Your homepage is the digital storefront of your website. Many times, it's the first interaction visitors have with your brand, and within seconds, they’ll decide whether they want to stay and learn more or leave.
While no one can control what visitors do once they land on a website, there are things you can do to make the best first impression possible, increasing the chance that your visitors will stay on your website.
But what are those things? The team at Monte Verde Media created a guide to the elements to put on your homepage to engage and convert visitors effectively. Let’s get into it.
Your headline is the first thing visitors see. That’s why it should clearly describe what your business does and how it benefits the user. Make it straightforward, compelling, and think of it as your value proposition— a clear, concise message that tells people what you offer and why they should care.
A subheadline provides additional context and supports your main headline. It can explain your product or service in a bit more detail, often answering common questions about what you do or how you solve your visitors' problems.
Every homepage should guide visitors toward taking a specific action, whether that’s making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or booking a service. Make sure that your CTA stands out and is placed strategically across the page. Use action-oriented language like “Get Started,” “Shop Now,” or “Contact Us.”
Pro Tip: Use multiple CTAs throughout the homepage. For instance, have one CTA near the top and another near the bottom, so visitors don’t have to scroll back up.
High-quality visuals grab attention and convey your brand's personality. Use compelling images or videos that showcase your products, services, or brand story. Visual elements should complement your written content and help reinforce your message.
Here are a few examples of effective visual elements:
A simple, user-friendly navigation menu is essential for helping visitors explore your site. Your homepage should offer clear paths to other key pages, such as your About page, Products or Services page, Blog, and Contact page. Keep your navigation minimal to avoid overwhelming users.
Pro Tip: Add a search bar if your site has a lot of content to help users find what they need quickly.
Give visitors a snapshot of what you offer without overwhelming them with too much detail. Highlight your best-selling products, most popular services, or new offerings. Include brief descriptions and images or icons to create visual appeal.
Visitors want to know they can trust you. Displaying customer testimonials, case studies, or trust badges can go a long way in building credibility. If applicable, include logos of companies you’ve worked with, certifications, or links to positive reviews.
Don’t have reviews or testimonials? No problem– simply send an email to a few recent customers, and you’ll have reviews in no time.
Make it easy for visitors to get in touch with you. Include a contact form, phone number, email, or links to social media. For service-based businesses, consider adding a "Get a Quote" or "Book a Consultation" option.
Pro Tip: Add your contact information to the footer so it appears on every page of your site.
If you regularly create content, such as blog posts, updates, or news, include a section that highlights your most recent posts. Not only does this help with SEO, but it also shows visitors that your website is active and that you’re an expert or thought leader in your field.
Learn more about why to include a blog on your site in our guide to the subject.
Your homepage footer is an ideal place for secondary navigation. Include important links such as:
Looking to optimize your homepage or need guidance on building one that stands out? The team at Monte Verde Media is here to help. Get in touch with us today.
