Many studies show a majority of people will look at your website before doing business with you. Statistics also prove you have approximately 10 seconds to capture your audience’s attention before they look someplace else.
Create an Effective Home Page
Many studies show a majority of people will look at your website before doing business with you. Statistics also prove you have approximately 10 seconds to capture your audience’s attention before they look someplace else. In most cases, your company website provides visitors with their first impression of your business. You only get one chance to make that positive impression!
Your home page is critical to the success of your website, yet many are created without much thought. Think about all the ideas the home page has to accommodate:
Site Identity
Clearly and quickly - your home page needs to tell visitors what the site is for, why they should be here, and what’s in it for them.
Where to Start
Make it clear where your visitor should go first.
Site Hierarchy
The navigation should provide an overview of the content the site offers. Design it from the reader’s perspective, not your own. Make the menu names intuitive to all users.
Search
Some visitors would rather use a search option instead of navigating around the site. A search box should be prominently displayed on your home page.
Speak to Each Audience
Provide a clear path and message to each audience you’re attracting. Give them what they are looking for. What message will capture each audience’s attention?
Hint About the Features Inside
Invite the reader to explore additional sections with features like promos, new items, hot deals and other attributes.
Shortcuts
Frequently requested pieces of content should have clear links so people don’t have to hunt for them.
Establish Credibility and Trust
This may be the most important. For some visitors, your home page might provide the only chance to create a good impression.
You can learn more website marketing strategies and how they can benefit your business by attending a half day seminar, “Elements of a Successful Website” by eBizResults, LLC. Contact Mike Pulvermacher at (920) 651-1376 for more information.
Mike Pulvermacher is the President/Founder of eBizResults, LLC, 1000 Oregon Street Suite A, Oshkosh (eBizResults.com). His team provides a variety of services including, website planning, development, marketing, hosting, database application programming, search engine optimization and seminars.