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Title: Home Page Essentials: Miss These & You're Missing the Mark!
Author: Merle
Article:
The home page (also known as "index" or "default" page) is
usually the first thing people see upon entering your site. If
it doesn't grab them - or contain certain information - many
people won't venture past it... and might just leave your site
altogether. As my Mom used to say, "You Never Get a Second
Chance to Make a Good Impression." This rings even more true
when it comes to your website's home page.
So what are the essential components that every home page really
needs to include? And why are they so important? Keep reading
and you'll know in a flash (no pun intended) whether your site
is hitting the mark or missing it altogether.
1) Your First Paragraph: I can't tell you the number of sites
I've been to that don't tell me who they are and what they do.
Remember the "Five W's" when writing about your company - Who,
What, Where, Why and hoW. Tell me up front who you are and what
you offer so I know if I'm in the right place or need to
continue my search.
A good rule of thumb when creating your site content is to look
at your site from a surfer's point of view and answer this
question: "What's in it for me?" Website visitors tend to be
very directed. They land on your site after searching for
something they need and don't care about anything else. If you
want your visitors to stay, you need to tell them right away
that they've come to the right place.
2) Consistent Navigation: You need to decide on a navigational
system. This is generally at the top or left hand side of the
page with links to every page or section of your site. Make it
clear and simple for me to get where I need to go and don't
confuse me or cause me to think too hard about it. This can lead
to frustration and an early exit.
You'll also want to include text navigation at the bottom of the
page (sometimes called secondary navigation). Another option
would be to include one of those drop down navigation boxes that
allows you to make a selection from a drop down box and be
transported instantly to that page.
3) Recommend to a Friend: You don't want to forget this viral
marketing technique. Add a "click here to recommend this site to
a friend" somewhere on the page. This can be done easily with a
CGI script or there are a number of free services online like
http://www.recomendit.com
4) Subscribe to Our Ezine: You'll also want to include a chance
to subscribe to your ezine on this page. It's very important to
your marketing efforts that you start collecting a list of opt
in subscribers who are giving you permission to contact them at
a future date.
Most people will not buy from your site on the first visit so
you'll want to get those email addresses for the possibility of
a future sale.Mail lists can be maintained with stand-alone
software or your web host may provide this service for you,
you'll need to ask. The easiest way to implement one is to use
one of the free list services like Yahoo eGroups or Topica -
http://www.yahoogroups.com or http://www.topica.com Make sure
you include an easy sign up form somewhere on your site - the
topright hand corner will get you the best attention.
5) Search Function: If your site is rather large you may want to
include a search function. This gives people the opportunity to
find just what they're looking for quickly. Search can be
implemented with a CGI script. You'll also find plenty of free
search functions available online at third party sites like
http://www.Atomz.com.
6) What not to Include: Things like long Flash intros, tons of
pop up boxes and music, all which can serve to annoy your guests
- causing them to reach for the exit button. If you feel the
need to use a pop up box (which have proven to be effective for
actions like reminding visitors to subscribe to a newsletter),
use the type that only pops up upon exit. It's less obtrusive
and doesn't hamper the web surfer when he or she first enters
your site.
So how many of these strategies have you implemented on your
home page? Remember, some people will never make it past the
entrance to your site, but by incorporating the above essential
elements into your page you'll increase the chances of a happier
surfing experience for your guest and a more effective website
for you.
About the author:
Merle http://www.EzineAdAuction.com "Where some of the BEST
Deals in Ezine Advertising are Made" Buy & Sell Ezine Ads in a
live auction setting! Publishers sell off your excess inventory
and Buyers pick up some Fantastic bargains. Go now.
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