Is your website failing to convert visitors into clients?
You’re not alone.
Many pet business owners are struggling with this very issue, and it’s often due to missed opportunities in the most critical areas of your homepage. Whether you're a dog walker, pet sitter, or dog trainer, making sure your website is optimized for conversions can transform your online presence and bring in more leads and bookings.
Let’s dive into some quick, actionable tips to help you revamp your homepage, particularly ‘above the fold’ (i.e. everything you see prior to scrolling) and turn it into a client-attracting powerhouse.
Here’s how you can make your website work harder for you, starting today!
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But first, here’s why the ‘above the fold’ matters
When visitors land on your homepage, they see the "above the fold" area first—everything visible without scrolling. This first impression is crucial for keeping visitors engaged and guiding them toward becoming clients.
If you don’t capture their interest right away, they will likely leave your site within seconds and move on to the next one, 99% of the time without you even realizing it.
Ensuring that this section of your site is engaging and informative is key to keeping potential clients on your page longer and guiding them toward becoming your next booking.
1. Highlight Your Business Location or Service Area
Why It Matters: Not only does displaying your location enhance user experience by providing immediate clarity, but it also boosts your SEO. Google uses this information to rank your site in relevant local searches.
How to Implement: Make sure your business location or service area is visible "above the fold." You can integrate this information into your main headline, as a subheading, or even in a text box above the main navigation. For example: “Serving [Your City] and Surrounding Areas.”
2. Craft a Strategic Headline
Why It Matters: Your headline is often the first thing visitors read. It should clearly communicate what you do and why you're the best choice for them. Avoid puns here—be direct and solve your potential clients' problems.
How to Implement: Ensure your headline explains your services, who you serve, and what sets you apart. A straightforward approach works best for grabbing attention and building trust.
A winning formula: [What you do] + [Who you do it for] + [How you do it better]
Example: "Professional Dog Walking for Busy Austin Professionals - Always On Time, Always Caring"
Want more headline help? Check out our detailed guide at petmarketingunleashed.com/headline.
3. Simplify Your Navigation Menu
Why It Matters: A cluttered navigation menu can overwhelm visitors and cause them to leave your site. Clear and concise navigation improves user experience and helps with SEO.
How to Implement: Limit your main menu items to around 6-7 options. Use clear labels like “About Us” instead of vague phrases. For more detailed information, consider placing additional links in the footer.
4. Add Clear Call-to-Action (CTA) Buttons
Why It Matters: CTAs guide visitors to take the next step, whether it’s booking an appointment or contacting you. Clear, action-oriented CTAs are essential for driving conversions.
How to Implement: Use bold colors for CTA buttons and include action words like “Book Now” or “Contact Us.” Position these buttons prominently in the header or under your headline.
5. Open External Links in New Tabs
Why It Matters: This small detail can have a big impact on keeping visitors on your site longer. Things like this helps Google to see that you are all about sharing the most valuable information, even if it’s not on your website. They’ll also see that people stay on your website longer because they didn’t just immediately switch to that new website (since it’s in a new tab).
How to Implement:
Ensure external links (like social media icons and external blog post links) open in a new tab. You can do this inside your website builder by clicking on the link and seeing what settings options show up.
6. Link Your Logo to Your Homepage
Why It Matters: This is a standard practice that visitors expect, allowing them to quickly return to your homepage from any page on your site. It improves user experience by meeting expectations and makes your site feel more professional. It can also help reduce bounce rates by keeping visitors on your site longer through easier navigation.
How to Implement: Add a hyperlink to your logo image that points to your home page. I recommend doing this for any time your logo is linked on your website (in your header and footer).
7. Hyperlink Your Contact Information
Why It Matters: You want to make it as easy as possible for potential clients to reach out. This is especially important for users browsing on smartphones!
How to Implement:
Click-to-Call: Link your phone number so mobile users can call with one tap
Click-to-Email: Link your email address to open the user's default email client
Make sure you do this on every page your phone number and/or email address is mentioned, whether it’s in your header, footer, contact page, or other services pages.
Time to Take Action!
These might seem like small changes, but they can lead to big results. More time on your site often translates to more leads and bookings. And isn't that what we all want?
Why not challenge yourself to implement at least one or two of these tips today? Your future clients (and your business bank account) will thank you!
Remember, your website should work FOR you, bringing in new clients while you're out there changing your pet-loving community, one pet at a time. So give it the love it deserves, and watch your business grow!
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