“Top Ten Guidelines for Homepage Usability”

Written by: Jakob Nielsen

Presented by: Eric Schwartz Date : November 6, 2007

Objective

A companies homepage is that companies front door to the world of the internet.

It is the first thing that a new user is going to see when they visit.

More and more consumer’s are looking at a companies website first before doing business with them.

1. Include a One-Sentence Tagline

This tagline should quickly summarize what the company does.

If you’re marketing slogan is bland or generic then this tagline is especially important.

2. Write a Window Title with Good Visibility

in Search engines and Bookmark lists

The tagline should start with the company name and then a very brief description about what the company does.

Don’t start it with common words like “The” or “Welcome” unless you want to be alphabetized under “t” or “w”.

3. Group all Corporate Information in One Distinct Area

A good corporate information page is important to help potential employees and also PR gain knowledge about your company quickly.

It should also hold investor relations and information regarding a companies financial statements. (Only for a publicly held company.)

4. Emphasize the Site’s Top High-Priority Tasks

The homepage should highlight one to four main tasks that a user would want to use.

5. Include a Search Input Box

If you have a large website then most users will simply use a search box to find what they need.

The box should support a maximum search length of 27 characters.

6. Show Examples of Real Site Content

You shouldn’t just describe what is beneath you’re homepage. You should show some real content on your homepage.

7. Begin Link Names with the Most Important Keyword

Users quickly scan down a page looking for what they want. If the links aren’t named properly then a user could look over it and not find what they want.

8. Offer Easy Access to Recent Homepage Features

Users will often remember features, articles, or promotions on the homepage but won’t know how to find them once they move inside the site.

You should keep a short list of new features with the appropriate links.

9. Don’t Over-Format Critical Content,

Such as Navigation Areas

You might think that fancy and elaborate tables and links might be helpful for navigation but more often then not simple is better.

10. Use Meaningful Graphics

Don’t decorate with just stock art, images are powerful communication tools.

It is better to show real people connected to the topic rather then models.

Questions or Comments?