Why Radio Stations Fail at Homepages: A Guide to Doing Them Right

Ever since the first radio station website, there have been arguments on what should be included on the homepage.  Some believe that everything the station is doing should be included since the homepage address (your domain) is promoted on the radio, the side of your station vehicles, business cards, etc.

For more detailed show notes, visit https://www.skyrocketradio.com/podcast/why-radio-stations-fail-at-homepages-a-guide-to-doing-them-right. 

Others believe the homepage should be minimal, including only what is necessary.  This might include only a single call to action for the most important thing the station is doing that day and a “listen live” button.  

The correct answer is between those two mindsets: providing enough content to entice visitors to dive deeper into the website without overwhelming them with too many options.  It’s been proven that too little and too much information on your homepage can drive visitors away.  Let’s remedy that. 

What Should be Included on the Homepage:

1. A Hero Section
2. A Prominent "Listen Live" Button
3. Newsletter Signup
4. Sponsors
5. Advertise with Us Link

What Should NOT be Included on the Homepage:

1. Hero Slider
2. Auto-Playing Audio
3. Banner Ad Overload
4. Content Overload
5. Social Media Widgets
6. Welcome Message

Best Practices for the Homepage:

1. Focus on User Experience
2. Goal-Oriented Design
3. Internal Collaboration
4. Above the Fold
5. Load Time
6. Clear CTAs
7. Keep it Fresh

Pitfalls to Avoid on the Homepage:

1. Confusing Layout
2. Mixed Messages
3. Ignoring Analytics
4. Overdesign
5. Unfocused Goals

Wrapping Up

If you’re using social media properly, most visitors enter your website through the side door of the post, contest, event, or page you’ve shared.  This doesn’t mean to neglect the front door – your homepage.  Many visitors may bookmark it or visit your site for the first time after hearing the address on-air or seeing it on the side of your station vehicle. 

Ensure that it’s a destination and that visitors are drawn further into your website when they arrive, not leaving with a feeling overwhelmed or wondering why they came. 

Need help with your station website? We're here to help!