What first impression does the home page of your web site generate in others?
Some home pages leave a user warm, others leave a user cold. But, there are other subtle responses that will motivate a person to make a choice whether or not to return to your home page and/or site.
Reactions to your home page will vary according to how a user is "wired." Does she prefer an intensively visual experience, a kinesthetic (i.e. "touchy-feely") experience, or a straightforward verbal presentation? Does he expect pictures of people, descriptions of service opportunities, or reports of mission results?
Yet, there are a few reactions that careful planning and choices can avoid:
- This is no different than a sheet of paper in a file folder on my desk. Where's the interactivity?
- This home page looks more like a canned ad from a travel service.
- I feel trapped. There is nothing but words on this page. Very few links to help me escape.
- Wasn't this the same last year?
- This page is too busy, and besides, it takes soooooo long to load.
- This page is messy, no organization.
- How do I get in touch with the organization whose page this is?
Most users do not first encounter your site by going to your home page. They have used search engines and links they have found to go to pages within your site. They may never choose to click on your organization's logo or other navigational button to go there.
Yet, if they do, will your home page add to the value they found in the page they originally visited on your site? Will it be inviting / "sticky" so that the user will bookmark your page (and thus, your site) for future use?
For more ideas, find a copy of Ginny Redish's Letting Go of the Words. Also, use Nielson's site on usability.
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