During our 300 Seconds yesterday, we checked that all of our website pages had a “home” navigation button available. Now that we’re on the homepage, there are several elements that should be present.

• Logo and other brand assets. In addition to your store logo at the top, other logos to consider might be affiliates… like IndieBound or Kobo.
• Navigation buttons. Too many choices can look cluttered and can also confuse, especially if the buttons roll to a second row and look more like subheads. Instead, identify a few header subjects and create subheads that fit within those broader definitions.
• Contact information. Often those visiting your website are looking for a phone number, street address, or your hours. Have these elements visible on the front page so they don’t become frustrated searching.
• Content. If a user comes to your front page for that contact information and then immediately leaves, include content for the one thing you want them to know about your store. Do you have a forthcoming event you want them to know about? Do you want to promote your frequent buyer program? Include that content near the top so they’ll see it and perhaps want to learn more. It may be the difference between a click and a bounce.
• Search function. It’s likely that this function is already built in to the program you’re using. If not, send me a note and I’ll pass along an easy option. (Slightly longer than 300 seconds.)
• Social media buttons. You probably already have a “Find Us on Facebook” or “Follow Us on Twitter” button. Have you expanded to other social media, like Instagram, Pinterest, or Tumblr?

During the 300 seconds, just make a note of the elements not currently present. Then the next time you sit down for website maintenance, your to-do list will be ready.