Hey WildHeart!
I did a Brand and Website Audit for a client this week, and thought I’d share my findings of the most common threads amongst so many of the websites I review, and hopefully this will help you too!
I’ll bet you have a great business, and have some fabulous blogs on your website and you probably share some great information off of your website too, but we want to make sure that, when people find you for the first time, and your website is where it’s at, you give them what they need to get intrigued and even better, excited about the possibility of purchasing products and services from you!
So here are my tips to help you create a Great Home Page for your website:
If I am a potential client visiting your website for the first time, I will be looking for enough clear and compelling information at the top of the home page to find out about who you are and what you offer (quickly), so I am intrigued enough to stay and read more! As you know, people make a super-fast decision about staying on a website (or not). You’ll likely get only 5-6 seconds to make your impact. You need to grab their attention quickly! Make sure you are clear about who you work with and what sort of services you can offer, so they know that this website is for them!
As they read on, you need to touch their emotions and build rapport and connection with them asap, to help them warm to the idea of working with you, whilst building trust that you are a professional and excellent at what you do. Think about having a photo of you in the header as well – people like to see who they will be working with…
So under your main header, have a compelling introduction, that speaks to your ideal client and the pain they are currently feeling and the transformation in their business life they would experience if they used your services. You need to step into their world with them, and show them that you understand how they feel right now.
To further build relationship and rapport, add a short intro section ‘About You’ on the Home page – this would lead to a separate page with your full personal story – telling readers why you are passionate about doing what you do and a bit about who you are as a person. Readers want to feel a personality and values seeping through your words, or they likely won’t feel particularly drawn to work with you – just kinda neutral – no pull.
As you go down the page, highlight some main areas you can help clients with – so they immediately know they are in the right place by being on your website.
Provide an overview of your Services on the Home page – clicking through to more detailed information about each. Think about adding prices. There are some who will say adding prices is not a good idea, but personally, I like to see prices on a website – and often if I don’t, I move on. So if you don’t have prices at the moment, you could try adding them to your website and test whether it gets a better response for you.
Add Social Media links so potential customers/clients can connect with you in other places and get to know you and your work even better.
If you enjoy writing emails, then add a Lead Magnet that your ideal client would love, linked to an email optin box to collect email addresses, giving you yet another way to connect and communicate with interested prospects.
Keep your visual brand colours and fonts consistent throughout your website and social media and other marketing. When they are aligned, your brand becomes recognisable. Also ensure that your colours are appropriate for your target audience.
I’d have a couple of your best testimonials, written out in full and scattered about on the home page (as well as a button to a full testimonials page).
If you would like your own Website Audit, or are thinking about a new website, please feel free to contact me to book your free Consultation Call. I’d love to hear all about you and your business ideas. Email: claire@wildheartwebdesign.com