An index page (often referred to as the homepage or main page) is the first page that visitors see when they enter a website. It acts as the gateway to the rest of the site, providing an overview of the content, layout, and key sections available. Typically, the index page is used to display the most important and up-to-date information about the site, guiding users to explore further. 

Purpose of an index page

An index page serves multiple purposes.

• Introduction to the site. It usually gives a brief summary of what you offer or what the website is for.
• Navigation hub. It provides links to all the different sections, whether that's your products, blog, contact info, or anything else.
• Call to action (CTA). Often, it includes a clear invitation for visitors to do something specific, like "Shop Now," "Learn More," or "Get in Touch."

Examples of index pages

The look and feel of an index page can vary a lot depending on the website's purpose.

1. E-commerce sites. You might see featured deals, popular categories, or new arrivals right on the homepage, making it simple to start shopping. Think about how Amazon's homepage shows you personalized suggestions.
2. Business websites. The index page might give an overview of what the business does and highlight important things like customer reviews or success stories. Apple's homepage, for example, often showcases their latest products.
3. Personal blogs. For a blog or online portfolio, the index page might show the newest articles, introduce the person behind the blog, or feature some key content. If you visit a writer's blog, you'll likely see their recent posts and links to different topics.

Creating your own index page

Building a good index page involves a few key steps.

• Choose a clean and organized layout. Make sure it's easy on the eyes and simple to navigate.
• Include a clear CTA. Tell people what you want them to do next. Make it obvious whether it's signing up for something, making a purchase, or finding out more.
• Highlight key sections. Use headings, pictures, or links to guide visitors to the key areas of your site, like your blog, contact page, or product listings.

FAQs about index pages

Why is the index page important?

It's often the first impression visitors get, so a well-designed one encourages them to look around and spend more time on your site.

How do I optimize an index page for SEO?

Focus on using relevant words that people might search for, having a clear structure, using well-optimized images, and linking to other pages on your site. Making sure it loads quickly and works well on phones is also important.

What should be included on an index page?

At a minimum, you should have:

• A clear introduction to your site or brand.
• Links to the other important parts of your website.
• Ways for people to contact you or take action (like buttons).
• A summary of what you offer or the main content of your site.

What is the difference between an index page and a homepage?

In most cases, the index page is the homepage – it's the first page you land on. The term "index page" is often used more in a technical sense, referring to the main file that loads when someone visits your website (usually named something like "index.html").

Build a great index page with B12

With B12’s website builder, you don’t need to worry about the complexities of creating a stunning index page. The platform helps you design a homepage that captures attention and leads visitors deeper into your website. Try building your index page today and see how easy it is to get started!