As Will Rogers said “There is no second chance for a first impression” and studies prove this to be true with most people forming their first impression somewhere between 7 seconds and 2 minutes.
Your homepage is what invites people in. Your shop window, your front cover, your signpost; directing people where you want them to go. Whether it’s casual browsers or people looking specifically for what you offer, your homepage needs to appeal to them all and entice them in to learn more.
We have put together 5 pointers to help build the best possible first impression of your homepage in those precious first few seconds;
1. Grab people’s attention with easy-to-read web content
When people are looking for information, they often scan read so your content needs to be easy to find and easy to read. We know that you know how to find everything on your website, but put yourself in the shoes of the user. At a glance, is it obvious
- What you sell?
- Why they should buy your product or use your service?
- Why you are trustworthy? Do you have visible testimonials or statistics?
2. Present a strong visual brand
When a user lands on your homepage, they need to be instantly enticed in. Without boring you with too much science, the most natural way for the brain to process information is through imagery. They are processed, remembered, and recalled very quickly because our brain works in images. Does your homepage use photographs, graphics, or film? Make sure the images you use fit with your brand and convey the right message to people. They should represent your business and the products and services you offer.
3. Use a clear call to action
Your homepage is the portal to the rest of your website. Once you have grabbed the user’s attention with your homepage, you need to make sure that the next steps are visible and easy to follow to make sure that they continue on to the next stage. Even if you have the best homepage in the business, if your next steps are complicated or difficult to locate, your user is more likely to lose interest and look elsewhere. A clear call to action and an easy step-by-step process will give you far more chance of an inquiry or sale.
4. Include SEO content
Think about using keywords that will match best with what people are searching for when they land on your website. Your title should be short, straight to the point, and clearly state what you are offering. You can then give more information within your content. Your keywords should appear naturally throughout your homepage through text, captions on images, and headlines.
5. Use testimonials and encourage sharing
Your satisfied customers are some of your most valuable assets as a business. A testimonial is a reliable source of information for a potential customer and shows them that you are trustworthy. Make it easy for users to share your page using a call to action on your homepage.
These tips are some good starting points to help you improve your homepage and gain more customers as a result. We know how important your website is and what a difference it can make to your business. For any more information or to find out how we might be able to help you improve your website even more, get in touch with us today.