A website is not just a collection of pages. It is a connected space where every section plays a role in guiding visitors, building trust, and helping them take action. The quality of a website comes from how well these parts work together to create a smooth experience.
Header: The Anchor
The header is the first thing people see when they arrive on your website. It should feature your logo, main navigation, and sometimes a call to action like “Contact” or “Shop Now.” Since it appears across every page, the header works as a constant anchor.
Sections to include:
- Logo linking back to the homepage
- Navigation menu with clear categories
- Call to action button (e.g., Contact, Shop, Book a Call)
- Search bar (if the site has lots of content)
Common mistakes:
- Overloading the header with too many links
- Using small or unreadable fonts
- Making the logo so large it dominates the space
- Adding multiple calls to action that confuse users
Homepage: First Impressions
The homepage sets the tone and must show clarity within seconds.
Hero image: This is the visual centerpiece of the homepage. A well-chosen hero image instantly tells visitors what the site is about. For a product-based business, it might show the product in real use. For services, it could capture the outcome of your work, like happy clients or a powerful before-and-after. The hero image should work hand-in-hand with a short headline, sub-headline, and a clear call to action.
Sections to include:
- Clear headline and sub-headline that explain what you offer
- Call to action button above the fold
- Short overview of services or products
- Highlights of social proof (reviews, logos of clients, testimonials)
- Preview of latest resources or blog posts
- Secondary call to action near the bottom (subscribe, learn more, shop now)
Common mistakes:
- Using stock photos that feel staged and impersonal
- Filling the homepage with too much text
- Hiding the main call to action below the fold
- Letting auto-playing videos or sliders distract users
- Navigation: The Guide
Navigation is the quiet helper of a website. When done well, people hardly notice it because it feels natural however when it is difficult to use it can be frustrating for users.
Sections to include:
- Primary categories (Services, Products, About, Blog, Contact)
- Dropdowns for subcategories
- Utility links like Login, Cart, or Account
- Breadcrumbs on deeper pages
Common mistakes:
- Overcrowded menus with too many choices
- Poor contrast making links hard to read
- Hidden navigation that requires multiple clicks to access
- Using unclear labels like “Solutions” instead of direct terms
- About Page: Building Connection
The about page is where credibility is built. Visitors look here to understand who you are and why they should trust you.
Sections to include:
- Headline with story-driven intro
- Short story or mission statement
- Timeline or milestones
- Team profiles with photos
- Company values
- Call to action (work with us, contact us)
Common mistakes:
- Using generic phrases like “We’re passionate about excellence”
- Writing long, self-focused paragraphs without value to the reader
- Not showing any faces or human elements
- Forgetting a clear call to action at the end
- Service or Product Pages: Helping Decisions
These are the conversion engines of the site.
Sections to include:
- Headline with clear offer
- Features and benefits
- Pricing or plans (if applicable)
- Comparison tables or FAQs
- Reviews and testimonials
- Call to action button repeated throughout
Common mistakes:
- Overly technical descriptions that confuse customers
- Burying pricing or hiding it completely
- Using long blocks of text without scannable sections
- Weak or missing social proof
- Blog or Resources: Showing Expertise
A blog is where a business shows it understands its audience. The challenge is making content both easy to find and enjoyable to read.
Sections to include:
- Search bar and category filters
- Featured or latest articles highlighted at the top
- Author bios for credibility
- Related content suggestions
- Newsletter signup
Common mistakes:
- Poor formatting that makes articles hard to read
- No clear categories, forcing readers to dig
- Outdated content left at the top of the feed
- Overloading posts with pop-ups or ads
Contact Page: Making It Easy
This is where intention turns into action. Its goal is to make reaching out simple.
Sections to include:
- Short headline and message
- Contact form with minimal fields
- Direct email and phone options
- Map with directions (if location matters)
- Social links for other ways to connect
- Call to action that assures quick response
Common mistakes:
- Contact forms asking for unnecessary details
- No clear confirmation after a message is sent
- Burying email or phone details deep in the page
- Lack of clarity about response time
Footer: The Closing Note
The footer may seem small, but it matters. People scroll here when they are searching for specific details like policies, addresses, or links.
Sections to include:
- Quick links to main pages
- Contact details
- Social icons
- Newsletter signup
- Legal links (Privacy Policy, Terms)
- Secondary logo or tagline
Common mistakes:
- Stuffing the footer with every page link
- Tiny unreadable text
- Outdated details like old phone numbers or broken links
- Ignoring accessibility with poor colour contrast
The key question is not “what should we include” but “how does this section help visitors feel confident, take action, and return again.” Websites that succeed are those built as one connected experience, where every page contributes to trust, clarity, and action.
