Your homepage is the first thing people see when they go to your website. You want your website to capture their attention, make a good first impression, and convert leads into customers.
Remember, you only have 17 milliseconds to make a lasting first impression on your target audience—once that passes, you won’t get another chance to make a good first impression. From the outset, your main page should quickly engage new visitors, direct them to the right content, and convert leads.
The top homepage design examples feature a blend of good design and exceptional functionality. They focus on delivering value to their audience while utilizing homepage designs that drive conversions.
Let’s look at some of the best examples of well-designed main pages.
The Importance of a Well-Designed Website Homepage
50% of consumers base their impression of a brand on the company’s website design. Moreover, a study found that website aesthetics play a role in consumer value perception. For consumers, the main goal of a purchase is to obtain value and drive all other transactions. Meanwhile, for businesses, providing more value to their customers is key to driving purchases and repurchases.
A website’s attractiveness, in general, influences how visitors perceive its usefulness, ease of use, and enjoyment. When applied to your homepage design, using what the study calls “expressive aesthetics” can have a halo effect on your overall website. Furthermore, visitors tend to associate a website’s “goodness” and “usability” with its aesthetics.
However, effective website homepage design goes beyond aesthetics.
60% of consumers abandon their purchases due to poor user experience. On average, consumers in the US and Europe abandon five purchases a year due to poor website design.
Aside from subpar user experience, consumers leave a website due to limited payment options (37%), poor navigation or layout (37%), and slow loading speeds (33%). Additionally, 42% of American consumers shared that at least on one occasion, they were too embarrassed to say where they bought a product because of the website’s poor design.
Great website homepage design influences visitors’ perceptions of your brand. It shows them what your brand is about and what you want them to do.
One of the biggest benefits of having a well-designed main page is that it improves brand awareness. Every element on your website’s main page, from the homepage header to the copy, should showcase your brand story and identity. By adding your logo, using your brand colors, and including your tagline, you’re telling potential customers what makes you different or why they should use your product or service.
A well-designed website homepage builds brand consistency, effectively showcases your unique selling proposition (USP), and creates a frictionless experience for visitors.
List of the Top Homepage Design Examples
The New York City Ballet homepage is a good example of a well-organized main page that makes good use of design principles like visual hierarchy and color schemes. Its headline and hero image are clear and simple. From the get-go, visitors can easily get a glimpse of the NYC Ballet’s featured show, along with schedules for upcoming performances.
Scrolling further down the main page, you get a mix of videos and images that are given further context by concise copy. You’ll also notice that its calls-to-action buttons are distinctive. The CTA buttons feature short calls to action and make use of contrast and animation to make each one stand out. Such elements on the homepage make the website design modern and intuitive.
As you explore the entirety of the main page, you get a sense of what else the New York City Ballet is doing like organizing public programs for audiences of all ages. Visitors also get quick access to other helpful resources, such as links to featured stories and interviews with people who have helped shape the New York City Ballet.
The hamburger icon on the top right corner of the homepage helps provide a more intuitive navigation experience. Clicking the navigation menu also gives you access to a handy search bar.
2. A24 Films
When you visit A24 Films’ website, you’re immediately taken to a main page that features all its latest releases. Clicking on each title takes you to a separate page where you can watch a trailer and learn more about the film.
The website’s clean and simple design puts the spotlight on the films. There are no annoying pop-up ads, no flashy animations—just eye-catching graphics paired with simple yet effective calls to action like “Shop Now” or “Listen Now” that convey a sense of urgency.
The header navigation is also simple and straightforward. You get a hamburger icon, the A24 logo, and a search feature icon. Clicking on the menu icon gives you a list populated by big and bold text that makes great use of contrast. The entire main page, from the header navigation to the footer, stays true to A24’s branding, which exudes modernity and progressiveness.
3. Shopify
Visiting Shopify’s homepage, you’re immediately greeted by an attention-grabbing headline and sub-headline. More than telling visitors what the site is about, these two elements clearly convey Shopify’s unique value proposition. These show that Shopify helps entrepreneurs from businesses of all sizes and that it “[makes] commerce better for everyone”.
You can do something similar for your main page. Use clear and concise copy to communicate your USP. Perform A/B testing to see how different versions of your copy perform and to determine which one is the better option.
The homepage design incorporates a compelling hero video, accompanied by eye-catching CTA buttons that encourage visitors to sign up for a free trial or watch the full hero video.
