Even since the early days of the Internet, site visitors have applied strict criteria to how content is delivered. Even on dial-up connections, it was important, from a marketing perspective, to get a visitor’s attention almost instantly. With today’s high-speed connections and advancements in both content creation and delivery, the pressure to capture someone’s interest within the first few seconds of clicking through to your pages is even greater. And in this context, the importance of above the fold content comes very significantly.
What Does Above the Fold Content Mean, Anyway?
If that term is new to you, it’s one you need to learn and understand if you are to be successful in any online marketing initiative. “Above the fold content” refers to the first thing(s) that people see when they click through to view your page (i.e. check Wiki page). In other words, it’s what they see before they start scrolling. Anything they need to scroll to view is considered “below the fold”. And if what they see first isn’t interesting enough, it really doesn’t matter what you place below.
What you present above the fold is vital to securing enough interest in your content to motivate someone to scroll down or follow any call(s) to action you present at the top of your page. With that in mind, here are a few great ideas for creating “above the fold content” that will pique the interest of even the shrewdest of site visitors.
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1) Opt for Responsive Design, always:
Responsive design has ostensibly eliminated the need for separate mobile websites. Because the same design is implemented on desktop PCs as on smartphones and tablets. This has made website design simpler and more affordable over time. If you don’t know if your site is responsive, ask your web developer or IT manager.
2) Make Good Use of Visuals:
3) Place Opt-In Boxes Above Other Content:
4) Create a Unique Experience:
Mix up your visuals on different pages but keep everything above the fold tethered directly to your brand message. You want what people see on each page to be both familiar and unique as they click through. For example, the sites like NeilPatel.com display their main website analyzer tool at the above the fold position so it gets the maximum attention. Take a look and get the needed inspiration.
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Final Takeaway:
The content that has the most impact on-site visitors will always be the first thing(s) they see. Maintain high levels of congruity between the content that lands people on your page and the page content itself, but also be consistent with your branding. Well-organized above the fold content creates feelings of both trust and confidence in your brand. So be careful and wise when deciding what people should see first when they visit your pages.