Your site's homepage is easily the most important page in your site. It's a deal maker and a deal breaker. The homepage
- identifies you, your company, and your brand
- gives customers a sense of your mission, belief, style, and/or personality
- provides and overview of your products and services
- gives your customers a task (search, shop, watch, listen, etc.)
- sends your customers on their merry way to the desired page(s) of your site
So, what should you include on the homepage?
Products and Services
People visit your website to learn about your products and services. While it's good to know who's been hired (or fired) or what recent accolades your company has received, such news isn't your customer's focus. Give attention to your products and services instead.
Problem Solvers
When I'm evaluating a company, I could care less about the history of the employees. I need to know which team member will solve my current dilemma. Give each team member a specialty and attach them to a list of specialties on the homepage.
Search
If the breadth of content of your site warrants a search, include it in an obvious place.
Brevity
Remember to keep it short. Most web site readers skim. They don't have time to read long explanations, descriptions, and mission statements until after they've found what they're looking for.
Easy Navigation
Navigation isn't about style or cleverness. It's about ease of use. Make sure it's easy to get to the pages you want your customers to see.
