Imagine someone clicks on your website. What’s the very first thing they see? A bold headline? A cool photo? Maybe even a quirky video? A website should grab your visitors’ attention right away so that they want to continue to stay on your site to scroll and explore.
Above the fold is a phrase that refers to the part of a webpage that visitors can see without scrolling down. That is why it is important to consider what you want visitors to see at first glance on your business website.
So, What Is Above the Fold?
The term above the fold first originated in the print industry and newspapers (remember those?). The top half—above the literal fold—was where the big stories and eye-catching headlines lived to hook readers right away. According to the Content Marketing Glossary.
Fast forward to the digital age in 2011, when the internet began to take off, and above the fold emerged in website designs. In the early 2000s, monitor screens were bulky, heavy, and had lower screen resolutions. Rather than being wider, they were more shaped like a square, which made it different to view and read information on the web.
Further into the digital age, around 2010 to 2014, when technology became advanced, especially when it came to computers. The screen sizes grew, and scrolling became more accepted, particularly with touchscreens. With the shift of people having more access to smartphones, it kick-started the scrolling revolution. According to The Evolution of Scrolling | Imarc digital agency, on mobile devices, users could continuously scroll down as content loaded, which allowed for web designs to become more advanced.
Why Is It Still Important?T
Above the fold is important because your website is like a handshake. It influences what visitors see first, helps capture their attention, and encourages them to stay on the webpage, according to Rachel Handley, a marketing and SEO content writer. Websites look different based on the monitor you are viewing them on. Not everyone may have the newest computer and/or the widest monitor.
That is why it is crucial to have all your business’s most important content, like your logo, a killer headline, and a clear call-to-action that shows up loud and proud on every device. You don’t want people to miss valuable information. It is important that above the fold, there is a menu bar so users can easily navigate when visitors are looking to connect with your brand.
How to Get the Most From the Fold
Want your website to wow right off the bat? Here are a few tips: Firstly, consider the height dimension of images to allow room for information below; therefore, people know to scroll down. Not everyone may be familiar with the icons or push buttons, that’s why it’s important to have an attention grabber, photos or videos.
However, remember the standard sizing (which can be different for mobile, but people are used to scrolling). For web designers and web developers, it is important to remember that not everyone is going to have that big monitor, so be sure to test the webpage on other devices.
We often test on older computers and monitors to see how the webpage will display. Additionally, when creating your business above the fold, it should not be too big but should stand out to visitors. Always use your business brand colors to not only ensure consistency but also to display easily recognizable branding. Above the fold is your brand’s red-carpet moment, and we’re here to roll it out.
Final Thoughts
Think of above-the-fold like the cover of your favorite book. If it’s boring, you’re probably not opening it. But if it’s eye-catching, inviting, and gives you a taste of what’s inside, you’re hooked. Whether someone is browsing from an older desktop or a smartphone, keeping in mind the designs and placement of information and photos ensures visitors will see what matters most right away. Remember to keep it clean, follow your brand, and make it purposeful because what visitors see first will be the most impactful.
