How to Structure a Homepage That Converts (Like a Great First Date)
If you’re wondering how to structure a homepage that converts, think of it like planning a great first date.
You wouldn’t turn up late, talk only about yourself, hide the important details, and then hope they call you back.
Yet that’s exactly what many small business homepages do.
In this guide, we’ll walk through a simple, step‑by‑step structure for a high‑converting homepage – in plain English, with examples you can actually use.
Why your homepage is more like a first date than a brochure
Most SMEs treat their homepage like a digital brochure: “Here’s everything we do, good luck.”
But visitors aren’t browsing for fun. They’re usually thinking:
- “Can you solve my problem?”
- “Can I trust you?”
- “What should I do next?”
A good first date answers similar questions: Who are you? Are we a good fit? Should we meet again?
A homepage that converts does the same. It:
- Makes a strong first impression quickly
- Shows you understand their problem
- Explains how you can help (without jargon)
- Proves you’re trustworthy
- Makes the next step painfully obvious
Let’s break that into sections you can literally map onto your page.
The ideal homepage structure (section by section)
Here’s a simple structure we use at Los Webos when designing high‑converting homepages for SMEs:
- Hero section – the first screen people see
- Problem & solution – show you “get it”
- Key benefits – what’s in it for them
- Social proof – reviews, logos, results
- Services snapshot – what you actually do
- Authority & trust – why you, not the next tab
- Process or next steps – how it works
- Final call‑to‑action – a clear, friendly nudge
You don’t have to use every single one, but skipping the important bits is like leaving halfway through the date.
Let’s walk through each part.
1. Hero section: your opening line
This is the top of your homepage – what people see before they scroll.
You usually have 3–5 seconds to convince them to stay. That’s it.
Your hero section needs:
- A clear headline – who you help and what you do
- A short supporting line – how you make life better
- One main call‑to‑action (CTA) – what to do next
- Optional: a secondary CTA for people who aren’t ready yet
A simple headline formula
We help [type of customer] get [main result] with [your service].
Examples:
- "We help busy London homeowners get reliable plumbing repairs – same‑day where possible."
- "We build fast, good‑looking websites that turn visitors into customers for UK small businesses." (That’s us at Los Webos.)
Your hero CTA
Keep it action‑focused and friendly:
- "Get a free quote"
- "Book a quick call"
- "Check availability"
Avoid vague buttons like "Learn more" at the very top. Tell them the next real step.
2. Problem & solution: show you understand
Once they’ve stayed past the opening line, your job is to show you "get" their world.
Think of this as the part of the date where you say: “I understand what you’re going through.”
Talk about their problem first
Use simple, everyday language. For example, for an accountant:
"Running a small business is hard enough without worrying about surprise tax bills, confusing paperwork and HMRC letters piling up on your desk."
Then gently introduce your solution:
"We take the stress off your plate with clear, fixed‑fee accounting so you always know where you stand."
Structure this section like:
- 2–3 short paragraphs about their pain
- 1–2 paragraphs about your solution
- A small CTA: "See how we can help" linking to your services or contact page
3. Key benefits: what’s in it for them
Features are about you. Benefits are about them.
Instead of: "We use advanced cloud‑based software"
Say: "You can access your accounts from anywhere, without digging through paper files."
Use 3–6 bullet points with short, punchy benefits. For example, a local cleaning company:
- Flexible slots that fit around your schedule – evenings and weekends available
- Same trusted cleaner each visit – so you’re not meeting a stranger every week
- No long contracts – stay because you’re happy, not because you’re tied in
This is one of the most important parts of how to structure a homepage that converts – because it connects your service to their everyday life.
4. Social proof: let others do the talking
On a first date, you can say you’re lovely. But it’s more convincing if other people say it.
On your homepage, that’s your social proof:
- Customer reviews
- Star ratings (Google, Trustpilot, Facebook)
- Before/after photos
- Client logos
- Short case studies or stats
Make it specific
Instead of:
"Great service, highly recommend."
Aim for:
"Los Webos rebuilt our website and enquiries went up by 48% in three months."
