“Above the fold”

You may have heard this term before, “above the fold”.  What does it mean and what is the impact it, if any, on your website?

Years ago, when newspapers were the only game in town, location of a critical news story was sought to be placed above the fold of the newspaper. In a newsstand display, the papers are folded in half and the top half is visible to the consumer. Here, at first glance, you can see what is assumed to be the most important stories.  You wanted your story to be placed in that upper half. In today’s digital world, the fold is any text or image that the user can see without having to scroll down or take any other action.  In both instances placement is key.

So, is the ‘fold issue’ fact or fiction?  Does loading too many navigation options, phone numbers, and links above the fold make it an assault on the user’s senses? Or do you strategically select key products or services that you wish to sit in the limelight and enjoy the space so that curious users  can click to find out more?

Tough call and too many articles, theories, and opinions exist making a definitive decision almost impossible.

Bottom line? Who are you?  What are you selling? Who do you want to be in the user’s eyes?  The answers to these questions will drive content placement.  We work with small business owners every day who look to us for a golden rule.  We ask a lot of questions, spend the time getting to know them and their businesses and then together, we place the content.

Let’s not worry about what to do. Let’s ask who, what, why, and together we can make that premium website page location pop!  Contact us for more information.  We want to help you find your voice.