What Goes Above the Fold on Your Website (And Why It Matters)


What Goes Above the Fold on Your Website (And Why It Matters)

No matter what industry you’re in, the top section of your homepage—the part visible before anyone scrolls—has one job:

Instantly Communicate Your Value.

If people land on your site and don’t immediately understand what you do and why it matters, they’ll bounce. It doesn’t matter how pretty it looks. Clarity wins.


So, what should go above the fold?

1. A Clear Headline

This is your hook. Speak directly to your audience. Tell them what you do and what’s in it for them.

2. A Supporting Sentence

Think of this as backup. Add clarity, context, or specificity to reinforce the headline.

3. A Strong Call to Action

Guide the next step. Skip the vague “Contact Us.” Instead, try “Book a Consult,” “See Our Work,” or “Get a Quote.”

4. (Bonus) Social Proof

Got a recognizable client logo, a quick testimonial, or a trust-building stat? Drop it in. Fast credibility matters.


Why Most Sites Miss the Mark

If your website isn’t converting, it’s easy to blame design. But more often, it’s a communication problem.

It’s not only what you look like—it’s what you say, how you say it, and where you say it.

We touched on this in our recent post about turning your website into your hardest-working salesperson. That only happens when you lead with clarity and strategy—especially above the fold.


The Takeaway: First Impressions Matter

At our Portland-based design studio, we help businesses create websites that aren’t just beautiful—they work.

And it Always Starts Above the Fold.

We focus on strategy, messaging, and brand alignment before we even touch layout. Because your website isn’t just a digital brochure—it’s part of your growth engine. And that first section of your homepage? It’s prime real estate.

  • So Keep it Simple.

  • Keep it Clear.

  • And Make Sure it Actually Works.

If not, let’s talk about how your site can work harder—so you don’t have to.


Fairbuilt Design Studio is a perpetual work in progress—and I’m sharing as we go. Here’s the work, here’s how to connect, and I’m over on Instagram, Youtube, and LinkedIn too.

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