If you are like a lot of webmasters you're losing a significant number of visitors as soon as they get to your front door . The Main Page on any site is doorway to rest of content of that particular site. But, BIG question is ....will door open? Will visitor turn knob and push through main page to see what's really in there?

We faced this situation recently. We had what was a very pretty web page. That's not just our opinion, many visitors commented very positively on look of main page. Some even went as far as to copy design completely and place it on their own page (but that's another story). The problem was that a good percentage of visitors never went beyond main page. Something had to be done, and done fast.

Following is what we did to dramatically change click through rate on our site pages. After implementing these changes we saw a 200% - 300% increase in our internal traffic.

1) Tighten up on load time.

The graphics files got reduced and used more efficiently. Some of nonessential copy got turfed too. We also took out virtually all outside links from main page. The result is a sleeker looking page that is more efficient in delivering message about rest of site.

2) Ease of Navigation.

All main category pages are clearly listed on sidebar. Each category page is a site unto itself with it's own navigation features and links to all other site categories are still listed on sidebar. This repeated but tasteful use of same links and graphics on every page greatly increases load time on subsequent page views.

3) High Value Perception.

You have content. You have a message. You need to present it in a professional and attractive manner quickly, before viewer hits that return key. A few basic design skills will help you along.

1. The first important step is to provide a CENTER OF INTEREST to catch viewer's eye. This can be your logo, a heading graphic, a gripping photograph. This should be at top left or center of your site page. Say you have an online nursery business. You might splash a stunning photo of billowing red begonias across top of your page. Right under it you could have your logo and business name. Or, you could have logo and/or name printed right on photo, just make sure it's VERY legible. Nothing spoils a photo more than faint unrecognizable smears on it.

2. From your center of interest object, you need to make sure people quickly see/read what you think is most important for them to know. Don't put paragraphs of text. They won't bother with it, and may even leave your site. Think poster. A web page is like a poster. Present information briefly and design it so whole poster can be read quickly. To do this, you need to have EYE TRAVEL. This means planning graphics, tables, or short text snips to be placed on page in such a pattern as to lead your viewers along page to see what you want them to see without their making a conscious effort. Remember people read left to right, top to bottom. This is natural. Make use of it.

And, don't be afraid of blank space!! Did you hear me? Don't be afraid of blank space! Give your text and graphics room to breathe!