Welcome to You Had Me At HELLO: a weekly challenge to help you create “instant chemistry” with your customers, the moment they land on your website.
Your first challenge?
Roll out the red carpet, by creating a sizzling START HERE page.
It’s a super-easy way to help visitors decide where to go + what to do first, now that they’ve arrived on your site.
But let’s back it up, for a sec.
What is a START HERE page, exactly?
You’ve probably seen START HERE pages on plenty of other websites + blogs. These pages are often called:
:: Begin Here
:: Click Me First
:: Free Stuff
:: Free Swag
:: Free Tools
:: Free Training
:: Free Updates
:: Get Going
:: Get Started
:: Goodies
:: Start Here
:: Step One
:: Stuff For You
:: The Best Of
:: The Library
:: Things For You
:: Treats
Need an example? Mine is right here: https://melissacassera.com/start-here/
Now, it’s your turn.
First: Choose a name for your START HERE page. Keep it clear + simple. (Sticking with plain ol’ START HERE is just fine!)
Got a name? Sah-weet. Eventually, you’ll want to make sure that tab is visible in your top navigation bar. (Don’t bury it where people can’t find it!)
Next: Add a short “welcome” message at the top of your page, to re-introduce yourself. Just a few lines about who you are + what you do.
Got that?
Now: The really fun part.
Fill your page with all kinds of goodies + treats that new visitors will LOVE.
You might choose to include …
:: A collection of your top 10 most popular blog posts of all time.
:: A handful of free worksheets that you’re aching for people to take + use.
:: A round-up of your best video tutorials on {insert topic here}.
:: A free training program that you designed, especially for newbies.
Make sure you’re only including your absolute favorite work. Stuff that you’re super proud of … and want to be known for. The best of the best!
If your page is getting hella long, organize everything into categories with clear headings. (Check my START HERE page again, as an example.)
Got a bunch of gems? Perfect.
Last step: Add a call-to-action, somewhere on the page. Towards the bottom is usually best. Your call-to-action could be an invitation to hop on your mailing list for more goodies (which we’ll talk about in the second challenge, coming next week!).
Or just a reminder that there’s even more hot stuff, over on your blog.
Don’t get hung up about choosing the “perfect” call-to-action. Just about anything will do! Your goal is simply to give visitors something SPECIFIC to do next, so they’re not spinning their wheels, wondering, “What now?”
Bottom line:
Your START HERE page is a place where your best content is curated, all in one pretty little package. A cozy little nook where new visitors (and even long-time fans) can curl up with a frothy beverage, get lost in your goodness, and just … fall in love.