclusion:
A well designed website is essential for marketing in today's world. As one of the most important pages on your website, your homepage should be well designed and easy to use. If you need help modifying or creating your homepage or website, contact us at sales@emwd.com. We have been creating spectacular websites for over 15 years, and we know how to market your services in a clear and concise way that will bring you customers!
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
