In the context of websites, “above the fold” refers to the content that’s immediately visible on a webpage without scrolling. It’s essentially the first impression your website gives visitors.
Think of it like the top half of a folded newspaper on a newsstand. Back in the day, that’s where all the important headlines and attention-grabbing stories were placed to entice people to buy the paper. Websites use the same concept for the content they want visitors to see first.d
To help you get your visitors scrolling down, we’ve collected some great examples of above the fold content you can use for inspiration.
Let’s get started.
Why Above the Fold Matters for Online Businesses?
Key Elements of Effective Above the Fold Content
Above the Fold Website Examples
What Is Above the Fold?
“Above the fold” is the part of the webpage visible before the user scrolls down. It is prime real estate for web designers because it attracts the most attention.
Web designers put their most important content “above the fold” to engage visitors and keep them scrolling. The exact location of the fold will vary depending on the device someone uses to view the website.
Why Above the Fold Matters for Online Businesses?
Here’s why “above the fold” is important:
- First Impressions: It’s where visitors form their initial opinion of your website. Strong content above the fold can keep them engaged and encourage them to explore further.
- Attention Grabbing: This is prime real estate for grabbing visitor attention. Compelling headlines, clear calls to action, and interesting visuals are all important elements for the “above the fold” area.
- Limited Viewport: With so many different screen sizes and devices, there’s no guarantee how much content will be visible initially. Focusing on what’s most important “above the fold” ensures visitors see the key information regardless of their device.
Key Elements of Effective Above the Fold Content
Crafting Compelling Headlines: Your headline is the first thing visitors see. Make it count. It should be clear, engaging, and reflective of your brand’s voice.
Utilizing High-Quality Visuals: Humans are visual creatures. High-quality images or videos can convey your message quickly and effectively. Remember, these visuals should be optimized for fast loading.
Clear Calls to Action: Your CTA should be prominent and persuasive. It guides users on what to do next, whether it’s subscribing to a newsletter or checking out a product.
Embracing Responsive Design: Responsive design ensures your above the fold content looks great on any device. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality and accessibility.
Testing and Optimization: Always a/b test your designs across different devices. Tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test can be invaluable for this.
Balancing Design and SEO: While above the fold is crucial for user experience, it also impacts SEO. Google values user experience, and a well-designed above the fold area can contribute to better search rankings.
Measuring Effectiveness: Use tools like Google Analytics to understand how users interact with your above the fold content. Look at metrics like time on landing page and bounce rate to gauge effectiveness.
Above the Fold Website Examples
1. HubSpot
HubSpot is all about growth, and that’s exactly what its above the fold design shows. The image suggests learning (notebook) and advanced technology (space helmet).
The headline is a play on the common phrase “all systems go”, suggesting that the reader will be forging ahead with growth. That idea’s reinforced in the subhead. Then there’s a compelling offer of free software on the CTA button.
2. Jeff Bullas
Jeff Bullas has two sets of above the fold content. When you first land on his site he has a welcome gate, with a compelling offer to get his tips on doubling traffic. The large background image attracts readers’ attention immediately.
Click on the arrow, at the end of the welcome gate, and it takes you to his main page, where there’s social proof of his readership and online authority. You still have to scroll once to get to the content, but by then most readers are likely convinced.
3. SnackNation
SnackNation‘s above the fold content shows exactly what’s on offer, with a background image of a person with a snack sampler box in an office. The content offers visitors the chance to sign up for their own sampler box. This is a great way to get business leads. In fact, thanks to OptinMonster, SnackNation gets 1200 new leads each week with this above the fold design.
4. Missinglettr
Missinglettr‘s homepage also works because the headline gets right to the point of what its visitors want: a hassle-free way to drive social traffic with their content.
The two-sentence explanation gives more detail on the product, then there’s a visible CTA below. The landing page also includes two other CTAs targeted to those who might not yet be ready to sign up.
Having three actions to take instead of just one might make them less effective, but we’re willing to bet this design is based on rigorous split testing, so the company knows it works for their audience.
5. OptimizeMyAirBnB
Optimize My AirBnB takes a more personable approach to its above the fold website design. There’s a big picture of the site owner who appears to be looking directly at the reader, thus drawing their gaze.