There are also other elements at play that make Shopify’s main page a great example of what a good homepage design should be. The homepage:
- Gives visitors a clear reason as to why millions of users use Shopify. It leverages figures paired with concise text to describe Shopify’s achievements.
- Uses social proof. It puts the spotlight on entrepreneurs and their experience with Shopify through short clips and testimonials.
- Focuses on communicating the benefits of using Shopify in an easy-to-understand manner. It uses concise yet engaging copy, readable fonts, custom visuals, and animations to bring the main page to life.
- Includes calls to action that meet the needs of different audience segments.
4. Grammarly
Grammarly’s homepage is simple and straightforward. It uses a powerful headline and an equally compelling sub-headline. The main page also incorporates custom animation and a clear primary CTA.
Instead of using a wall of text to describe its benefits, Grammarly uses concise and engaging copy to give visitors an idea of what they can expect when they use the digital writing tool. Each benefit is accompanied by custom animations that paint a clearer picture of what Grammarly can do.
The main page does a great job of showcasing social proof, from displaying the brands that use the tool to sharing users’ experiences. Grammarly also uses data to build trust and credibility. On its homepage, you’ll immediately know how many users it has.
The footer helps make navigation easier since it breaks down Grammarly’s key features and helps visitors find the right version for the device they’re using.
Book a call
5. Healthline
Healthline’s homepage drives home the point that it’s an educational website providing helpful health and wellness-related resources. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that make it look as visually appealing as other modern sites. However, it does a great job of using its main page to focus on the type of content it delivers best.
Its header navigation is clean and simple and points people to topics they want to know more about. It also has a search feature that makes it easier for visitors to look for specific articles or news.
Scrolling down the main page, you’ll see that it has a uniform approach: attention-grabbing headlines accompanied by visuals like images and videos. As seen in the image below, the homepage design also incorporates custom graphics to help users navigate and explore specific sections like nutrition, sleep, and mental health.
The main page has a dedicated space that outlines Healthline’s editorial process. This is especially helpful when it comes to building Healthline’s credibility and nurturing visitor trust.
6. Bose
Bose’s homepage design has a clear navigation menu. When a visitor sees the main page, they can easily find the type of product they’re looking for. The main page also uses eye-catching graphics accompanied by powerful copy. Its primary CTA stands out from the rest of the page.
If you have a lot of products on offer, you can follow Bose’s lead. Instead of overwhelming visitors with tons of options, use a clear navigation menu showcasing the different types of products you have. Then, use stunning visuals to catch their attention. One other thing that the Bose homepage gets right is that it doesn’t use a lot of text, allowing visitors to focus on the products instead.
The main page focuses on the advantages of buying from the Bose website. Then, as you explore the page further, you’ll see a space dedicated to helpful guides, along with videos and images of people using Bose products.
7. Evernote
There are several elements at play here that make Evernote’s homepage design one of the best. For instance, it makes great use of negative space, which creates balance and helps enhance the page’s structure. All the negative space allows certain elements to stand out and gives the main page enough breathing room, so visitors can focus on Evernote’s message and USP.
It strategically uses color schemes to make conversion points like the primary CTA seen above stand out. Exploring the main page further, you see a huge hero image that gives you an idea of what the tool looks like in action.
Evernote’s main page effectively presents its USP in a clear and engaging manner. Each benefit is accompanied by fun graphics that highlight the tool’s functionality.
The homepage design also excels in incorporating social proof. In the image below, you’ll see user testimonials and the logos of companies that have used the tool.
8. Mint
What sets Mint’s homepage apart is its use of a powerful header visual. If you zoom in on the image, you’ll get an idea of what the app looks like and its features. This is further illustrated as you scroll down the homepage.
In the image below, you’ll see that Mint highlights the app’s key benefits and uses custom images to give visitors an idea of what to expect. The CTA buttons stand out thanks to the use of brand-aligned colors that make each one pop out from the homepage’s background.
Book a call
9. Calendly
Calendly’s homepage design strategically uses elements like a powerful headline and sub-headline, success indicators, and striking visuals. Visiting its homepage, you’ll see proof of Calendly’s expertise and authority in providing smarter scheduling solutions for more than 20 million users, including top companies like Dropbox, DoorDash, and L’Oréal. The page also details how Calendly makes scheduling easier for users. Aside from concise copy, each section is accompanied by images that show users what it would be like to use Calendly.
To give you more insight into how Calendly can benefit your organization, the page even has a short video that shows the platform in action.
