Anatomy of the perfect homepageJanagraphics Design Studio
WEB DESIGN
A GUIDE ON HOW TO STRUCTURE THE PERFECT HOMEPAGE
BEFORE WE START
A couple of things: When you hire a web designer you’re not buying your website copy, at least not usually.
This means you’re the one that's supposed to provide the content for your website.
The designer might be able to help with giving you inputs for what to include on your homepage, but won’t be the one who writes your copy for you.
It’s handy, then, to have a clear idea of what you should include even before working with a designer.
You might decide to hire a copywriter to take care of your website’s copy for you.
A copywriter might be able to help with your page's structure, but again you must have a clear idea of what’s essential to have or not have!
THE PERFECT HOMEPAGE
I always like to say your homepage is your online business card. It’s most likely the first page a potential client sees when landing on your corner of the internet.
This means the homepage is your chance to make sure potential clients know you’re talking to them directly.
That they’re the exact person your business or website is there for.
And that you have something valuable to offer!
You have just one chance for potential clients to decide to explore your website deeper, you want to make the most out of it!
What does this mean?
Simply make sure all your offerings are stated somewhere on your homepage, with the right priority: services, blog, newsletter, courses, workshops, freebies, you name it!
Anything you’re offering to your ideal client counts and it’s worth mentioning!
I generally suggest you follow a priority hierarchy with the most valuable/profitable offerings on top (these could be your services for your ideal client) and the less fundamental offerings to follow.
A couple of things: When you hire a web designer you’re not buying your website copy, at least not usually.
This means you’re the one that's supposed to provide the content for your website.
The designer might be able to help with giving you inputs for what to include on your homepage, but won’t be the one who writes your copy for you.
It’s handy, then, to have a clear idea of what you should include even before working with a designer.
You might decide to hire a copywriter to take care of your website’s copy for you.
A copywriter might be able to help with your page's structure, but again you must have a clear idea of what’s essential to have or not have!
THE PERFECT HOMEPAGE
I always like to say your homepage is your online business card. It’s most likely the first page a potential client sees when landing on your corner of the internet.
This means the homepage is your chance to make sure potential clients know you’re talking to them directly.
That they’re the exact person your business or website is there for.
And that you have something valuable to offer!
You have just one chance for potential clients to decide to explore your website deeper, you want to make the most out of it!
What does this mean?
Simply make sure all your offerings are stated somewhere on your homepage, with the right priority: services, blog, newsletter, courses, workshops, freebies, you name it!
Anything you’re offering to your ideal client counts and it’s worth mentioning!
I generally suggest you follow a priority hierarchy with the most valuable/profitable offerings on top (these could be your services for your ideal client) and the less fundamental offerings to follow.
STRUCTURE
The anatomy of a perfect homepage should be structured similarly to this:
✦ Introduction Offerings
✦ Directory
✦ About
✦ Newsletter
✦ Extras
I suggest you note down all your offerings and take some time to properly consider your priority hierarchy based on what’s most fundamental for your particular business.
Let’s dive in a little deeper.
INTRODUCTION
Generally, this section is in what’s called the “above the fold” area, which means in the first 1000px on the page.
This is the area that’s usually visible even without scrolling down through the page.
This area should make the spark of interest flare in your ideal client!
What to include?
An introduction about your website/business, a welcome message, an image slider, a full-width image or even an images collage.
Visuals work best here.
OFFERINGS DIRECTORY
Once you have your ideal client interest, the first thing you want to make sure he sees is your most profitable offerings.
These are generally the services you offer or the products you sell.
Maybe, if you own an online shop, your top product categories.
Or, if you run a blog, your most popular series and columns.
What to include?
Visuals accompanying titles and small descriptions for your top offerings.
Photography works well here, but even icons or illustrations are good ideas if you have some within your brand board!
ABOUT
Most businesses are made of human relationships, whether you sell services or products.
And to me, there’s nothing more essential than starting to build that relationship with your ideal client as soon as he visits your website.
It’s about building empathy and showing the humanity of your business.
But even exciting curiosity in your ideal clientele to discover more about the behind-the-scenes.
How you work, who you are and why they should pick you!
What to include?
A picture of you at work, together with a brief text and a button leading to your About Page.
EXTRAS
While the previous sections are usually the same for most websites, based on your business type and the rest of your offerings, you might want to include some more areas here.
Remember you’re supposed to state anything you’re offering!
Maybe you run a blog or have some nice testimonials to share, or you have a physical shop you want the user to see a map for.
What to include?
Your blog’s latest posts, your portfolio preview/directory, you're Instagram feed, you're course, your next workshop, testimonials, a map, or anything extra you have to offer.
I hope this gives you a better understanding of Website structure and makes the process a bit easier for you.
Any Questions send me an email HERE