Top tips to boost your website Homepage design
Posted on 9th January 2023
You need create a lasting impression when a visitor first lands on your website’s homepage. One that will make them want to make a purchase or return time and time again. Your homepage is the foundation stone of your website that can help make, or break, your brand and business, so it’s important to get the design elements working well. Whether you are launching your website for the first time or redesigning it, here are our top tips.
Tell them what you do
As soon as a visitor lands on your homepage they should immediately know what services you offer or what products you can provide. Your copy and visuals should communicate clearly your USP and what sets you apart from your competitors.
Use high-quality images
Give your website the wow factor from the start by only using high quality, original images. Avoid using stock images or clip art where possible so your website outshines your competitors.
Test and measure for different screens
Most visitors will be attracted to your website through their mobile devices, so ensure your homepage is optimised to look good. Ensure it works well on any device, whether it’s a mobile screen, laptop or desktop computer.
Incorporate your branding
Don’t forget to incorporate your branding colours and logo on your homepage to help your visitor’s identify your products or services with your company. It will help to encourage them to return to your website if they feel they know you.
Use colour for effect
It is worth using contrasting colours to make elements stand out, like the CTA button or contacts form. It will help your visitors to take the desired action. Don’t forget you can evoke emotions that you want to have associated with your culture through the use of colour too.
Keep content uncluttered
If a visitor is presented with a page full of copy it can look cluttered and put them off. Limit your paragraphs to two or three sentences and use your content to entice your visitors to click to other pages.
Call-to-action (CTA)
This is a vital element of your homepage, as it will advise your visitor how to make a purchase right from the start. It’s not essential to have a call-to-action (CTA) above the fold, but it is worth including one. Why not consider incorporating one in your menu or navigation.
Give directions
Include classic design elements to give your visitors directions on their user journey. For example, have faces pointing and eyes looking where you want your visitor to go next. You could also have arrows guiding them to make that important purchase.
Avoid carousels, sliding headers and sidebars
Carousels, sliding headers and sidebars might have created a good impression a few years ago, but nowadays website designers see them as visual clutter, dated and distracting. Keep your user on track and concentrate on directing them to convert into a sale.
Include your contact details
Did you know 44% of users leave websites without contact details www.itseeze-ipswich.co.uk/blog/did-you-know-44-of-users-leave-websites-without-contact-details/ Including easily accessible contact details is essential on your homepage.
White space
Don’t forget to use whitespace in your homepages’ design as it allows the users’ eye to rest before drawing their attention to what you really want them to focus on. An uncluttered homepage also looks more professional.
The advantage of using video
Marketing experts have identified that using video on your homepage is the most engaging media tool and is almost good to include. Using a video is an easy way to explain to the viewer how your products or services can help to solve their problems and address their need.
Social proof
If your company holds professional memberships or industry organisations, it is worth using their logos to demonstrate you are a reputable organisation that can be trusted.
Include a menu
It’s not essential, but we would advise having a search function or menu on your homepage so visitors can easily find what they are looking for. It could also help you track what your visitors are searching for.
Visual effect
Use a well-balanced design and structure to encourage a good user experience. A poor or awkward design could decrease the purchasing power of your brand.
Ensure your homepage is fast loading
People get bored more easily in our digital age, so the faster your homepage loads, the less likely they are to click to your competitors’ website. Search engines are also likely to rank your website more highly if you optimise the load time.
Incorporate links to your social media
Most small to medium enterprises use social media to promote their brands, so don’t forget to add buttons linking to the platforms that you use. It will help your ideal audience to identify with your company.
Fresh look
Don’t forget to review your homepage regularly and refresh the look and content to keep it relevant. It will help to maintain the attention of your regular visitors.
Ask for expert help
If you haven’t refreshed your homepage for a while, we would like to invite you to contact us for our expert opinion.
Our website design experts can advise you on improvements you can make to help boost your business, brand and sales. Book an appointment today.
Share this post: