The only reason you'll continue reading this article is if I capture your interest in these first few lines. That's exactly how it works with the homepage of your website. Even though you may have some of the best content on the internet, it may never be seen if you fail to pull the user in and hold their attention.

Now, this is an easy step for some of us. For instance, I run a web-based comic business, so putting what people want on my homepage is a snap... give them the daily comic strip right away! This concept applies to any type of site, though. A catchy layout, mixed with the most pertinent information your site has to offer, will draw the user in; this mixed with simple, well laid out navigation will make them want to explore your site further. And, that's the key to any successful website.

No matter what your site's content, the basic characteristics of a successful homepage will remain the same.

First, as with any website you or I will ever visit, you'll want an attractive header which tells the viewer who you are. Now, the "K.I.S.S." philosophy is crucial to success in many areas, but this is most assuredly NOT one of them. Your header should be creative, and your company logo or things of the like should be on prominent display here. Programs such as Flash, from MacroMedia, are wonderful for header design, because they offer the opportunity to incorporate simple animations like a highlight running across your company name, or a changing color, or even a video clip playing in the background of your header. Even without such flashiness, a good header will still offer some graphic aspect which will grab the viewers' attention. After all, this is the top of your homepage, the very first thing your viewer will notice. Never underestimate the value of a strong first impression!

The next consideration in homepage design is going to be navigational links. Placement of these links should be either at the top or left of the page. This will provide a comfortable, uniform feel to the viewer, who has already been to countless other websites that incorporated this same standard design technique. This placement will also make it easier for return customers to get exactly where they want to go on your site, which is always a good thing. Links should be made to stand out. Buttons are good, and the navigation bar style used by many sites is great, but even a standard text hyper-link will be effective. Just make sure they're self explanatory and noticeable.

Now, on to homepage content... Let's say you're laying out an on-line store. You couldn't place all your inventory on one page, but you could definitely place your top ten best-sellers there. Or maybe your website is for on-line promotion of your company. In this case, you would want photos and text fields that present your company just the way you want it. However this idea adapts to your specific needs, the point is this: Just like when meeting someone in person, this is your first impression. You won't get a second chance at it, and you've got to make it count.

If you build off this basic structure idea, I'm confident your homepage will be a smashing success.

Learn more about this author, Frank James.
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