Replacing the homepage slider with inspiring alternatives

“We want a slider on the homepage.”

This phrase is among clients’ favorites. They don’t mean any harm by it; they just want to display as much information as possible at first glance. Unfortunately, visitors coming to the site are mere mortals like you and me. The human brain can only absorb a limited amount of information, which varies depending on the context. Whether on mobile, computer, in the street, or on the couch, everything is different, and visitors are not always fully focused. It’s essential to reduce the amount of information given as much as possible — just enough to pique their curiosity, but not so much as to give everything away. It’s like a Tinder date, but with fewer disappointments. So, how do you replace the classic homepage slider? Let’s dive into an exciting digital exploration to present a non-exhaustive list of possibilities!

Video

A picture is worth a thousand words, so with a video, we couldn’t be clearer! There are many advantages to using a video on the homepage to replace the content slider: conveying a message without text, offering an atmosphere unique to your brand, and presenting your offer in just a few seconds — maybe even all at once! It works well on desktops, and for mobile, we try to keep the video subtle. Loading speed is becoming less of an issue thanks to technological advances. Such a comprehensive solution should, of course, be well thought out in advance. Creating a custom video requires a lot of work and, therefore, a certain budget.

Bold typography with media (images or videos)

You can replace the content slider with bold typography that allows for more than just informative messages. This approach leans more toward creating sensations and emotions. The offer itself comes later as users explore the site. First, you make a strong impression, and then gradually reveal more.

Simple presentation and mini introduction

Let users know who you are with a few words and an image. Give the user the freedom to navigate the site without pushing them towards anything.

Single call-to-action button

Get straight to the point with just one message and one action. This prevents the user from getting distracted and ensures you deliver a clear message.

Double call-to-action

Offer two actions at the same level. This can be a good solution for structuring your offer based on the key points you want to highlight.

Multiple calls-to-action

Similar to the previous solution, you can display several calls-to-action, directing users to different sections of the site. You can have up to five different ones, as long as you ensure the surrounding space isn’t cluttered and don’t add too many functionalities or design elements.

Fluid introduction with call-to-action

The site introduction appears as a brief loading screen with subtle and fluid animation. The menu is clearly visible, and the large image is accompanied by a single piece of information and a call-to-action button. Its appearance allows users to choose between navigating via this button or the menu without overwhelming them.

Immersing in the intro image

This approach is often used in emotional design. It means the visitor will likely let out a small “wow” when they land on your site.

Touching visitors’ hearts is how you turn them into loyal followers — a designer’s proverb.

Showcasing the main feature

Here, we have a local example from Cégep de Trois-Rivières, which offers the possibility to find information about its study programs right on its homepage. While we know that Cégeps have a wide range of offers and plenty of information to share, this one chooses to target the majority of its visitors by providing direct access to the core of its offering.

As a web agency, we are here to listen to clients and guide them toward the best solutions. Highlighting a commercial offer means finding the best way to present it. We study the world of the web every day to serve our clients and offer them impactful content strategies. We invite you to discuss this with us so we can balance client requests with our expertise.