So you’ve setup your new website, you’re ready to showcase your work to the world, you hit publish, announce it on all your social media accounts and then…. crickets.

Unfortunately friend, I hear this story ALL. THE. TIME. You know what? It SUCKS pouring your heart and investing your time into something that yielded little to no results. Don’t worry though, I’ve got your back and today we are going to talk all about finding the best homepage layout so your online home can stop embarrassing you and start doing you some good. 

1. Showcase Your Best Work

I know this may seem like a given but all too often I’ll be providing a complimentary website evaluation (click here to schedule yours today!) and during the call one of the first things I will hear is “I haven’t updated my website in a while…” ? It still sends chills up my spine every time. Why? Because your website is your FIRST IMPRESSION. Would you wear your oldest, dingiest dress on a first date or would you go find your favorite LBD or heck, run to the store and grab something shiny and new? Yep, you certainly want to be putting your best foot forward when it comes to your online home, and that includes updating your portfolio consistently. If you’re struggling with learning how to maintenance your website click here to check out Showit, a user and budget friendly website host designed just for photographers! It makes updating galleries a breeze. ?

2. Address #allthethings

After you’ve shown off your best work it’s time to start thinking about the next steps a user is going to take on your site. One of the first things we find users looking for when they land on your site is who you are, what you do, and where you are located. If you are not answering these three questions above the fold of your homepage (content that appears first on the page – before scrolling), make sure to add a welcome paragraph with this important information so you can leave your potential clients feeling well informed rather than lost! ?

3. Meet & Greet

If you’re a fellow ISFJ you’ll agree that sometimes introductions can feel a little unnatural. But, how can your potentials clients get excited about working with you if you don’t show off how awesome you are? You’ll want to make sure after showcasing your work and welcoming new guests that you make a little introduction.? Not to worry, no need for a few paragraphs just yet (save the juicy details for your about page) instead focus on giving your new friends just a brief intro about yourself.. are you a mother, wife, advocate? what is your go-to drink? your favorite store? your favorite hobby? why do you love what you do? After you make a quick intro, leave a button to your about page so they can get to know you even more!

4. Next Steps

Someone just landed on your website because they’re interested in finding out more about your service, you’ve shown them your best work, answered some of their questions and introduced yourself so…. now what? Make sure you never end a page with a dead end. Instead, always leave the user with a next step. ?Want to show off a few featured galleries? Go for it. Highlight your amazing experience? Great idea! Showcase even more of your gorgeous work with a few featured galleries? Please do! Share some of your favorite client testimonials? Sell em’ girl! ?

5. Don’t Say Goodbye

Instead of ending your site with a boring footer with the basics, what about incorporating an Instagram feed so potential clients can follow? Instead of leaving your visitors empty handed, why not leave them with a fun freebie in exchange for their email (great for future marketing ?) Remember, your website footer appears on EVERY PAGE so the more fun you pack in, the better! ✨

Now what are you waiting for? Run! Go implement these new tips and tricks then make sure to come back and tell me what changes you saw!

Cheering you on,

Sarah