/ Web design
Does 'above the fold' still matter?
Yes. Not because people won't scroll, but because the first screen decides whether they bother.
/ 01
The short version
People scroll happily — once you've given them a reason to.
/ 02
What actually matters
- • Say what you do and who for in the first heading.
- • Include location if you serve a specific area.
- • One primary button, visible without scrolling.
- • One trust signal: rating, years trading, client logo.
- • No giant slider — carousels are largely ignored.
/ 03
The bit most people get wrong
'Welcome to our website' in the hero is the single most common wasted headline in UK small business web design.
/ 04
What to do next
Show your homepage to someone who doesn't know your business for five seconds. Ask what you sell.
/ 05
Where RIOT fits in
We're a small Colchester studio helping UK SMBs get homepage design right without agency waste or freelancer flake. If you've read this far and you want a second opinion on your specific setup, book a 20-minute call and we'll tell you honestly whether it's worth doing anything at all.
We work with clients across Essex, Suffolk, London and the wider UK — and remotely with brands abroad. No lock-in, no monthly retainer minimums, no pretending your problem is bigger than it is.
/ FAQs
Common questions
Should the hero be a video?
Only if it loads instantly and adds meaning.
Are sliders bad?
Mostly yes — low engagement, slower pages.
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