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Homepage Components

Advanced Training Module 1: Homepage Design

There is no single formula for a successful homepage. Every department, service, research group, and administrative unit has different goals and audiences.

However, most effective homepages share several common components that help visitors understand the site, find important information, and take action.

As you design your homepage, think carefully about what your audience needs to know, what you want them to do, and what content deserves the most attention.

Homepage Banner

The homepage banner, sometimes called a hero section, is often the first thing visitors see.

A homepage banner should clearly communicate:

A strong banner often includes:

Introduction or Welcome Message

A short introduction can help visitors quickly understand the purpose of your website.

This section should answer:

Keep introductory content concise and focused.

Most visitors scan homepages rather than reading every word.

Service or Program Highlights

Many visitors arrive looking for a specific service, program, or resource.

Highlighting your most important offerings near the top of the homepage can help visitors reach the information they need quickly.

Examples include:

Tip: Featured Cards are often an effective way to showcase important services and programs.

Featured Content

Featured content helps draw attention to information that is particularly important or relevant.

Examples include:

Not every piece of content needs to appear on the homepage. Focus on the content that best supports your goals.

News and Events

Displaying recent content helps communicate that your website is active and current.

Homepage News or Event sections often include:

Using dynamic News Cards or Event Cards helps keep this content updated automatically.

Calls to Action

Every homepage should encourage visitors to take a next step.

A call to action (CTA) directs visitors toward important tasks or information.

Examples include:

Your primary call to action should be prominent and easy to find.

Pathways to More Information

Visitors should be able to quickly move from the homepage to the information that matters to them.

This can be accomplished through:

A homepage should act as a starting point rather than a destination.

Images and Visual Content

Images help create visual interest and communicate your department’s identity.

When selecting homepage images:

Strong visuals can help reinforce key messages and make a homepage more engaging.

Common Homepage Structure

Many successful homepages follow a structure similar to:

Homepage Banner
Introduction
Featured Programs or Services
Featured Content
News and Events
Call to Action
Contact Information

This is only a starting point. The right structure depends on your audience and website goals.

Homepage Review Checklist

When reviewing your homepage, ask:

If the answer is yes to most of these questions, you’re likely on the right track.

Try It Out

Review your homepage and identify its major components.

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