You probably see your homepage as a primary focal point of your website. It’s where someone lands when they type your URL into their address bar. It’s a warm welcome and a first impression.
What happens when someone new doesn’t see your homepage first?
Let’s dissect the importance and purpose of a homepage, then discuss how that needs to be applied throughout your site.
Your Homepage as a Welcome Mat
Like the front door to your home, the homepage of your website is typically seen as the primary entrance. When someone enters you want to make them feel welcome and immediately “at home” by giving them an overview and providing directions.
The homepage of your website should lay the foundation for your business, and the path toward meeting your goals.
Someone new to your website should be able to immediately discern who you are, what you do, what they should do next. Most homepages excel at this.
The Pathways to Your Website
If someone types your domain into their browser, it’s pretty much guaranteed that they will land on your homepage. That said, there are lots of other ways people will find your website.
Depending on the quality of your content and SEO, a Google search may lead someone to any page on your website. Alternatively, someone may click a link that was shared on social media or in an email. (Keeping with the home analogy, imagine someone coming in through a back door.)
[bctt tweet=”What happens when someone comes to your website and they don’t land on your homepage?” username=”jess_creates”] Are they welcomed into your business? Are they guided in a direction to help them?
Applying Homepage Philosophy to Other Pages
We’ve established the typical purpose of a homepage, and discussed how visitors come to your site. You need to be ready to welcome them on every page.
Applying homepage elements to all of the pages on your website will make people feel more welcomed and guided.
Look at your website from the eyes of a first-time visitor. For each page you should ask yourself:
- Is it clear who I am and what I do?
- Is it clear what next step the visitor should take? (Is there a clear call-to-action?)
- Is the page design inviting and brand-consistent?
Next Steps
It can be overwhelming when you start to think about tending to the needs of every page of your website. Try choosing one page per week to assess and improve.
Still feel a little out of your comfort zone? Consider hiring a web designer to turn all of your pages into magic.