The home page content needs to be "catchy". You've got approximately 5 seconds to draw visitor's attention to content of site. When I enter site, there has to be an incentive for me to stay.

Your home page should tell story, preferrably in headline and first paragraph. The rest of your web page should provide detail. As I said, you have a matter of seconds to grab your visitor's attention. Do not blow it with a weak opening.

A good home page answers all of "W" questions:

- who (is site for), - what (do you offer), - where (your geographic area), - when (if it is time-related, ie. an event), - and why (why choose your services),

providing visitor with useful information about your organization, product, service or event. If you look at your home page and it does not make you want to stay on site, you need to rewrite and redesign it.

Another letter? "C" for example... because a home page should be

1. State website's purpose up front and clearly of site. Do this as quickly as possible. The visitor needs to know immediately if they have landed on right site. They also need to know "what’s in it for me to stay here." If you don't provide this, they are gone. 90% of sites on Net don't do this.

2. Give visitors ability to search for exactly what they are looking for, if they have something exact in mind. A "site search feature" satisfies this best. Allow search feature to be prominently displayed and not hidden away somewhere. It is best place in navigational system so that it shows up on every page. Sales letter only websites are an exception to this rule. Return visitors and visitors that have something specifically in mind, want option and ability to find what they want fast. So give it to them.

3. Photos allow connection. Especially to people who process visually. Clip art gets them to pay attention, however, it doesn't create much of a connection. Personal photos connect within reason. Keep them less than three to a page. One photo always needs to be in top portion of screen on first page. It doesn't need to be large, but attractive.

4. Ways to capture visitors information wherever possible.