A homepage is considered as the main page of a website, and it is usually the one that the main URL is assigned to during the process of web creation. It is often used as a landing page to attract visitors; enticing them to explore other pages, and eventually through the sales funnel. Because it is the main point of entry, it is important to make a good first impression, where the page has an attractive welcome sign that will greet visitors to a business’s digital real estate.
Why Pay Attention to the Homepage’s Design
Users of the internet often pass judgment on a website based on what they initially see. If a homepage is cluttered, disorganized, or not visually appealing, then there is a big chance that visitors will simply go away. Whenever this happens, the business loses the opportunity to either educate a potential customer about their brand or to convert them into a buyer or client.
Also, people tend to scan information, and only if something catches their attention, will they read the content more thoroughly. Unless they are really determined to find details, they will not read through walls of text.
Therefore, a homepage has to have an excellent copy that will instantly grab the attention of visitors. An engaging web design should complement these carefully chosen words in order to emphasize the most important points. These two factors should work together to draw in visitors and keep them glued to the site.
Tips on Designing a Homepage
Designing a homepage can be rather complicated, which is why there are professionals that specialize in the field of web design. Still, there are simple tips that anyone can follow during the web creation or redesign process to make or improve the look of their website. Here are some of them:
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Keep it simple, clean, and clutter-free.
As mentioned earlier, people don’t particularly like being greeted by a cluttered homepage. Too many images or a walls of text can be overwhelming, so it is best to maintain a balance of photos, content, and white spaces. Also, if possible, avoid putting auto-play videos and a plethora of banners and ads.
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Use an appropriate color scheme.
There are plenty of reasons why one should take special care in selecting the color scheme for their website. Different colors evoke different emotions on people. Some color combinations are pleasant to look at, while others can be harsh on the eyes.
Also, there are colors that are more appropriate for certain products or target audience. For instance, black is not a good choice if the website is about toys for kids, and baby pink may not be appropriate for a sports bar (unless the color reflects the venue and has been selected on purpose).
When selecting the site’s palette, try not to use too many colors that will “fight” for the viewer’s attention. Instead, choose the ones that will complement each other.
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Choose the right combination of fonts.
Just like colors, fonts can have an impact on the effectiveness and beauty of a homepage. There are combinations that look good together while others may clash. Some can also be harder to read on a computer screen than others.
The typefaces that one chooses should be in accordance with what the website is about. Comic or kiddie fonts don’t belong in a law firm’s website, for example. Also, the size of the fonts should differ depending on emphasis. Titles are normally bigger than subtitles or descriptions.
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Feature an image that represents the brand.
Images also play an important part in creating an engaging web design. The photo for the upper part of the homepage (above the fold, normally seen even without scrolling down) should reflect what the brand is. So, as much as possible, use an original, high-quality one and not simply take a stock image from the web.
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Write short, catchy content.
The content on the homepage is different from a blog. It is not wise for the main page to feature an article or an explanation; instead, it should be more like an advertising copy, where there are short and catchy titles with brief descriptions.
There should be just enough text that will help visitors understand what the company is offering, and if they want to read more, then can follow a given link.
Also, there should be a contact information on the homepage — this will make it easy for visitors to enquire about the company’s products and services without having to navigate deeper into the site.
A homepage should be responsive, i.e., it can be viewed using any device, easy to navigate, and loads fast. Moreover, it has to be designed in such a way that people will associate it with the company and its products or services.
In other words, it should introduce and establish the brand. It has to make a statement, create an impact on visitors, and aid their recall even after they have left the site. A homepage is not simply about displaying the brand’s the name and logo, it also about giving visitors a “feel” of what the company is about.
If you need help in creating an effective homepage, or if you want to build a new website or redesign an existing one, our web designers and developers can help. The digital experts at Subzero Labhave years of experience in corporate website development and Ecommerce Web Design, and they can produce one with the right layout, colors, fonts, and content for you. Call us now at +65 8188 5159 or email us at wow@subzerolab.sg.
