The homepage of your website is the first impression potential clients will have of your business, and it plays a huge role in determining whether or not they decide to stay on the site. To ensure that visitors get the best possible experience when visiting your website, it’s important to make sure that you include all the essential elements on your homepage. In this blog post we will be discussing the five essential elements of a website homepage. Let’s dive in!
Authentic & Aligned Branding
Authentic and Aligned Branding on your homepage will tell the user what type of person you are without having met you in person. Your branding represents your brand voice, identity, and personality. Your branding consists of fonts, layouts, and colors used throughout your website and when you are marketing your content on social media. Consistently following a recognizable brand is essential if you want your clients to trust in what you offer. Unpredictable shifts in branding only serves to confuse and can lead them to question the integrity of the product or service being provided.
Branding consists of the 4 V’s for vision, values, voice and visuals that are essential to have on your website, and here is why:
Vision
The vision for your business should be much more than just achieving financial success. It should provide an emotional connection to motivate and drive you forward in pursuit of your goals. This is the WHY behind why you are running your business. Keeping it in mind will help you stay focused on your goals.
Values
Establishing meaningful connections with clients who share your values is key for a flourishing brand. Make sure to team up with those whose vision aligns with yours and that your core beliefs are represented in the partnerships you create.
Voice
Your brand voice defines the clear and concise message you want to convey about your business. Don’t feel the pressure to only be “professional.” Instead, reach out with an honest and real voice that resonates with your ideal clients.
Visuals
This is your business logo, typography, brand colors, and imagery that is used in all your marketing materials. Your visuals should reflect your brand vision, values & voice. Visuals are often the first thing that grabs potential customers’ attention and encourages them to learn more about you. So make sure they accurately convey who you are as a business!
Hero Image And A Hook
What is a hero image?
A Hero Image is an eye-catching banner or photo at the top of your website homepage. It’s typically a large, visually appealing image that captures the attention of visitors and makes them want to learn more about your business. It is the first image your user sees when they visit your website for the first time.
Your hero image needs to be of high quality, sharp and impactful. It should also match the overall theme of your website and be relevant to what you are offering.
What is a hook?
Along with a Hero Image, it’s also important to include a ‘hook’ which is a short sentence that translates to your user who you are, who you help, and what services or products you will provide.
For example, if you are a virtual assistant your hook may be ”I help business owners with their day-to-day administrative tasks, so they can focus on growing their business.”
If you are a life coach your hook may be ”I support busy moms to find their purpose and build a life they love.”
If you are a social media manager your hook may be ”I help entrepreneurs build their social media presence, so they can connect with their target audience.”
This hook should be concise and clear. Not only does it provide great insight for new visitors, but it also encourages them to take action and learn more about what you have to offer.
Primary Call To Action
Your primary call to action (CTA) should be prominently featured on your homepage so visitors can take the necessary action right away. It should also match the overall theme of your website and be relevant to what you are offering.
A primary CTA can be anything from asking visitors to sign up for a newsletter, download a free guide or join an online course. It should be actionable, clear and direct so that visitors know exactly what to do next. Examples of common primary CTAs are:
– Sign Up For Our Newsletter
– Download Your Free Guide
– Join Our Online Course
– Watch Our Video
– Get A Quote Now
– Buy Now
– Schedule A Call
– Reserve Your Spot.
By providing visitors with a primary CTA, you are giving them the chance to take action and engage further with your business.
Your Call To Action stand out and attract attention on your website. You can do this by using a contrasting colour, making sure the button isn’t too small & the text is easily readbale.
You should add a call to action button after every section on your homepage to prompt your visitors to use the CTA for a higher conversion rate.
Benefits/Solutions
Your homepage should show your audience exactly how your service will resolve the problem they are struggling with. Be certain to clearly communicate that you have the solution they need.
So rather than stating just the service you offer, explain the benefits & solutions your service provides. For example, if you are a virtual assistant, don’t just say that you offer virtual assistance services. Explain how your virtual assistance services will save your clients time and energy so they can focus on their business growth.
This way, visitors to your website will understand the value of what you offer & be more likely to take action.
Social Proof
Social proof is otherwise known as your testimonials & case studies. Social proof can come in the form of written or video content from previous clients you serviced that explain what their experience was working with you. They are a great asset on your homepage to prove your credibility & help increase your website conversions.
Social proof should include the customer’s name and business, a few sentences about their experience working with you, and why they would recommend your services. For example, “I hired Jane Doe to help me manage my social media accounts and was impressed by her level of service. She increased my followers & engagement rate by 30%. I have signed new clients & am now fully booked. I highly recommend her for anyone looking for a reliable and knowledgeable social media expert.”
Social proof is a great way to build trust with potential clients & show them that you can help them get real results.
Conclusion
Having a well-structured and effective homepage is essential for any business. By following these steps, your website will be better equipped to attract visitors and convert them into clients.
If you need help with creating a strategy-led website you can contact me HERE.