10-Step Checklist to Create a Website Homepage That Converts
October 6, 2024
Creating a homepage that converts visitors into customers is crucial for the success of any website.
The homepage serves as the first impression for your brand and sets the tone for the entire user experience. But what does it take to create a high-converting homepage?
This 10-step checklist will guide you through the essential elements, ensuring that your website homepage is designed to capture attention, engage visitors, and drive conversions.
Creating a homepage that converts visitors into customers is crucial for the success of any website.
The homepage serves as the first impression for your brand and sets the tone for the entire user experience. But what does it take to create a high-converting homepage?
This 10-step checklist will guide you through the essential elements, ensuring that your website homepage is designed to capture attention, engage visitors, and drive conversions.
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10 key elements for every high-converting homepage
NOTE: all examples below are of websites we have built.
#1. Clear and Compelling Value Proposition
Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) is the first thing visitors should see when they land on your homepage. This is where you tell them what you do, why they should care, and what sets you apart from your competitors. It’s the foundation of your homepage and crucial for convincing visitors to stay.
Think of your UVP as your elevator pitch—if a visitor doesn’t understand what you offer within a few seconds, they’re likely to leave. A strong, benefit-driven headline followed by a supporting subheadline can work wonders here.
Example: “Boost Your Business with Custom Website Solutions” followed by “We design engaging, fast websites that drive conversions.”
2. Engaging Visuals That Capture Attention
Visuals are one of the fastest ways to capture attention. High-quality images and videos not only enhance your site’s aesthetic but also help convey your message quickly and effectively. For example, a hero image or banner that showcases your product in action can immediately tell visitors what they need to know, without even reading a word.
Pro Tip: Use images that resonate emotionally with your target audience, and make sure all media files are optimised for quick loading. Videos, especially ones explaining your services or featuring customer testimonials, are a great way to engage users and boost retention.
#3. Strong and Action-Oriented CTAs
What’s the point of a beautiful homepage if visitors don’t take action? Your Call-to-Action (CTA) buttons are the key to driving conversions. Whether you want visitors to sign up, make a purchase, or schedule a call, your CTAs should be clear, direct, and impossible to miss.
Make sure the language is action-oriented. For example, instead of “Submit,” go for something like “Get Started Now” or “Claim Your Free Trial.” Position your primary CTA prominently, preferably above the fold, so visitors see it immediately.
#4. Simple, User-Friendly Navigation
Ever landed on a website and felt lost because you couldn’t find what you needed? This is where intuitive navigation comes into play.
A clear, organised menu helps visitors find their way around your site easily, improving user experience and reducing frustration.
Stick to the essentials in your navigation bar—home, services, blog, and contact. Label your sections clearly so visitors know exactly what to expect when they click through. The goal is to make moving through your site seamless.
#5. Trust-Building Social Proof
People trust other people’s experiences, which is why social proof is so powerful. By including customer testimonials, reviews, or logos of reputable brands you’ve worked with, you can show visitors that others have had positive interactions with your business, helping to build trust and credibility.
Tip: Feature testimonials with real photos or names to make them more authentic. Case studies or success stories can also go a long way in demonstrating how you’ve solved real problems for clients.
#6. Mobile-Responsive Design
With the majority of web traffic now coming from mobile devices, having a mobile-friendly website is non-negotiable.
A responsive design ensures your homepage looks and functions perfectly, no matter the screen size.
Test your homepage across various devices to ensure all elements (text, images, and buttons) are easy to interact with on smaller screens.
A smooth mobile experience not only improves user engagement but also positively impacts your search engine ranking.
#7. Fast Loading Speed
In today’s fast-paced digital world, no one wants to wait for a slow website. If your homepage takes more than three seconds to load, you’re likely losing potential customers.
Optimise your page speed to ensure visitors can access your content quickly and without frustration.
To improve speed, compress large images, reduce the number of scripts running on your page, and use a content delivery network (CDN) to help with faster content delivery. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can help you monitor and improve load times.
#8. Clear Contact Information
You’d be surprised how many businesses forget to make their contact details easy to find. Whether a visitor is ready to reach out with questions or needs customer support, your contact information should be clearly visible.
Include multiple contact options—email, phone, live chat—and place them in the footer, header, or even within the navigation bar. Offering quick, accessible communication shows that you value your customers and are ready to assist.
#9. SEO-Optimised Content
A beautifully designed homepage means nothing if no one can find it. SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) ensures that your website ranks well on Google and other search engines, making it easier for potential customers to discover you.
Use relevant keywords naturally throughout your content—especially in headlines and subheadings—to improve your ranking. Focus on creating high-quality, informative content that answers your audience’s questions while maintaining a natural keyword flow.
Tip: Optimise images with descriptive alt text and ensure meta descriptions are tailored for SEO.

#10. Trust Signals and Security Features
Trust is a major factor in converting visitors into customers. Including trust signals such as security badges, certifications, or guarantees can reassure visitors that your site is secure and legitimate, particularly for e-commerce or service-based businesses.
If you offer money-back guarantees or free trials, highlight them on the homepage. Security badges and SSL certificates also let visitors know that their information is safe when they’re interacting with your site, reducing friction and hesitation.
By following this 10-step checklist, you can create a website homepage that not only looks professional but also converts visitors into leads or customers. Remember, a high-converting homepage isn't just about aesthetics—it’s about clarity, simplicity, and guiding users to take the next step.
Use this checklist to optimise each element of your homepage and watch your conversion rates soar. Whether you’re redesigning an existing homepage or building one from scratch, keeping these principles in mind will ensure your homepage performs effectively.
Need help with your homepage design? Reach out to our team today, and we’ll guide you in creating a high-converting website that reflects your brand and drives results!