10. HubSpot
HubSpot’s homepage uses an attention-grabbing headline. This is followed by a sub-headline that details what the platform can do for users. You’ll also notice that the page has two CTAs, with both buttons utilizing contrast to draw visitors’ attention.
The page shows the popular features of each solution while providing a brief description of what it does. Each one is accompanied by clear CTAs. The HubSpot page stands out because it clearly addresses top business challenges while positioning itself as a viable solution.
Lastly, it showcases figures to establish its authority. Scrolling further down the page, you’ll see that the HubSpot blog has over 10 million monthly visits, while the HubSpot Academy has helped more than 459,000 people become certified professionals.
11. RCA Records
RCA Records has a stunning website. It even won the 2023 Webby Awards for Websites and Mobile Sites with the Best User Interface. When you visit the page, you’ll see amazing photos of RCA’s legacy artists like Elvis Presley, Nina Simone, Patti Smith, and David Bowie, along with more contemporary artists like Wolf Alice and SZA.
The page utilizes animations and when you hover your cursor on any of the artist’s images, you’ll see a CTA that invites you to stream their new releases. Further down the page, you’ll see scrollers featuring new videos, accompanied by simple yet effective CTA buttons (“Watch”). The rest of the page makes clever use of contrasting color schemes to keep things visually interesting.
12. TED
TED covers an array of topics and offers a ton of great resources. However, its homepage balances out all these elements without making the page too overwhelming. It leverages white space, visual hierarchy, and contrast to craft a well-organized and easy-to-navigate site. It also breaks down its resources into helpful sections like curated playlists.
Essential Elements of Effective Homepage Design
Below are some of the essential elements that every homepage should have.
1. Design
You can apply several design principles to make a great homepage. Use color schemes that align with your branding. These should help you create visual interest and convey a certain emotion to your audience. Go for fonts that are compatible on multiple devices, enhance your site’s accessibility, and improve readability.
When it comes to visual hierarchy, be strategic in how you arrange the elements on your homepage. The goal is to help visitors easily navigate your website and identify its most important parts. For example, using negative space lets you create a more organized look. Meanwhile, an intuitive layout allows you to highlight key features or points.
Accessibility features make your homepage design more inclusive. Website accessibility also aids in helping all users have equal access to your content and services. Following the W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) is a good place to start.
2. Functionality
An eCommerce site works differently from an information-focused one. The former focuses on creating a frictionless experience for shoppers, while the latter is all about providing relevant information through articles or tutorials to help users address their pain points or learn more about a topic.
Related Content: Top Ecommerce Landing Page Examples That Inspire
Before you design and develop a website, you must first determine its purpose and objectives. Start by identifying your target audience and defining what they need in terms of website content and associated features. Doing so helps you create a design that caters to your target audience’s interests and preferences while helping your brand achieve objectives like driving awareness and boosting sales.
3. Essential Features
The homepage design examples shared above all share these key features, which help improve their functionality:
- Engaging headline and sub-headline. Effective homepages use headlines and sub-headlines that encourage visitors to stay and explore what they have to offer.
- Hero image. A hero image or video is something that’s prominently displayed on your homepage. It welcomes visitors, reinforces your theme, and further highlights your unique selling proposition.
- Clear navigation menu. A well-designed navigation menu makes your website more accessible. They help point visitors to pages they want to visit. It’s worth noting that nearly half of users who visit a company website use its menu for orientation.
(Source)
- Call to action. CTA buttons provide users with directions on what to do next. They should be strategically placed throughout your homepage. Consider using custom graphics or animation to make your CTAs more appealing. The type of CTAs you use will also depend on your site’s goal and type. For instance, if you want to sway visitors to make a purchase, use direct CTAs.
- Compelling copy. When crafting your homepage copy, focus on delivering value to your audience. Your copy should be clear, concise, and consistent with your brand’s message. Use powerful language to induce emotions from your target audience and encourage them to use your product or service.
- Eye-catching visuals. Visuals like videos and images do more than just break up text. They’re great for when you want to provide additional information in a more fun and accessible way. Play around with contrasting colors to make certain elements stand out.
- FAQ section. An FAQ page doesn’t just answer commonly asked questions. It helps visitors get the answers they need without having to contact your representatives or jump through several hoops on your website to search for answers. Including a FAQ section on your homepage tells visitors that you’re customer-centric.
- Social proof. Effective homepage design helps build trust. It also allows you to promote your brand authority. For example, by showcasing social proof or statistics about your brand on your homepage, you’re establishing your brand’s credibility. This, in turn, helps instill trust in your visitors.
