What makes an effective website homepage?
Sophie Henderson
Project Manager at Shaw
Your website’s homepage is like a welcome mat. It sets the tone and invites visitors in. Ideally, it should feel warm, approachable, easy to understand, and addresses the needs of your target customer. Since it’s often the first place people land, a clear and thoughtful homepage can go a long way in helping them to feel at home and to find what they’re looking for.
Here are a few of our top tips to keep in mind when working on your homepage.
Slideshow or video
We often recommend featuring a slideshow or short video at the top of your homepage. These visual elements grab attention quickly and give users an instant feel for your brand and the breadth of your services. They’re a great way to showcase your personality and offering in a concise, engaging format.
Engaging copy
Getting the copy right is vital to a successful homepage. The correct words boost your visibility in search engines through strategic keywords, while also capturing attention and clearly communicating your expertise. It’s where engagement starts and conversions begin.
Icons or illustrations
Icons or custom illustrations are an effective and quirky way of communicating key services or features. They break up text and can make complex information digestible and visually appealing.
SOME EXAMPLES:
The above are examples of website homepages we’ve designed that try and engage users in lots of the ways mentioned.
Consistent colourways and typography
A carefully chosen, consistent colour palette and clear, stylish typography do more than look good. They reinforce your brand identity, help to guide the user experience, and give your site a professional and cohesive feel from the very first glance.
Interactive features
Adding interactive features like hover effects, animations, or clickable elements can greatly improve user engagement. These subtle touches help to bring your site to life and encourage users to explore further.
Testimonials
Positive client testimonials are essential for building credibility and trust. Featuring a few strong quotes on your homepage can reassure potential customers that they’re working with a reliable and trusted team.
Case studies
Case studies serve a dual purpose: they showcase real-world examples of your work and demonstrate the value you provide. Whether it’s the scale of the project or the type of client, case studies help you stand out and give potential customers a clearer idea of what to expect.
Clear calls-to-action (CTAs)
Strong, visible calls-to-action are crucial for guiding users through your site. Whether it’s encouraging them to get in touch, book a service, or explore your work, effective CTAs help to drive conversions and improve the overall user experience.
At Shaw, we’re passionate about creating websites that are not only visually appealing, but also clear, informative, and easy to use. Need help crafting a homepage that truly works? Get in touch today – we’d be delighted to help.