Nothing creates a greater first impression than your website home page. When customers arrive at your site they should be able to quickly learn who you are, what you do, and why you do it. They must also be able to easily get in touch.
If your site lacks these basics, you’re losing potential customers at first glance:
1. Contact information: Your site should have a clear email link and phone number. If you have a physical location, include the address as well as a map and directions. A link to Google Maps works well and is simple and easy.
2. Images that represent what you do: If you sell bicycles, the front page of your website should have a picture of a bike, or better yet – one of your bikes. Don’t use irrelevant graphics or none at all.
3. Clear navigation with working links: Your home page should have a clear navigation system either across the top or down one side of the page. The buttons should be clearly marked with words that correspond to the content on your site and help customers quickly find what they’re looking for.
4. Test your links regularly to make sure they all work. Broken links are unprofessional and give an impression of tardiness.
5. An email signup box: An effective way to encourage customer loyalty is with a regular newsletter. Put a signup box on the front page of your website and offer a reward, like a free e-book, to anyone who submits their email address. Services such as Mailchimp offer simple ways of doing this.
6. Social media links: Help customers stay in touch by providing links to your social media. Remember to use recognisable icons linked to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn etc. Focus on two or three social platforms only. Any more can become overwhelming for both you and your customers.