Key Elements Your Home Page Needs

This post is Day 4 of the 30 Day Blog Challenge. Post about the challenge on social media using the hashtag: #THNblogchallenge. ()

If someone came to your website for the first time, would they have a clear understanding of who you are and what you do based solely on your home page?

Your blog’s home page is your first impression on the Internet world. When someone enters the name of your website into their browser or clicks the link in your Twitter bio, they’ll be heading straight for your home page. So, ask yourself… Are you proud of the impression your home page is giving them? Does it let new visitors know what you do? Does it communicate the value you can add to their lives? If not, it’s time to make a change to help you convert more visitors into regular readers.

The truth is, you only have so much time to capture someone’s attention online. And it’s even harder to hold onto it considering the Internet provides so many distractions. And since your home page is typically the first thing a person sees, you want to use it to your best advantage. There are a few key elements a good home page has, so make sure you’ve got them on your site!

Key Elements Your Home Page Needs

First and foremost, your home page should state the mission (or !) of your blog. A new visitor to your site isn’t going to know what you’re all about and you don’t want to make them do any digging to find out. Make it super easy for them to learn about your website. And you also want to make sure that, , you’re letting people know exactly why they should care about what you’re doing. (Meaning: Communicate your value. Let your readers know why whatever product or service you provide is something they need in their lives.)

Next, be sure to include a photo of yourself on your home page. Like I mentioned in , we want to be able to put a face to your name, to your brand, and to the voice behind your blog posts. This isn’t the time to be shy, so have a friend help you take some great looking photos. Be sure to use them not only on your home page, but also your About page and social media platforms.

You should also include a call to action. If you look at your blog right now, do you have one single call to action that stands out on your home page? What are you asking your readers to do? Anything? If you haven’t made it clear what you want them to do, how can you possibly expect them to do it? Remember, sometimes you have to hold their hands and walk them through it. Make it crystal clear!

For me, my goal is to get people on my email list. This is likely a big goal for you as well, so I’d highly recommend making this the call to action on your home page. Having a reader’s email address is valuable information. Once you have their name and email, you will be able to easily connect with them even after they have left your website. Through your emails, you’ll be able to build relationships, get them back to your website, and sell your products and services to them.

Today’s Task

Update your home page according to the above tips and start seeing those readers roll in! Make sure that your home page has all of the following elements:

1. Your mission, which effectively states why new readers should care about your products and services. Remember to always, always, always communicate your value.
2. A professional-looking photo of you, even if it wasn’t taken by a professional.
3. A clear call to action (preferably to sign-up for your email list).

Once you’re done, post a link to your blog in the comments so we can check it out or to request feedback.