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The purpose of the home page (opt in, sales, or contact?)

by ikuret75
4 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
    • |
Hi,
I'm making a new website and I am wondering what should be the purpose of the home page. The website offers one service only (coaching/consulting - not directly IM related ) although there are a few "packages."

The website itself has 3 purposes. Closing for sales and closing for newsletter subscription (with an opt in gift), and "contact". Considering these, I have several options for the use of the homepage.

1: leading the reader to the service page
2: sales page
3: opt-in page
4: leading the reader to "contact now"

I'm not sure what is best. If I'm to push for the service on the homepage, I thought it's better try to close it in one single page rather than lead it to the service page by "learn more" or "click here for details." (homepage=sales page). If someone comes through Search/Google then they're already interested in the service so closing for sales on the home page makes sense too.

I could make it focus on "Contact" but if they're interested enough to contact for the service then he/she would read the details anyway(?). If that's the case, it seems like it makes sense to make the homepage the sales page too. But maybe it's a bit too "pushy" for the first time visitors(?). Recently I see many websites using their homepages like an opt in page (focus solely on it) and I'm wondering if it is a good idea.

There are many websites that use their homepages like a navigation (many "learn more"s) and while I understand it's good if there are many features on the website but the website I'm making offers only one service (with several options/packages).

Any advice, input etc. would be appreciated.

Thanks!
#contact #home #opt #page #purpose #sales
  • Profile picture of the author skybridgedomains
    Home page, I believe is making your web site and product/service so presentable and nice, look and friendly looking that you go the next step / click into your web site to buy a service or product. Its a good idea to at least display your contact details on the home page on the footer of the page and sometimes the header (depending on the design).


    I would say the home page is a huge effort in design to make your web site as much information presentable as possible so people really do WANT to click into to the next step to buy your product/service. Home page is all the above really, you've suggested. It is quite challenging sometimes to get the exact combination right because it also evolves over time and perfection. Overall, I guess, it helps to make your web site inviting as possible with lots of useful content as possible so people will buy without a second thought. Its a difficult balance between it all.


    David.
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  • Profile picture of the author sassists
    Originally Posted by ikuret75 View Post

    Hi,
    I'm making a new website and I am wondering what should be the purpose of the home page. The website offers one service only (coaching/consulting - not directly IM related ) although there are a few "packages."

    The website itself has 3 purposes. Closing for sales and closing for newsletter subscription (with an opt in gift), and "contact". Considering these, I have several options for the use of the homepage.

    1: leading the reader to the service page
    2: sales page
    3: opt-in page
    4: leading the reader to "contact now"

    I'm not sure what is best. If I'm to push for the service on the homepage, I thought it's better try to close it in one single page rather than lead it to the service page by "learn more" or "click here for details." (homepage=sales page). If someone comes through Search/Google then they're already interested in the service so closing for sales on the home page makes sense too.

    I could make it focus on "Contact" but if they're interested enough to contact for the service then he/she would read the details anyway(?). If that's the case, it seems like it makes sense to make the homepage the sales page too. But maybe it's a bit too "pushy" for the first time visitors(?). Recently I see many websites using their homepages like an opt in page (focus solely on it) and I'm wondering if it is a good idea.

    There are many websites that use their homepages like a navigation (many "learn more"s) and while I understand it's good if there are many features on the website but the website I'm making offers only one service (with several options/packages).

    Any advice, input etc. would be appreciated.

    Thanks!
    Great start. You don't necessarily have to put the opt-in on the homepage although having a gateway (sumome) helps. Test it out for a month to see how it converts.

    I would highlight one thing on your home page. This makes it easier on the user. (not so much going on) One product/service which leads to your other pages.

    Sample: user arrives on your site

    Gateway (really cool opt-in that solves an immediate problem which is then solved in more depth or completely by your product/service) They can opt to skip this with sumome.

    Scrolling down they are met with their problem and how your product/service solves this problem. You include a link which goes to the sales page or more information (contact).

    They have Three choices
    1. opt-in (or skip)
    2. read and leave (or read and click)
    3. click on sales page to learn more (buy) or contact you
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    • Profile picture of the author ikuret75
      Thanks both!
      Originally Posted by sassists View Post

      Sample: user arrives on your site

      Scrolling down they are met with their problem and how your product/service solves this problem. You include a link which goes to the sales page or more information (contact).

      They have Three choices
      1. opt-in (or skip)
      2. read and leave (or read and click)
      3. click on sales page to learn more (buy) or contact you
      Can't they just read on to my service details on the single page (home page) rather than "read and click"?

      If you have several services/products then to use the homepage as a "gateway"
      makes a lot of sense, but this website has only one service.

      This is what I'm mainly wondering about.
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      • Profile picture of the author sassists
        Originally Posted by ikuret75 View Post

        Thanks both!


        Can't they just read on to my service details on the single page (home page) rather than "read and click"?

        If you have several services/products then to use the homepage as a "gateway"
        makes a lot of sense, but this website has only one service.

        This is what I'm mainly wondering about.
        When I said 'read and click' that is the action they're taking. You don't actually have to put that on the page.

        Yes, for a single service I think you can make the main page the sales page.

        Your other pages - contact now, opt-in, and service can be used on social media profiles.
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