Homepage Magic: 3 Essential Tips to Captivate & Convert Visitors
Your website homepage is the first and most valuable hello to anyone curious about who you are, the heart behind your biz, and the incredible value you bring to the table.
Even if you have a robust social media presence, people will pop over to your website to see who you are and learn more about what you have to offer.
Having a homepage that shares your information and next steps in a clear way is vital to capturing the attention of your ideal clients.
So, here are three tips to make your homepage a client-catching, love-spreading powerhouse that turns those casual browsers into your newest fans.
Ready to make some homepage magic happen?
Let's do this!
01. Create a Tagline
What’s a tagline?
A tagline is a short, punchy phrase that encapsulates your essence as a business owner and the big bonuses you bring to the table. It communicates the unique value of your business — it’s not just what you do, but how and why you do it. Your magic. ✨
I've whipped up a simple five-part tagline exercise that'll help you get clarity on your brand message. Grab your free copy to help you nail that perfect phrase 👇
WEBSITE TAGLINE PLANNER
02. Above the Fold
Place the important stuff ‘above the fold’.
You may asking…. ‘What is ‘above the fold??’
"Above the fold" refers to the content on a web page that is visible without scrolling.
It originated from print newspapers (‘member those?), representing the top half of the front page that readers see when the paper is folded.
In web design, the top area forms your visitor’s initial impression, since it’s the first place they see when they land on your website.
Key elements that should be above the fold:
Logo
Navigation Menu
Headline or tagline
1 high-quality banner or hero image or video - preferably of you!
Primary call-to-action button
Here’s an example of a great ‘above the fold’ home page from The Funky Celebrant (I love this site).
It includes what they do, who the are, a clear call to action (get in touch), easy to read navigation links, and a fun and personality-driven banner image.
03. Easy to Navigate Website Structure with 5 Sections
Section 01 - Above the Fold
Above the Fold — examples above!
Section 02 - Benefits of What You Offer
Benefits of what you offer — Too many business owners focus on features instead of benefits, and I think this is a mistake. While it’s important to communicate what your service does, it’s even more important to explain how it benefits the customer. Benefits are what motivate your peeps to take action, so make sure you’re highlighting the benefits of your offerings in your copy.
So…. what exactly is the difference between features and benefits?
Features are the characteristics of a service or product. These are the physical or tangible aspects that it has. For example, a car's features might include a navigation system, leather seats, or a sunroof.
Benefits, on the other hand, are the positive outcomes that the customer will experience as a result of using the product or service. Benefits are the ways in which the features of the product or service will improve your client’s life.
For example, the benefits of a car's nav system might include getting to destinations more easily and efficiently, the leather seats might provide a more comfortable ride, and the sunroof might allow for a more enjoyable driving experience.
In short, features describe what the product or service has, while benefits explain why the customer should care and how it will improve their life.
It's important for you to focus on benefits in your messaging, because your clients are more interested in how your service can solve their problems, rather than just the features.
Section 03 - Social Proof
Social proof (testimonials or reviews) — Make it a point to collect all the nice things your clients and customers say about you in one place. If you’re just getting started, create a feedback form that they can fill out once your project is complete.
Be sure to include a spot for constructive feedback, as well, as that helps you grow your business to become even better.
Section 04 - Main CTA
Main Call to Action (CTA) — A button that pops that leads your visitor exactly where you want them to go - whether it’s a contact page, a newsletter sign up, a digital download, or your services page. Make it clear, make it obvious.
Section 05 - FAQ
FAQ — Include a mini FAQ section right below your CTA that answers any questions that might encourage your website visitors to leave the site.
Ideas of things to include - your prices or pricing scale (if you feel comfortable sharing), what the process looks like working with you, refund policy, next steps, and even who your services aren’t for, to save both of you time.
Creating an impactful homepage layout will help your ideal clients understand what you offer, why it will make their life better, and the exact steps to take to make it happen.
