If you’re on the hunt for answers to questions like “how to design a website” or “what elements do I need on my website?” you’ve come to the right place.
A website is your first impression to future clients.
While services rendered and types of sites may vary, there are several questions you can ask yourself to make sure you are getting the most out of your website home page.
Why do you need a cohesive, well-designed brand & website?
These days especially, we have a short window of opportunity to get someone’s attention online. Your website acts as the first impression someone receives about you and your business.
What does it convey?
Is it professional?
Does it cover the basics?
Consider it the most efficient way to get the general idea of what you are about out there into the world.
Question 1: What is the goal for your website?
You goals might be different than mine, but I’ll just use MeritMedia.net as an example.
I want to do two things:
Educate readers on the benefits of having a website, and
Show how I can build a website for them in four weeks or less.
Take a few minutes and determine what the goals for your website will be, and brainstorm ways that you can communicate that on your homepage.
Question 2: What is your Call to Action?
A call to action can be anything that further engages the reader. Below are some examples.
Subscribe to your newsletter, so you can continue to send readers informative details
Contact you, make a reservation, or book a session - this varies depending on the type of business you have.
It’s important to give your reader simple actions to take. We don’t want to ask them to do too many things, because then it can be overwhelming and they might just close down the site. But simple engagement that prompts them to learn more about you and your business is key.
Make a plan to direct your reader to one or two specific actions you want them to take.
Question 3: What messages are you sending?
Have a clear message.
What is your company purpose in one sentence? You don’t want people to spend several minutes on your website and still have no idea what you do. Don’t make them hunt for this info.
Your website goals can help you craft your messaging. (For example, I build websites you can manage in 4 weeks or less)
Match your call to action with your messaging.
If I have a nutrition website, my call to action might be prompting visitors to sign up for my free e-newsletter that provides them with nutrition advice or healthy recipes.
Focus on headlines - use words to grab your readers attention which prompts them to stay on the site to find out all the other details
Provide easy links to other places on your site:
“New Here?” - Give your readers a place to start.
“About” - People want to know how you can help them, learning about you is secondary.
“Services” - What are you offering? Give details on what services you provide and any other information associated with that such as pricing, booking, etc.
“Contact Me” - Provide a way for people to easily reach out to you. The sites I build on Squarespace all have a form that readers can fill out and it will go directly to the site owner’s inbox.
Next Steps
You’ve made a great step forward for your website just by reading this blog! Take some time to jot down ideas about your website based on the 3 questions above.
Adjust your homepage, call to action, and messaging as needed. This will help you connect better with your readers and ultimately bring you more business!
What other questions can I help you with? I’d love to hear from you!