11 Key Features to Put on the Homepage of Your Website
The homepage of your website is arguably the most important.
Not only is it usually the first page your audience sees, but it’s also the page that decides whether they connect with you further (by exploring other pages, checking out your socials, subscribing to your email list, etc…) or click away without giving your business a second thought.
As a Squarespace and Showit website designer, I like to think of myself as a *pretty* knowledgeable expert on what to put on the homepage of your website.
So, today, I’m listing eleven key features you should include on the homepage of your website to ensure visitors stick around!
1. Intro to what you do and who you serve
The first thing you should do on your homepage is introduce yourself and your business through an “I help statement.”
On my website, my “I help statement” is: “Strategic website design & SEO for coaches and creatives who are ready to uplevel with their dream website that converts traffic into leads.”
You can see that I state what I do, who I serve, and what the outcome is.
This is extremely important because it gives your visitors the first taste of what you’re all about, as well as how you can help them.
Bonus points if you can mention why you do what you do better than anyone else or what makes you unique!
2. Location (if relevant)
This info may not be relevant to every entrepreneur, but it’s important for businesses in the niches of photography, food, etc…
If your business requires seeing customers in person in any way, make sure they know exactly where you are located to avoid scheduling mishaps!
Even if you travel to your customers (as a wedding planner, etc…) letting them know where you’ll be coming from (as your travel may be factored into what you charge) will help them decide if your service is the right one for them.
3. Small bio
You don’t want to go overboard here since you’ll also have an “About” page, but giving visitors a snippet about what makes you tick is a great way to forge a personal connection with them right off the bat.
Be sure to include some professional information like qualifications and how long you’ve been in your field, but it doesn’t have to be completely serious.
You can include a few details like where you’re from, what you like to do in your spare time, whether you have pets or kids, etc… if you aren’t sure what to write!
Make sure it’s a mix of professional and fun - remember, people are looking for that human touch.
4. Intro to your services
Like your bio, this section will probably be shorter if you also have a “Services” page, but you should still give users a taste of what your business can offer them on your homepage.
For example, if you’re a photographer, what exactly do you offer? Newborn shoots, maternity shoots, professional headshots? Be specific and descriptive!
If you offer different kinds of services that have their own page, be sure to introduce each of them. You can do this by stating what the service is, including a short 1-2 sentence description, and ending with a call to action.
5. Link to private community - i.e. Facebook Group
If you offer any private communities such as a Facebook group, include the link on your homepage. If your content/niche is of interest to visitors, they may join, allowing them to keep up with your brand through community-style engagement!
Don’t just include the link - give visitors a description of the group so they know exactly what they can gain from it.
6. Freebies / lead magnets
If you have any freebies or lead magnets that you use on socials or your website to gain email addresses (such as a PDF download or free ebook,) include this in an easy-to-see place on your home page.
Not only will your visitors appreciate a free download, but having it displayed on your home page will increase their chances of seeing and signing up for your email list or newsletter - and keeping in contact with your brand!
7. Testimonials
Visitors to your website will be much more likely to hire or buy from you if you have testimonials on your website from other satisfied customers.
Especially if these testimonials detail how you have helped someone or the results they have seen from your work, feature them where they can be easily seen on your homepage!
Your website is no place to be humble - so don’t be afraid to let others brag about you!
8. Preview of digital products you offer in your shop
If you have a shop on your website, there’s a good chance that it can be a major source of income for your business.
So, be sure you promote it on your homepage! This will let visitors know 1) that you have a shop, and 2) the kinds of products (digital or physical) that you sell.
9. Recent/featured blog posts
Your blog is likely a place where you invest a lot of your time (and even money,) and it’s also one of the greatest resources you can offer your website visitors for free.
Feature the most relevant, most read, or most recent blog posts from your blog on your homepage in a gallery-style view for easy browsing.
10. Portfolio pieces
If you’re wondering what to put on the homepage of your website, portfolio pieces are also a great option for many creative entrepreneurs.
Whether you're an artist, photographer, brand or website designer, having a portfolio featured on your homepage allows visitors a glimpse into your work and draws them in from the get-go.
Seeing amazing past work of yours can be one of the most motivating factors that leads someone to book with you!
11. Press / media mentions
Lastly, showing visitors that you get great publicity can do wonders for your brand.
If you have any press or media mentions about your business, feature them as links or buttons on your homepage. You can also include a section saying “as featured in” and include logos of magazines, websites, newspapers, etc… who have discussed your brand.
I hope this post helps you decide what to put on the homepage of your website!
As always, if you are looking for a thorough and creative website designer, be sure to check out my services below.
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