To the right of the page, there’s a welcome sentence which outlines the key benefit of the site. And by the time you’ve read that, there’s an OptinMonster floating bar offering you the chance to sign up for more tips and tools. This was one factor in growing the site’s list 650%.
6. Content Marketing Institute
The Content Marketing Institute (CMI) takes a slightly different tack with its above the fold content. At the top, there’s a menu listing all the different types of content they offer.
But the bulk of the landing page is taken up with the products they most want to promote: their events, consulting services and magazine. Everything is in the brand colors, creating a harmonious visual experience.
7. MonsterInsights
MonsterInsights keeps it simple with a white background. Against this, the headline stands out well, and the subheadline subtly underlines two key benefits for readers. There’s also a clear and visible call to action, with a subtle arrow inviting readers to scroll down if they still want more info. In the case of this above the fold design, minimalism works!
8. The Guardian
As you’d expect from an online newspaper, The Guardian nails above the fold content. In this example, two stories stand out. The one on the left has a bigger headline and picture to draw the eye.
But the online publication is taking no chances; there’s another story just in case the main one doesn’t grab readers. The story category is in red, contrasting with the black of the headline, to create a compelling visual effect.
9. Guido’s
The most effective aspect of Guido’s above the fold content isn’t the statement about its authentic cuisine. And it isn’t the compelling image of the wine rack with labeled bottles sticking out of it.
It’s actually the menu button that says “Get free appetizer”. That button triggers an OptinMonster MonsterLink™, which got the restaurant more than 1000 new leads in four months.
Here’s how you can add a popup to your website menu, too.
10. OutreachPlus
OutreachPlus grabs readers’ attention with a question that makes them think. Then it shows how the product could help solve that problem. The homepage is simple. Apart from the headlines, there’s a screenshot of the product, plus two choices of what to do next: buy, or learn more by viewing a demo.
11. Search Engine Journal
Search Engine Journal is a content site, so its above-the-fold design puts their content in the spotlight. The site’s design lets them showcase three stories above the fold. There’s also a clever bit of web design here. The three stories are listed on the right of the page. Each is highlighted in green in turn. When a story’s highlighted, it takes the top spot on the left of the page, displaying with an attention-grabbing image and headline.
12. ConversionXL
You’d expect Peep Laja’s ConversionXL to get above the fold content right. It’s another simple design. This page has an in your face headline, and a subheadline that states their core belief. There are also two CTA buttons giving choices for what to do next, and a secondary CTA below that to sign up for their email newsletter.
13. Christmas Lite Show
Christmas Lite Show converted 30% of visitors simply by triggering an OptinMonster MonsterLink™ in its above the fold content. The button launched a countdown popup with a coupon offer. The combo converted 30% of visitors and added 7,000 new subscribers to the company’s email list.
14. Problogger
Problogger is another content heavy site, so its above the fold content focuses on making it easy for people to find the information they want. At the top, there’s a comprehensive navigation menu. There’s an image of founder Darren Rowse to create a personal connection with the visitor, plus a 2-step optin that triggers an email signup form popup.
15. Kennedy Blue
Kennedy Blue is a great example of above the fold online content. The main banner includes an image of three women in different styles of bridesmaid dresses.
Meanwhile the copy highlights how easy it is to shop for dresses, and gives a price range. The CTA sends visitors straight to the shop. And the site’s using an OptinMonster floating bar to highlight the current sale – just one of the ways they were able to achieve a 50% increase in sales.
16. Copyblogger
Copyblogger‘s above the fold content is minimalist. Most of the space is taken up by an image showing a person looking at a piece of Copyblogger content. Since she’s facing left, her gaze draws the visitor’s attention to the headline. The headline shows the benefit (building online authority) with the offer (effective marketing).
17. Bluehost
On its homepage, Bluehost uses an image on the right with the person’s eyes looking towards the text on the left. This is a clever bit of psychology that directs readers’ eyes there, too.
When they look, they see a headline, a reduced price (which is always appealing) and a short list of key benefits. Underneath is a visible CTA button urging readers to get started.
That’s it! Now you’ve seen some above the fold web examples that really work, apply these principles to get your visitors on board.
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