Website Matters
DESIGNING YOUR WEBSITE – ABOVE AND BELOW THE FOLD The term ‘above the fold’ on websites refers to the area of a page that is visible to the user without them having to scroll. This article explores the relative importance of content both above and below the fold on your website. As users browse the web on a range of devices and screen sizes, the area above the fold will vary but the basic principles remain the same. Naturally, the top of your website is the most visible. What many aren’t aware of, is that the area above the fold commands 80 per cent of our attention. Therefore it is vital that this area communicates your core message or proposition and invites the user to explore your website further. Additionally, the user is subconsciously assessing your website and forming a first impression within moments of it loading. ‘If your website is not presenting well above the fold then you are missing out on a crucial chance, maybe your only chance, to engage your audience.’
MEL MYERS Jetpack Web Design
Going further down the page, most users will scroll to some extent but only 15 per cent to 25 per cent make it to the bottom of the page. The percentage of actual attention is even lower in these areas. The percentage of attention at the bottom of the page is usually below 10 per cent. If you have important content below the fold then you need to develop your page layout to encourage user scrolling. A common technique is to have images or paragraphs broken by the fold to force scrolling to see more information.
Naturally, the top of your website is the most visible. What many aren’t aware of, is that the area above the fold commands 80 per cent of our attention.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mel has been running successful online businesses for 18 years and has written numerous websites and online applications including manufacturing facilities, accounting systems, shopping carts, and even a search engine. Mel is the owner of Jetpack which specialises in creating amazing websites.
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BUSINESS MATTERS 25
