MODULE THREE: LESSON TWO

Jul 4

Key Home Page Sections

Your homepage is the first impression readers will get when visiting your site. It’s built from different sections, stacked one after another, that work together to create a welcoming and engaging experience. Below is a breakdown of the main sections you’ll see on your homepage template, along with guidance on how to use them.

Main Sections You’ll Typically Find on Your Homepage

1. Hero Banner / Featured Image

This is the large, eye-catching banner at the very top of your homepage.
It usually contains:
- A background image (something atmospheric, genre-specific, or simple and clean).
- Your author name, tagline, or series hook displayed prominently.
- Optional buttons linking to a featured book, your shop, or another important page.
Think of this as your “book cover” for the website. it sets the tone immediately.

How to customize: Replace the placeholder image with something that reflects your brand or books. Update the text to match your name, tagline, or a current promotion.

note: SOME TEMPLATES MAY COME WITH A BANNER THAT IS CREATED IN CANVA AND THEN UPLOADED AS A HERO BACK GROUND. THOSE TEMPLATES ARE MAIN STREET AND CORRUPTION. if you purchased either of those templates, head to the resources vault to find your banner.

2. Welcome Message or Author Introduction

Directly under the hero, you’ll often see a short introduction block.
This is a chance to warmly welcome visitors and let them know, in just a few sentences:
- Who you are.
- What kind of stories you write (genre, themes, tropes).
- Why readers will love them.
Keep this section short. it’s meant to intrigue and invite, not overwhelm.

How to customize: Swap in your own author photo if the layout includes one. Update the text with a friendly, 2–3 sentence introduction that sounds like you. there should be a button that will link to your actual about page within this section. The about page will give you space to include more about yourself, so keep the about section on your home page short and sweet.

3. Books Showcase

This is the heart of your homepage. the section where your books take center stage.

Depending on your template, you might see:
- A featured release.
- A carousel of books.
- A grid or row of covers with links.
Each book block can include: cover image, short description, and a “Buy Now” or “read on ku” button.

How to customize: Replace the placeholder covers with your actual book covers. Update the titles, blurbs, and links to go directly to Amazon, your shop, or wherever your books are available.

4. Newsletter Sign-Up

One of the most important calls-to-action on your site.

This section usually includes:
- A headline encouraging readers to join your list.
- A brief description of what they’ll get (exclusive bonus epilogue, updates on releases, sneak peeks, etc.).
- A sign-up form connected to your email provider.
The goal is to give visitors a reason to subscribe while making it quick and easy.

How to customize: Connect this form to your email platform (Flodesk, Mailchimp, ConvertKit, etc.). Update the headline and description to highlight the value of joining your list.

5. Testimonials or Reader Reviews

Social proof is a powerful trust-builder. This section typically highlights:
- Short, glowing quotes from readers or reviewers.
- Star ratings or snippets from Bookstagram/TikTok/Goodreads (if available).
Use this space to show new visitors that your books are loved and worth reading.

How to customize: Replace placeholders with 1–3 strong reviews.

What to Do Right Now

Before you start editing:

Scroll through your homepage to see how the sections are laid out.
Take note of where you’ll need to swap in your own photos, book covers, and text.
Start brainstorming the content for each section (tagline, short bio, reviews, newsletter incentive, etc.).

Once you understand how the homepage works, customizing it will feel less overwhelming — you’ll be building on a framework that’s already designed for you.