Maybe you’re in the process of designing your website, or maybe you’re doing your own website audit and looking for ways to improve it, but most of all make it an effective sales machine? Well-designed websites can increase conversions, but it takes more than tweaking your copy and adding some updated images.

Our website homepage is the first place your visitors are going to land on, so the next question you should be asking is how can you maximise the most of your homepage? Or, even better how can you get your audience excited about your offers instantly from your homepage, and turn them into paying clients. Sounds so easy right?

So you’re going to tell me about SEO right? Whilst yes SEO plays a role in creating an effective homepage on your site it isn’t the only element of a homepage that should be paid attention to. You should instead think of your website as a home away from home. If you went into a swanky hotel lobby you’d want to be treated a certain way, and in a certain order. So let’s break down the fundamentals of a homepage layout.

Effective Website Tip #1: Website 1-0-1

Does your website have the following things? A logo, clear navigation menu, social media links clearly sign posted in the footer and even at the bottom of your pop up menu (if you have one). There is no law that says you have to have a website with all these things but it helps to make it easy for visitors to find what they are looking for. A good website should be designed with your audience in mind. It should be easy to read and understand. If you’re not sure whether your website is doing that or not then ask people you know if they can find your contact details quickly and easily or if they know what the business does when they arrive at your website.

Effective Website Tip #2: Brand Introductions

From the get go you want to make it clear to your website visitors your business mission or vision. Who are you here to serve, what are your values? This can be showcased through not only your copy but also the design elements should convey this too. Every element of your website should sing sweet nothings to one another, and create a continuation of everything your brand stands for. Most of all it should tell your visitors how you are going to help them. Remember it’s not about you – it’s about the people you serve.

Effective Website Tip #3: Introduce Yourself

Creating a brief bio about yourself or the founder of your business is an excellent way to instantly gain that trust factor. Again, going back to that swanky hotel we want to make sure we are instantly looked after by the concierge at the desk – and you know he’ll be introducing himself instantly to you, and cater to your every need. This is exactly what this section should do. 

It’s worth noting that this section isn’t to replace your about page, instead it’s used to enhance and encourage people to visit your about page. After all, the about page on your website is the least likely page to get a click. You’ll also want to pair this content with a photo of yourself (or, founder) to draw your audience in even further, and enhance that trust factor you’re beginning to build.

Effective Website Tip #4: Is it relatable?

Make sure the first image that your visitors see are one that is a relatable to them, whether it be an image which showcases your ideal clients outcome from your services / products. High quality images that speak to your websites’ visitors and speak your brand values will further intensify their likelihood of booking in that discovery call, or signing up to your membership. If they love your brands voice, then they’ll keep scrolling, and the longer they scroll the more likely to remember your brand.

Effective Website Tip #5: It’s all in the Blog

If you’re a service based business then blog posts are your websites best friend, by making sure that you’re putting out posts of value not only will Google love you for it, but so will your visitors. But don’t just post and ghost, like social media you would put out a post and let people know about your educational posts the same has to happen with blogs. So shout about it on your social media, create condensed versions for Linkedin articles, and get that email list out and start sending out regular blog updates! Trust me, try it for a month and post one blog a week – then come back here and let me know how you got on.

Effective Website Tip #6: Location?

Whether you’re a local based business, or online you’re location is so important – after all you never know who might be after your services, but they shouldn’t have to scour your site to see where you’re based. If you’re a brick and mortar business then going to want to place a google map section within your site so people can easily navigate to where they need to be, if you’re a service based business simply mentioning it within your copy is enough for someone to establish if you’re apart of their community. 

Effective Website Tip #6: What are you selling?

Briefly introducing your services is a great way to get your website visitors excited about them! Sign posted with clever call to actions, and by this we don’t just mean “Learn More” buttons make it clear but exciting. Try these for size:

• “Yes, I want XYZ!”
• “Grab XYZ Now!”
• “Start Your Journey Toward XYZ”
• “Do you want to XYZ? Yes or No?”
• “Activate X Today”
• “Your Running Out of Time!”
• “Join X Other [category] as Subscribers to My Email List”
• “Get Your Free X Today”

Effective Website Tip #7: Testimonials & As Seen In Sections

Adding testimonial and as seen in sections to your site help reinforce and build your like, know and trust factor with website visitors. Testimonials act as fantastic insight into your services, from your clients point of view. Try pick your best ones, a maximum of 3 to 5 will do, and make sure that they’re around the same size in character length to keep your overall design sleek and well thought out. 

Links to; podcasts you’ve made guest appearance on, articles you’ve penned for magazines or blogs, even videos should be included in this section! Make sure you link through to the direct location. This is so that you’re always showing your visitors you have them in mind and want to make their experience on your site a pleasant one.

Key Takeaways

So there we have it our basics for building an effective website that will help you generate leads. As you can see, starting a business can be a lot of fun. But it’s only fun if you know what you’re doing. Starting a business takes hard work and patience. With the right amount of dedication and perseverance, you should be able to succeed. Just remember that it’s easy to make mistakes when you first start out. But don’t let that discourage you. Instead, take your mistakes as learning opportunities so that you can improve your business in the future. And, if you need a website designer – I’m your gal!