Some of the things that make the difference between a great website and an average one are the design, the way the website is set up, the copy, the images used, how easy it is to use and the ongoing marketing strategy.
Today let’s have a look at the home page, and the 5 things that it must have in order for you to get maximum return on your web investment.
1. Keyword Rich Page Title
The Page Title is the line of text at the top of the browser.
To optimise your copy so that your website appears in search engines for certain keywords, it is important that your chosen keywords are included in the Page Title.
The same keywords should also be used consistently in your home page copy.
Give or take, the first 69 characters of your Page Title appear as the top line of text in Google search results, so make sure it is written in a way that makes people want to click through to your website.
Although more and more web designers and developers now understand the importance of having an optimised Page Title, don’t leave it to chance! Make sure having an optimised Page Title is part of your website plan or contact us if you need help.
2. Compelling Headline
A strong headline is critical. It needs to capture your web visitors’ attention and encourage them to keep reading.
The headline should also include your main keywords, so that your web visitors immediately know that they have found a website related to what they were searching for.
3. Clear and Prominent Call to Action
High visitor numbers are great, but they are not the be all and end all of website success. In order to get results from your website, you need your visitors to actually do something.
It might be something that:
-Builds your list, like subscribing to your e-newsletter or downloading a free ebook
-Generates leads such as requesting a free trial, a product sample or a quote.
Figure out what you want your website visitors to do and let them know about it! Work with your website designer to include this Call to Action clearly and prominently.
4. Simple Navigation
Your navigation is the main menu that appears on every page of your website.
Keep your navigation labels really simple, for example, About Us, Services, Products, Clients and Contact Us.
Follow the golden rule of website usability and “Don’t Make Me Think” about what your navigation labels mean, make it really obvious.
5. Well written web copy
For best results, instead of taking the easy option of using copy that already exists, get your web copy specifically written or edited for your website
Your web copy should:
- Make it easy to find out what your business does
- Include prominent contact details
- Contain keywords
- Have embedded links to key pages of the website
- Be easy to skim read
- Be focussed on the reader, and the benefits of the product or service you provide, not just the features
- Be written in active voice, not passive
- Use simple words and no un-necessary words
Need someone with fresh eyes to review your Home Page and discuss the options for improving your results?
Please give me a call on 03 9340 9018. No web speak required!
Until next time,
Melinda
Melinda aka Mel is a Google Partner, Google Ads & Consultant, Speaker and Trainer and co-owner of Click-Winning Content.
Mel provides results-driven services to organisations around the world and is committed to never using an acronym without explaining it first. She also likes greyhounds as pets, grand slam tennis, cracked pepper and Melbourne sunsets.
Please connect at the links below.
