The First 5 Things Your Visitors See When They Land on Your Website

Let’s start simple … Let’s talk websites …

Websites can have many functions and can be used in various fashions such as personal, commercial for a company, government and even non-profit. They are typically designed around a particular topic or purpose. Website design is a collaborative effort and the main goal is to produce a finished product that will effectively communicate a specific message and create productive interactions with the intended target audience.

Ignoring your customers or site visitors’ needs and wants is dangerous for your website (and your business). It can destroy your site because it is people to whom the site belongs to and for whom it should be.

But don’t fret, here is a list of the top 5 things your visitor sees when they land on your website. This short list will help you sort through what I like to call “next steps”.

#1. Logo/Branding:

From a design standpoint, the “perfect” logo is simple in form but enough detail to convey the owner’s intended message. It is practical and appropriate yet distinctive. This design should be able to be printed at any size and in most cases, be effective on its own without colourization. Truthfully, it really boils down to two things: an amazing concept and phenomenal execution! This also includes your branding. Both of these have to become a part of every single person’s day-to-day life because everything we, as consumers, touch and see is a brand. That is why it is so very important that your brand stands out and needs to be memorable in every way possible. And not hidden in some back corner!

#2. Social Media Links:

Increasing your social following will help increase the number of eyes (and ears) on your website which means visitors will more likely clock back on a regular basis. You want people to engage in both areas so make sure your buttons are in a consistent, conventional place where visitors can easily find them. And, in more than one place (e.g. on your main page as well as on your individual blog posts).

#3. Clear/Intuitive Navigation:

If you want your website to be successful, your navigation is very important as this is what enables your visitors to move around your website to find what they’re looking for. Hassle free is the key here! You want to prevent your visitors from visiting your competitors’ sites and have them always coming back – to yours — for more. So, please, keep your website’s navigation simple, consistent and easy. And don’t overload with extra unnecessary pages.

#4. Support/Contact Information:

Your visitors should be able to find how to get in touch with you easily and in more than one place on your site (a common spot besides your actual “contact” page could be in the footer of your site or as call-to-action’s on numerous pages). This should, at the bare minimum, include your email address and phone number. Having your information readily available offers comfort to those looking for your services and support.

#5. Highlights:

You want to encourage your visitors to hit up certain areas of your website depending on what you’re looking to have them engage in. For example, you may have an important lead magnet, or your blog may be the heart of your marketing and content strategy. You will want to encourage your visitors to view these, download them or even subscribe to it so depending on whatever your “highlight” area is, you will want it showcased on your main page.

Well, there you have it … the first 5 things your visitors see when they land on your website!

Since your website serves as your company’s virtual door you cannot just treat it like any ol’ landing page built around just one particular action. Design, or have it designed by a professional, such as myself, to serve different audiences from all around the world. To dive in just a bit deeper, here is an amazingly informative infographic (curtesy of Hubspot) on the 12 critical elements every website homepage must have …