An analysis of top websites found that 82% used at least one type of social proof on their homepage. Furthermore, 54% used trust icons to gain visitor trust.
(Source)
Highlighting your USP also helps establish trust and credibility and helps you stand out. For example, by using your homepage to tell visitors what problems you’re solving and how you go about it, you’re giving them a compelling reason to consider your product or service.
- User Experience
It goes without saying that brands shouldn’t underestimate the importance of user experience when designing a homepage. Prioritizing user experience tells your audience that you care about them and that you value their time. This, in turn, helps them view your brand in a positive light. Furthermore, focusing on delivering exceptional UX helps you build better relationships with your audience while improving their satisfaction through creating positive experiences on your site.
Tips for Creating an Effective Website Homepage
Follow these recommendations to craft an effective homepage design:
1. When developing homepage designs, focus on its utility.
Unlike a dedicated landing page, your homepage design should be versatile. It should cater to a wide array of audiences who have different needs and pain points. Thus, your homepage must combine elements that drive traffic, improve brand awareness, and encourage leads to convert.
2. Your homepage design should clearly communicate who you are.
Help visitors know they’re in the right place by using your homepage to tell them who you are and what you do. If they can’t immediately tell what your business is about from your homepage, then they’ll likely bounce.
3. Give visitors a good reason to stick around.
To keep visitors from leaving, your homepage should clearly communicate your USP. Showcase the key features and benefits of your offering, what it solves, and how visitors can further engage with your brand.
4. Include photos in your social proof.
A 2012 study found that adding nonprobative images can enhance “truthiness” or the likelihood of people judging your claims to be true. When using testimonials, provide more information about the person featured in the testimonial, such as their name and company.
5. Add case studies.
Case studies help visitors understand certain issues better. They also show them potential solutions. To make case studies more compelling and effective, it’s always a good idea to tell a story. Share your client’s background and focus on the challenges they’re facing.
Below is an example of an effective case study. It utilizes the following elements:
- A clear and engaging headline
- Client background
- Challenges the client is facing and the solutions applied
- Results and data to back up claims
- Compelling CTA
It also uses eye-catching graphics and breaks down information into easy-to-digest sections.
(Source)
Highlight how your product or service was able to help clients overcome challenges and include data to support your claims. Make your data more accessible by embracing a multi-format approach. This means utilizing videos or custom graphics to make your case study easy to digest and share online.
6. Develop an interactive homepage.
Interactive elements help create a positive experience for users. Note that not every element on your main page should be interactive—going this route will run the risk of overwhelming your visitors. Think about what your target audience is looking for and what stories you want to convey. Each element should contribute to creating an intuitive and seamless experience for users. Some of the interactive elements you can add include animations, interactive infographics, virtual product testing, and a quiz or other useful tools like interactive calculators.
7. Run tests.
Tests like A/B testing will let you know what works and what doesn’t for you and your target audience. If you’re optimizing your website, test different elements like images, copy, layout, and color schemes.
8. Optimize your site for mobile devices.
Over 54% of all web traffic during Q4 2023 came from mobile phones, signaling a shift in consumer browsing preferences. When developing a website homepage design, brands need to focus on creating mobile-friendly layouts and faster page load speeds. Remember, when a page loads slowly, you run the risk of driving away potential customers.
For 74% of online users, websites with a mobile-friendly design are more likely to encourage them to return. Furthermore, 67% of mobile users are more likely to purchase a product or service from a mobile-friendly site.
(Source)
Turn Visitors into Customers: Optimized Homepage by Duck.Design
Thinking of doing a website redesign? Duck.Design offers web design services that are designed to help your business grow. From online stores to corporate websites, Duck.Design creates tailored solutions to help you address your business’s unique challenges and needs.
Working with Duck.Design, you get access to top designers from around the world who are trained on your brand guidelines. This ensures that everything on your website is consistent with your branding.
Duck.Design’s UI/UX design services cater to both web and mobile devices. Applying proven approaches, from design to product validation, the experts at Duck.Design create applications that you and your audience will love. We employ a data-driven and strategic approach to our design process to create user-centered and functional solutions.
Pave the way for optimized homepages with the help of Duck.Design. Start your project today.
Conclusion
A well-designed main page goes beyond having great aesthetics. It should also be functional and cater to your target audiences’ needs. With a winning homepage design, you set the tone for your brand and what makes you stand out. You’ll also have a consistent representation of what your business is about while ensuring that you make a good first impression on all visitors.
