21–24 of 24 posts
What should you be thinking? Simple: "I have 5 seconds of this guy's time." ... and then only if you're lucky. Once you realize that, everything else follows easily. Your first goal is to answer "what does this website do" in six words and stick that message in a place the user can't miss. Next up is a clear call to action. A "Solve My Problem Now" button that takes up a third of the screen and can't be missed or mis…
The second biggest link is the "learn more" or "see how it works" (or whatever you want them to do next) link.
I am including (small) twitter and fb links but NOT a feed of activity. The primary purpose of running my twitter and fb account is to draw activity TO my site, so why would I want to send someone away if they actually make it to my site in the first place? I do realize that some people may opt not to signup, but want to stay informed, so that's why I'm including the links at all.
Basically, focus on directing the user where YOU want them to go. If they don't want to do that, what do you want them to do instead? And if they don't want them to do that, what do you want them to do instead?
I think we're so heavily ingrained with the idea that we have to include lots of "stuff" on the homepage (like twitter feeds, etc) that we forget what we're even trying to do.
[0]: http://mattgemmell.com/2010/06/20/your-apps-website-sucks