Place social proof above the fold or just below the hero if you can – even a row of Google review stars makes a difference.
5. Services snapshot: what you actually do
By now, visitors know:
- You might be a good fit
- Other people like you
Next they need to know exactly what you offer.
Keep this section tidy and scannable. Think of it as the quick summary you’d give a friend in the pub.
Good layout for services
- A short heading: "How we can help"
- 3–6 service blocks with:
- Service name
- One‑sentence description
- Link to learn more
Example for a trades business:
- Boiler installations – Efficient, A‑rated boilers with up to 10‑year warranties.
- Emergency repairs – 24/7 call‑outs across Leeds and surrounding areas.
- Annual servicing – Keep your system safe and running efficiently.
Each block can link to a dedicated service page – which is great for SEO.
6. Authority & trust: why choose you
This is where you can talk about yourself a bit more – but still keep it relevant.
Think of it as the moment on the date where you share a bit of your story and values.
You might include:
- Years in business
- Qualifications or accreditations
- Awards or press mentions
- A short founder story
- Your core values (if you actually live them)
Example:
"We’re a small, Yorkshire‑based team that’s been building websites for UK SMEs since 2015. No jargon, no drama – just fast, good‑looking sites that bring in more enquiries."
Add a friendly photo or two if you can. Faces build trust.
7. Process or next steps: make it feel easy
People are far more likely to get in touch if they know what will happen next.
Lay out your process in 3–4 simple steps with icons or numbers.
For example, for a web design agency like Los Webos:
- Quick discovery call – We learn about your business and goals.
- Plan & proposal – We suggest a structure and quote with no hidden extras.
- Design & build – We create your new site and handle all the techy bits.
- Launch & support – We go live and stay on hand as your business grows.
This section reduces anxiety and makes the decision feel smaller and safer.
8. Final call‑to‑action: ask for the second date
End your homepage with a clear, confident invitation.
This is not the place for "If you’d like to maybe chat sometime…".
Be direct but friendly:
- "Ready to grow your business online? Book a free 20‑minute call."
- "Want more enquiries from your website? Request a no‑obligation quote today."
Include:
- A simple contact form or a big button to your contact page
- Alternative contact options (phone, email)
- Reassurance: "No pushy sales chat – just an honest conversation about what’s possible."
Common homepage mistakes that quietly kill conversions
Even if you follow the structure above, avoid these usual suspects:
1. Too many choices
If your homepage is a wall of buttons, menus and options, people freeze.
Aim for one main CTA and maybe one backup option (e.g. "Download price guide").
2. Long, waffly text
People skim. Use:
- Short paragraphs
- Clear headings
- Bullet points
- Plain English
If a sentence sounds like it belongs in a legal contract, rewrite it.
3. Hiding contact details
Don’t make people hunt for your phone number or email address. Add them to:
- The header (top of the page)
- The footer
- The final CTA section
4. No clear audience
"We work with everyone" usually means "We’re not sure who we’re for."
Even if you serve a broad market, speak directly to your most common or most profitable type of customer.
A quick checklist: does your homepage pass the first‑date test?
Open your homepage and honestly ask:
- Within 5 seconds, is it clear what you do and who for?
- Is there one obvious next step for visitors to take?
- Can I see proof that real people trust you?
- Does the page talk more about the visitor’s problems than your internal jargon?
- Would a complete stranger feel confident getting in touch?
If you’re unsure on any of these, there’s conversion potential being left on the table.
Want help structuring a homepage that actually converts?
At Los Webos, we design and build fast, good‑looking, high‑converting websites for UK small and medium‑sized businesses.
We’ll help you:
- Clarify your message so visitors instantly "get" what you do
- Structure your homepage to guide people towards enquiries and sales
- Add the right social proof, trust signals and calls‑to‑action
- Launch a site that works as hard as you do – 24/7
If you’d like a fresh pair of eyes on your existing homepage, or you’re ready for a complete redesign, get in touch with Los Webos for a friendly, no‑jargon chat about what’s possible.
Your homepage shouldn’t just look nice – it should bring in business. Let’s make sure it does.