Love at First Scroll: 5 Second Homepage Attraction Test

The 5-second test (do this in real time)

Open your homepage and look at the first screen for 5 seconds, no scrolling.

Then answer:

1. What do you sell?

2. Who is it for?

3. What should I click next?

If you hesitate on any of those, your shopper is hesitating too. 

3 Tips to Make Your Store Feel Trustworthy in Seconds

Tip #1: Say what you sell in plain English (no brand poetry)

Founders often write what they feel… not what a new visitor needs.

What to do:

✅ Use a headline that states what it is (clearly).

✅ Add a subheading that answers for who + outcome.

✅ Remove vague words from the first screen (“elevated”, “premium”, “clean”) unless you define them.

Quick check:

✅ Would a stranger understand this at a glance?

✅ Could they explain it back to you in one sentence?

✅ Does the message still make sense without your logo?

Tip #2: Give them one obvious next step (your homepage isn’t a menu)

The goal of the first screen is not to show everything.

What to do:

✅ Choose one primary CTA (Shop Best Sellers / Start Here / Shop New).

✅ Add 2-4 category tiles under the hero (so shoppers can self-select fast)

✅ Keep the navigation clean - highlight the “start” path.

Quick check:

✅ Is there one button that clearly starts the journey?

✅ Can a new visitor reach a great option in ≤3 clicks?

✅ Are you avoiding hero sliders/carousels?

Tip #3: Put proof on the first screen (so trust is immediate)

Founders often hide the strongest credibility lower on the page.

What to do:

✅ Add a trust row near the hero: ⭐ rating/reviews/press/guarantee.

✅ Feature 1-2 best sellers with a proof line (e.g., “1,200+ 5-star reviews”).

✅ Add one reassurance line (shopping timeframe, easy returns, support).

Quick check:

✅ Is proof visible above the fold on mobile?

✅ Is it specific (numbers, real quotes, real outcomes)?

✅ Is it close to the CTA?

A simple homepage structure that works (especially for founder-built stores)

Try this layout:

Headline: What it is

Subhead: Who it’s for + outcome

Primary CTA: Shop Best Sellers (or Start Here)

Proof: rating/reviews/guarantee

Paths: 2-4 category tiles underneath

Simple isn’t basic.

Simple is what converts.

Keep It Clear, Keep It Clickable

You don’t need a full redesign to win “love at first scroll.”

You just need the first screen to do its job: say what you sell, show who it’s for, and make the next click obvious, with a little proof to make it feel safe.

If you want, we can quickly sanity-check your first screen and send back the top 3 tweaks we’d make to lift clarity (and clicks) straight away.

👉 Book a quick consult with HOC.

Big love,
Anna x