Key Features Every Homepage Should Have
Your homepage plays a crucial factor in the success of your business. It makes or breaks how your potential customers see your brand. It establishes the tone for your website, tells your potential customers about your business, and — ideally — makes them want to get to know more about your products or services. There are various essential elements of an effective website, such as colour scheme, font selection, layout, and white space. However, the core of a well-designed website is not the design, but its content. Your website’s homepage only has a few seconds to introduce your business and encourage prospective buyers to explore other web pages.
Make sure your website homepage has these key features. They are essential for your website to reach its full potential.
1. Logo
Your business logo is the core of the identity and branding of your business and should be front and centre to enable your visitors to immediately recognize your brand. Since it is one of the most important components of a website homepage, your logo should be strategically placed up at the top in the homepage’s header field. Make sure your logo is clear and sized appropriately for the design of your website.
Furthermore, it is a good idea to link your logo to your homepage to allow visitors to easily return to your homepage after exploring the different web pages.
2. Mobile Responsive
A mobile responsive design should not only focus on your homepage but the entire website. It is an important feature since more than 50% of online customers use mobile devices in 2017 which is why it is critical for your website to work accordingly for that purpose. If your website is not responsive, it will result in a higher bounce rate since users will abandon your website if it doesn’t load or function properly on their mobile devices.
3. Navigation
When you design a website homepage, be sure to include a straightforward and intuitive navigation in your header. A search box is a valuable asset you need to include, especially for a content-heavy website. The navigation menu helps your visitors to easily locate the products or services in your website Think of the navigation area as a road map that provides your prospects with an overview of the content, as well as finding the information they are looking for in the most efficient route. When making a homepage, having a descriptive and thorough navigation menu helps reduce bounce rates.
4. Headline
Your website homepage only has a few seconds to communicate to prospects what your business has to offer. That is why it is critical for homepages to have a headline with a sub-headline or short paragraph with a clear description of your business and the products and services you provide. Your headline should have 2 to 3 sentences of a powerful, memorable, and concise message to your potential customers.
5. Call-to-Action
A good website homepage piques the interest of your visitors and encourages them to explore other pages of your website. No matter how great the homepage website trends are, having a call-to-action (CTA) is one of the most effective ways to take visitors into the interior pages, start the selling cycle or initial direct contact by linking the CTA buttons to contact forms, subscription enrollment forms and other internal web pages that provide more information.
6. Live Chat
Not all people have the time to explore your web pages or the FAQ page to find the information they needed. A high-converting website ensures customer convenience by installing a live chat that provides potential customers with instant feedback.
Artificial intelligence has made live chats more achievable for both small and large company websites. Many websites offer this feature as a simple plugin for their CMS platform. Additionally, businesses should include this feature in their website because of its numerous benefits.
- 44% of online customers reported that having a live person answer their questions while in the middle of making a purchase is one of the most vital features every website should have.
- 63% of online consumers claimed that they are more likely to return if the website after a live chat.
- 38% reported that the chat session influenced them to make a purchase from the website.
- 62% said that they are more likely to return and purchase from the website again.
7. Images/Photos
Images are important components of your homepage. It allows prospective customers to view what your business has to offer them. For instance, companies that provide services like landscape design should have a portfolio of before and after photos of their work. If a portfolio is not an option, you can show website visitors a few images of the well-maintained equipment used in your business.
On the other hand, if your business offers insurance or life coaching, you can show photos of your friendly staff and your comfortable and well-designed office. You can also include a short video introducing your business to your target audience. If these options are unavailable, use images of recognizable landmarks where your company is located to show you are part of the community.
8. Social Proof
Establishing customer trust is important for the success of your business. Testimonials from your customers is one way to build their trust. Business experts also reported that testimonials from customers have the highest effectiveness rating for content marketing at 89%.
Positive testimonials is a great way to build your credibility. It shows your successful track record. Testimonies from previous customers can influence your prospects’ buying decisions. Encourage your clients to write a testimonial for your products or business with their real names. Business endorsements from real people mean more than any anonymous testimonials.
Your case studies should have a consistent, concise format that will effectively explain your client’s problem and how your company helped solve the issue. You can use your case studies as a platform to show off your expertise since most potential customers like to see real life examples of your work.
9. Special Features
If your website has members-only access, a sign-up form, a cart view, or site search bar, it is important that your visitors can easily find these special features. Creating a secondary navigation near the primary navigation helps direct and give your prospects quick access. Adding these special features to your footer allows your visitors to continuously scroll and see the pages or information they are looking for. You can also add a call-to-action button in the homepage of your website is one of these features is an essential component of your website functionality.
Incorporating these features in your homepage attracts and converts more visitors to your website. Make sure to work with a trusted and professional custom web design firm in Toronto to discuss your website needs. Call Mouth Media today at (416) 531-5443.