How to Design a Homepage That Converts

When users enter your website, the first thing they usually see is a homepage. In a nutshell, a homepage is an introduction page that contains a brief overview of the website and includes links to other webpages. Also, it is a visual storefront that sets the tone for the overall interaction and creates the basis for intercommunication. In other words, the homepage serves as the starting point for further website discovery. And if it isn’t impressive and appealing, the users might skip the idea and leave your platform without giving it a chance. That’s why it’s crucial to make a homepage that attracts and converts.

As the entryway of the website, the homepage should perform multiple functions. One of the most important is directing the audience to the information they need. Thus, it naturally gives them an incentive to explore more and complete desired actions, making their experiences smooth and enjoyable. To implement that, you’ll need a perfect UX/UI design, but it’s not the only key to converting visitors. These are several points you need to consider when designing a homepage:

Incorporate less elements

With an enormous amount of information on the web, users get used to quickly scanning instead of reading word by word. With so many elements on-page, the design might urge visitors to focus on all things at once, which can be overwhelming. And to create an excellent homepage, you need to keep it light and cluttered-free. The less the visitors have to read and perceive, the better they can grasp and evaluate the content without wasting time extracting details.

Space out the content and highlight important information

Perplexing structure and intricate composition can impact the visitors’ experience heavily. Thus, when designing a homepage, try to maintain balance. Space out the content, leaving some areas blank. Also, you need to prioritize the most critical data for a more comprehensive and consistent look. You can keep it above or use different sizes for elements your users need to see first, second, or last. Employ headlines and subheadlines for better readability of textual data.

Choose standard layouts

If you want to spark an interest, you don’t necessarily have to employ eccentric and complex design formats. On the contrary, try to stick to the comprehensive, standard layouts and make them shine with details. It involves impressive imagery, beautiful color palettes, or splendid typography. Simplicity is the key, and keeping to that rule guarantees an impeccable user experience along with an elegant and clean design.

Make the color and typography work in your favor

Color and typography comprise a visual side of a homepage that should attract, interest, and evolve emotions for a better connection with visitors. Since colors have an emotional connotation, you can use them to bring experience to a more prolific level. Vivid colors evoke positive, energetic feelings, while soft ones are more tranquil and balanced. The same goes for the typography. Elegant fonts are more gentle and comfortable, while sharp and big ones are able to excite. All in all, color and typography set the tone and mood of the user-website interaction. And it’s critical to consider that when designing a homepage.

Use impressive imagery

Since we are hardwired for visual data, why miss an opportunity to impress visitors right from the first page? Include powerful visuals that capture emotions, actions or have some conceptual meanings. With this emotion-driven content, you can achieve a ‘wow’ effect that will last long.

Include social proof and success indicators

Social proof is a powerful tool for increasing trust among the audience. Make users view testimonials right from the homepage by that cultivating credibility. Also, you can display success indicators and stories, which will positively influence the users’ first impression of you.

Employ comprehensive language

When placing textual material on a homepage, make sure the language you use is simple. Avoid jargon or too professional slang that might prevent understanding of the content. Readability is vital, and when on a homepage, visitors want to grasp the messaging effortlessly.

Use CTAs properly

Visitors come to your website with already specified tasks. And your aim is to help them to accomplish the tasks as simply and quickly as possible. However, you can direct them to perform other activities on the website by using a CTA. Make sure it is visible, clickable, and in a prominent place. Avoid excessive numbers of CTAs or being too persuasive. Put them moderately. That is a perfect way of starting and building relationships with users right from the first touchpoint.

Involve additional cues

Apart from using CTAs, you may incorporate other cues to direct your visitors. These are arrows or images pointing at a particular subject or thing you want to highlight. It is a natural way of leading the users throughout the content, making the navigation almost intuitive. Besides, you can add a live chat widget that would talk to your visitors and help them to get around.

Make sure the design functions well

Creating a beautiful design is significant, but you need to provide the same perfect development. Test your homepage and make sure all elements seamlessly work together. Since users have various ways of accessing your website, make your homepage work and look well on all devices and browsers. It ensures that every visitor will experience it regardless of the attribute or extension used to access the website. Besides, don’t forget to optimize all homepage elements for better load speed.

All in all, to create a homepage that converts, you need to concentrate on various points simultaneously. Focusing on a visual side of the design, make sure it also functions well. Apart from being simple and polished, your homepage should also be unique and sophisticated. But the main thing to consider is the visitors themselves. The design should be user-oriented and user-friendly. And with those practices above, you will be able to provide your visitors with an impeccable experience that would make them convert into your customers.

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