For today’s journal entry, I’ll go over the top four website design mistakes to avoid on your home page so that you can drive sales and convert your audience into clients.
Generally, when you hear “homepage,” one thing should come to mind. First impression. You have one shot to deliver a first impression. Create a homepage that is perfectly tuned. A well-executed page must simultaneously:
- Explain what you do or sell,
- Feature specific products or promotions and
- Quickly direct the potential consumer to their desired page.
WEBSITE DESIGN MISTAKE #1: Vague Headline on the top of your page
While it is nice to have a welcome message, your business mission, or maybe your business tagline on the top… it’s 100 x more strategic when you are using that space to speak to your visitor’s desires or pain points. What is it that they want and how are you positioned to help them?
Create a unique value proposition to identify and distinguish your website. A value proposition should answer the following question – what value does your product or service provide, and how is it unique to your business?
WEBSITE DESIGN MISTAKE #2: ADS ON THE HOMEPAGE
Advertisements, or content that looks like ads, mark the second most disruptive homepage error. Pop-up boxes, page takeovers, promotions or dialog boxes are poorly perceived and often leave users with a negative, even spammy, impression. Not to mention heading for the proverbial exit in frustration.
Promotions, dialog boxes or site specials should be carefully executed. Therefore, Consider the size, placement, timing and overall look and feel when adding these to your page.
WEBSITE DESIGN MISTAKE #3: No Clear Call-To-Action
A call to action is any type of button or link that draws a visitor towards making some sort of action. Generally you’ll see things like “Book now” or “Learn More”. A homepage without some sort of call to action is totally and completely ineffective. Customers need to be guided from the moment they enter your store to the moment they complete a purchase.
Place call-to-actions strategically on the home page to guide your visitor to the next step. Tell them what action they should take next if they want to find out more information. Don’t leave them hanging or questioning what to do next.
WEBSITE DESIGN MISTAKE #4: Poor Image Quality and Relevance
Our brains are driven to take action visually, so when we come across imagery that is poor quality, blurry, or pixelated, we are instantly turned off. Professional Images will transcend language and words and allow for a greater understanding of whatever is being discussed.
Since first impressions are formed within seconds and since most of the information we consume and interpret is visual, quality photographs can make your site and your brand stick in the viewer’s mind as professional and credible.
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