So, you're looking for new ideas that you can use to take your website's overall design to the next level. More specifically, you want to make some improvements to your website's homepage so you can increase your online conversion rates.
Well, website homepage design isn't as complicated as it may seem at first glance. As long as you know what your main goals are, you can make sure you're set up for success going forward with relative ease.
In this article, we'll break down 6 awesome website homepage design tips that all web designers need to know. We'll also tell you what you need to include in your homepage design, as well as what some of the common mistakes are so you can make sure you avoid them.
Now then, let's get started on website homepage design tips!
1. Put Your Logo on the Top of the Page
It goes without saying, but you need to ensure that your homepage is successful in promoting your brand or business. And perhaps the best way to do just that is to put your brand's name and logo at the top of the page.
Depending on what style of logo you have, you may not need to utilize a traditional text header. However, if your logo doesn't say your brand's name, you need to make sure it's there via a text header so new users know who you are before scrolling.
2. Make Sure Your Site's Navigation is Simple
At its core, your homepage is designed to direct users to wherever it is they're trying to go. Whether it's a contact page, a store, or even a blog, you need to make sure that they can find whatever it is that they're looking for without having to look too hard for it.
In order to do this, your site's navigation needs to be simple and efficient. A good rule of thumb? Make sure everything on your site can be found in three clicks of a mouse or less.
Anything more than three clicks is too complicated and means you need to adjust your navigation strategy.
3. Utilize a "Call to Action" on Your Homepage
While your site's navigation is important and should be taken seriously, it's not the core idea that your homepage design is built around. What your homepage should be built around is a "call to action," or CTA.
A CTA is something that is located on your homepage that encourages a user to do something. It could be as simple as a button that takes them to a store, or a signup box for an email newsletter. As long as it's there, and not too far down the page, you're good to go.
Not sure what type of CTA your website needs? Well, think about what you want users to do when they find your site. Then create your CTA with that goal in mind.
4. Promote Your Social Media Links
At the top of your homepage, you'll find your brand's name and logo, as well as your navigation bar. And while you don't want to overcrowd the top of your website, there are other things you can add to that space that are worth considering.
For example, adding social media links to your header can be a great way to increase your social media presence. It's also easy to do, too, which is a huge plus.
So, how do you do this? Well, you should be able to install a widget or plugin that allows you to share your social media links via buttons on your homepage. This looks sleek and professional, and it's effective, which is what is most important.
5. Don't Go Overboard With Media
Keeping things simple with your homepage design is without a doubt the best way to go. Going overboard with things like widgets, media, and event text can overwhelm a user, which isn't what you want.
A pro tip? Outside of your header, only use one or two more media files on your homepage. Mixing things up with one video and one picture works well, as long as both files are high quality.
6. End With an Effective Homepage Footer
We've touched on what you should have at the top of your website's homepage. We've also discussed what type of content you need to include, as well as how to format the page itself.
But what should be at the bottom of the page? How do you close out your homepage in an effective way?
Well, utilizing a footer is without a doubt the best way to wrap up your homepage. A good footer, with links to a contact page, or an about us page, can help make sure users stay on your site and don't leave to explore other areas online.
Do you still have tons of questions about web and graphic design in general? You can read more now about both topics here, growing your knowledge in the process.
Follow These Website Homepage Design Tips to Boost Your Business
Well, there you have it web designers and webmasters! Those are 6 awesome website homepage design tips!
So, if you're making a brand new website or simply tweaking an existing one, keep these ideas in mind when working on your homepage.
While you want to include tons of awesome content and hook users at first glance, keeping things simple is an absolute must. Only including the design features that are an absolute must is all you need to get the results you're looking for.
Also, don't forget about what your homepage is designed to do: send users to another area of your site. Both a CTA and simple navigation can help you do just that, making them the thing you need to focus on.
Looking for more ways you can take your web design skills to the next level? Visit the Web Dev section of the Bootstrap Business Blog to learn more about website design strategies and trends.