What to put on my Front/Home Page???

[gypsysoul3]

So, i have an intro page w/ my logo and a "click to enter" thing, then, once you do that....what should be there? I don't know what to put on my opening/front/home page. there is plenty of room for something. the categories and such are all in columns along the left side...
I have all my jewely in sections, and i have an "about" page.
should the home page feature news? new products? funny stories (well...maybe not).

any suggestions?

(sorry that you can't view this part of the site yet, it's not fully uploaded yet.)

[mattbot]

ask again once its up

[rhodora]

some pictures of 'featured items' to get visitors' attention....update s on new items, etc.

[gypsysoul3]

some pictures of 'featured items' to get visitors' attention....update s on new items, etc.

yeah, that's what i was thinking...
perhaps i'll have to do some searching to see what types of things other sites have...

[SewcialDistortion]

I would make sure that you clearly state what it is you are selling and what your site is about as the very first thing ie. "groovy retail jewellery"  or "craft trinkets for wholesale" etc.  This way, if it is done in text rather than images, when Google displays your listing people can quickly see if your site is right for them. 

If you are going to have a flash/splash page make sure you have a 'skip intro' button as most people are impatient and don't want to watch a slide show before going in to a site.

[gypsysoul3]

Thanks!!

yea, there's a skip into button--i usually hit those too, perhaps it's silly that i have a flash into on my site then. oh well. we'll see.

[SewcialDistortion]

Maybe just make it an element rather than the whole page?  I'm fairly certain Google can't pick up any words written in Flash.

[CraftyChef]

Sewcial is right - flash is "virtually" invisible. My question is: Why have an "enter" page at all? The more folks have to click to get information, the more annoyed they get.

[Tallulah]

I agree, I'd forget the intro page you really don't need it. People like to have a good rummage & would much rather see what you've got to offer. 'New In' & perhaps with Halloween & Christmas in the offing you could have seasonal jewellery on your Home Page too. A Welcome section always goes down well.

Don't forget to have a links page & maybe think about setting up an affiliation scheme. Look forward to seeing your site & Good Luck!

Tallulah

[gypsysoul3]

Don't forget to have a links page & maybe think about setting up an affiliation scheme. Look forward to seeing your site & Good Luck!

Tallulah

thanks, i was thinking, perhaps "whats new" or general welcome-info.

links page is a definate--there are so many awesome diy/crafty sites out there (most of which i've learned of/seen around here) that i'd love to have on my page.

what exactly do you meet by "affiliation scheme?"