Your municipal website is a critical touchpoint for residents, businesses, and visitors. The homepage, in particular, represents the face of the municipality online. However, in an attempt to provide comprehensive information, many municipalities fall into the trap of overcrowding their homepage with too much content. A cluttered homepage can overwhelm visitors and detract from its usability. This blog post will discuss the importance of maintaining a focused homepage, share some of the common mistakes to avoid, and provide a list of the best practices to strike the perfect balance between visual appeal and usability.
Make Your First Impression Count
The homepage is often the first interaction a user has with your municipality’s website. Research shows that visitors form an impression within seconds of landing on a page. This brief window is crucial to capture their attention and convey the purpose of your site. If visitors encounter a confusing layout or irrelevant information, they’re likely to leave—with no plans to return.
To make a strong first impression:
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Clearly communicate your municipality’s purpose and services upfront.
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Use a concise tagline or mission statement that encapsulates the community’s identity.
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Highlight key services and resources residents frequently search for, such as bill payments, event updates, and service requests.
