Reader Response - Great Home Pages Really Suck

Debating the Role of Home Pages for Different Visitor Types

Jamie Kiley, a regular contributor to DevWebPro, took a thoughtful look at Cameron Moll’s piece titled “Great Homepages Really ‘Suck’.” Moll’s premise is simple: a home page must capture a visitor’s attention and draw them deeper into a site. Jamie applauds that idea but takes issue with the way Moll separates visitors into “searchers” and “browsers” and suggests that offering a wide array of options is the fix for the latter.

When you step onto a website, the first page you see is usually the main hub of the experience. That hub should set the stage for whatever the visitor wants to accomplish, whether it’s finding information, making a purchase, or simply learning more about a brand. The question Jamie raises is whether the best way to cater to browsers - those who arrive without a specific agenda - is to present them with a buffet of choices or to funnel them toward a clear path.

Searchers arrive with a purpose: they’re looking for a particular answer, product, or service. Their journey is goal‑driven, and a concise, focused home page with a search bar or a prominent call‑to‑action can serve them well. Browsers, on the other hand, wander in without a clear intent. Moll argues that the way to engage them is to give them many options to explore. Jamie counters that this strategy can dilute the visitor’s attention and lead to decision fatigue.

Guidance is essential when the visitor has no pre‑existing agenda. A home page that directs users toward a next step - be it a featured product, a popular article, or a sign‑up form - helps them find a purpose quickly. The layout should be clean, with a hierarchy that prioritizes the most valuable content. If a page is cluttered with too many links, the browser’s curiosity can turn into frustration, causing them to leave before they even start.

Consider the home pages of leading e‑commerce brands like Amazon or Apple. Both sites immediately present a clear focal point: Amazon’s search bar and personalized recommendations, Apple’s product categories and flagship items. Users who arrive without a clear intent are gently guided toward a path that feels intentional rather than random. The same principle works on informational sites - think of how Wikipedia highlights the most searched topics on its front page, or how a nonprofit’s site features a “Donate Now” button alongside its mission statement.

Clutter not only distracts; it also undermines credibility. When a visitor sees a dozen options competing for their attention, it raises doubts about which choice is most valuable. A focused layout communicates confidence and expertise, reassuring the user that they’re in the right place and that the site knows what it offers.

For reference, here’s the original article that sparked Jamie’s commentary: DevWebPro – Great Homepages Really Suck. It’s worth a read to see how Moll builds his argument and the examples he pulls from.

In summary, Jamie believes that while browsers need more than just a static landing page, the solution isn’t an overload of options. Instead, a home page should act as a conductor, directing traffic toward a defined goal and reducing friction. Too many choices create noise, while a single, compelling call‑to‑action offers a clear entry point.