Above the fold of your website

I was the editor of our school newspaper  in high school. It was supposed to be  a rotating position, but right away it was clear that I was the one who loved editing, correcting grammar, and cracking the whip on deadlines.  I remember sitting in Government class, secretly editing articles and passing them back to my fellow  newspaper contributors. It was  a position that I loved so   much that my plan was to pursue  Journalism in college. (Until God made it clear that I should major in music. But that's a story for another day.)

An important consideration for any newspaper team or editor is the article that is "above the fold." You know the  newspaper that's folded in half,   lying on the stand at the end of the counter at Starbucks while you wait for your grande latte? You scan the headlines, right? You might pick up the paper and look underneath. But the most attention goes to article above the fold.

The same is true of your website.  First impressions are everything and "above the fold" is valuable real estate.  For websites, we want to maximize the first few seconds the reader is on your website.  Is it clear what your business is all about? Does the reader know what to do next? Are the pictures visually clear on who the target audience is?

PLEASE don't waste the top half of your home page with announcements: "Enrollment ends soon. Hurry!!" or "We will be closed on Labor Day." These announcements are for your current clients. Use email for your announcements, not your website. Your website is mostly for new   visitors. Potential clients. You have only seconds to win them over and to keep them reading. Please don't waste those seconds on "insider information."

If a reader can't decide in 3 seconds that "this is the place for me," then you've probably lost them forever. Use only 2 different fonts on your page, keep your colors clean and appealing, and use photographs that are happy, smiling, and that draw in your reader.

Make sure your address, phone number, and email address are front and center! This is  super   important for both current and prospective clients. Please don't make the reader search for this important information. Also, be sure to have a link to your Facebook page in the upper right hand corner. (Social Media is how clients can  peak into the life of your business and decide if they want to work with you.)

First impressions are everything. If you are stuck on how to improve your site, ask a friend or co-worker to give you their opinion.  Then listen and make changes!