Generally speaking, homepage probably is the most popular page on most websites. One reason is the homepage is the oldest URL on the website, therefore, has had the time to accumulate the most inbound links. Another one is that the homepage is the most advertised URL in all the various marketing channels. And most direct visits start on the home page.
As a result, the homepage is one of the most important and visited pages on a website. Unfortunately, the home page of a website is, at best, a clumsy introduction and, at worst, poor in performance.
What makes a great homepage? A great homepage is easy to use, easy to understand and helps a visitor find the information they are looking for. A kickass homepage takes a great home page to a higher level by converting visitors into fans or leads.
It’s never too late to review your website homepage for new opportunity. Let’s take a look at the most common elements found on kickass website homepages. We've also highlighted these tactics in the image after the text, so be sure to check that out as well!
1. Include a One-Sentence Tagline
Start the page with a tagline that summarizes what the site or company does, especially if you're new or less than famous. Even well-known companies presumably hope to attract new customers and should tell first-time visitors about the site's purpose. It is especially important to have a good tagline if your company's general marketing slogan is bland and fails to tell users what they'll gain from visiting the site.
2. Offer Easy Access to Recent Homepage Features
Users will often remember articles, products, or promotions that were featured prominently on the homepage, but they won't know how to find them once you move the features inside the site. To help users locate key items, keep a short list of recent features on the homepage, and supplement it with a link to a permanent archive of all other homepage features.
3. Intuitive Navigation
The navigation on a website continues to support the value proposition by making it easy for a reader to find specifics about of what the website offers. Without intuitive navigation, the value proposition lacks clarity.
4. Effective Calls-to-Action
Your most wanted call to action should be placed above the fold on your homepage. Don’t create more ambiguity with a hidden CTA. Inspiring and building trust on your homepage is challenging enough! Be upfront about what specific action you’re trying to encourage.
5. Content Promotion
Thoughtful content is a great way to engage readers who are new to your organization. This content might take the form of blog posts, resources, videos or any other format.
Regardless of the format, the purpose of this content is to educate and help readers answer questions and/or solve problems, which builds trust and credibility with readers. The home page is a great area to promote content
6. Contact Information
The most straightforward ingredient to your website’s homepage design is your contact information. A few lines of text can have a huge impact.
Generally speaking, ensure the basics (Company Name, Phone, Email) are easily viewable within the footer so you’re not forcing a user to drill down into a back page to retrieve. This doesn’t mean remove your “Contact Us” section. Keep that section accessible in your navigation as most people look for those trigger words.
If your business relies on incoming calls, it may make sense to place your phone number above the fold in your header.
7. Thoughtful Design
Last, but certainly not least, a great website homepage requires great design aesthetics. Just like a great meal is better received with great presentation, your marketing is more compelling when it’s delivered using thoughtful, elegant design. In this context, design isn’t just the graphic elements.
Examples of thoughtful design includes improving readability and use by leading the eye to areas most important to readers, giving space between elements to create separation of ideas for readers, mobile-friendly design and other approaches that enhance the usability of the page.
More details please refer to : eCommerce website development