The first acquaintance with the website often takes place on its homepage. This page holds all the responsibility and is responsible for whether the user will leave the site within two seconds or not. Any homepage should have an attractive design. However, the first impression depends not solely on information and functionality, but the company and its services as well. In this article we will discuss the main principles of the proper homepage design and what elements should it include.
Homepage is the face of a website and it solves several key tasks:
- It is important that the resource is clear to the visitor. Explain the company’s main services and offers.
- Website navigation should be well-thought and convenient with active buttons. Thus, the user will be able to quickly navigate the site and find the necessary information. It is important to look at the resource through the eyes of a user, not a merchant, and add those features which will add value to your visitors.
- You need to work out the website homepage with a goal to increase the credibility of your company. For example, this can be done by demonstrating the strengths and benefits of your business to clients. To make your website sell you may study today’s best practices yourself or hire an e-commerce development companythat will do all the hard work for you.
- To get closer to your customers you need to regularly get their feedback. Social networking is a good option. You may also integrate an online assistant and install a feedback form.
Vital E-commerce Homepage Elements
An online store is a complex site with lots of different pages. It is important that the homepage of the resource is properly structured. It should have the following blocks:
- The directory itself should be user-friendly. Be sure to add filters to help users search for the specified parameters: brand, price, material, and so on.
- The products. As a rule, top products are displayed on the homepage. Ideally, you should mention here top products from different categories, but don’t just duplicate the entire product directory.
- Best deals. This will serve as an enticement. Display discounted items, multiple items for the price of one, etc. this is a pretty good marketing ploy.
- “Fast order” form. This can be either a phone number or a link to the checkout.
- Company contacts, address of a physical store.
Of course, online stores are a kind of website that have different modules and features that help to automate the sales process. But you can also complement your homepage with a handy Contact form, Live chat or “Ask a question” form.
Other Vital E-commerce Homepage Elements
There is a general list of components that are must-have for a website homepages of all kinds. Let’s observe them in more detail.
Heading
The heading has an important purpose – encouraging the user to browse the page further. A quality headline should grab the visitor’s attention. When creating it, you must remember that it must not only attract attention, but also show what awaits the user on the site. As practice shows, headlines that create intrigue work well. In fact, there are 6 main types of headlines to use:
- Slogan
- Question
- Quote
- Creative headline
- Statement
- Informational title
It is important to understand that the headline should not be too large, but at the same time it should succinctly give an idea of what awaits the user on the site. It should better be emotional.
Unique Value Proposition (UVP)
To raise the demand for your products and services, you need to show the potential client that you are truly the best. To do this, you need to formulate a UVP. offer your consumers what they can’t get elsewhere and explain why your products or services solve their problems better than competitor’s ones.
Website navigation
Navigation plays an important role, since it depends on whether the user will spend time on your site. The first thing that a user should see in the site header is a navigation panel. It helps them understand what sections and categories are there. All website structure should also be well-thought and clear for an average user.
Every web user already knows what navigation is and understands what exactly should be in the header and footer of a site. It is not worth getting too creative, since the main task of navigation is to organize a quick transition through the pages. The main goal is to create a clear and simple e-commerce store, but with its own unique design.
Site search
Site search feature is designed for quick and easy selection of specific products or content. For e-commerce stores with a great number of products this is a must-have feature. Search panel should be visible and easy to reach. Ideally, place it not in the footer of the site, but in the header. Highlight it somehow so that users can easily and immediately see it and use it. Make sure the search feature is responsive, so users can do their searches conveniently on any device. The site search feature should be integrated into other site features as well. For example, if a customer is browsing through product categories and cannot find the item they are looking for – provide them with an option to quickly access the search box from there. It should also offer suggestions to help people find the product they are looking for faster.
Customer account login
Your loyal customers will definitely want to register and create their personal account within your e-store. Allow a fast registration and let customers reach their accounts fast, right from the homepage.
Images
The text is poorly perceived by the clients. To make the site beautiful and attractive you need to add product photos, videos, and other graphic elements. Use only high quality media. Better make photos and create videos yourself or hire professionals to help you accomplish this task. By using photos and images from other sites you might violate copyright laws and be held liable.
Call to action (CTA)
Absolutely any site, on its homepage, must have a CTA button. It needs to be easily distinguished. In addition, a CTA phrase must be short and persuasive. For example, “Buy a book”, “Book a call”, “Buy Now”, etc. The main task and purpose of such an element is to make the user want to proceed with a target action.
Final Thoughts
Your imagination is the main tool in creating the best homepage ever. It is also important to remember that the site should be kept simple. Put yourself in the user’s shoes and design a homepage that is user-friendly and understandable. Remember, simplicity is the key to success.
About the author:
Olha Fedchenko – Content Manager & SEO Analyst
Olha is a Content Manager and SEO Analyst at Whidegroup. Starting as a Content Writer for software and web development topics in 2011, Olha has always been guided by a desire to thoroughly inspect every field of study before writing a single word. She found her passion in e-commerce and delighted in expanding her expertise in web development, analytics and SEO for small to medium e-commerce businesses.