The Short Story
Tips and Tricks and Useful Info
Show the Problem — But Don’t Stop There! Why That First Click Matters More Than You Think
You’ve probably heard this before: “Your website needs to speak to your visitor’s pain point right away.” Totally true. But let’s not stop mid-sentence.
But here’s what often gets overlooked: showing the problem is only half the gig... the real magic happens after they click.
If your homepage reflects what your visitor is going through but doesn’t nudge them to take a next step — even something as small as clicking to learn more — you’re missing a powerful psychological moment.
Let’s talk about why that first click matters.
Make It Feel Personal (and Promising)
When someone lands on your homepage, they’re not admiring your color palette. They’re thinking:
- “Do these people get what I’m dealing with?”
- “Is this the place that can actually help me?”
That’s why your homepage should feel like a mind-reader — calling out the issue they walked in with.
When a prospective client sees their situation spelled out — “skincare routine for acne-prone skin,” “how to fix a leaking faucet,” “what to put in a college application essay,” or “best accounting software for small businesses” — they think: “Yes. That’s exactly what I’ve been trying to figure out.”
But here’s the thing: recognition without action fades fast.
The Psychology of a Click
Way back when, APA president and psychologist Dr. Charles Kiesler (who, fun fact, was Bill’s grad school advisor) studied how people commit to decisions.
His research showed that just getting someone to do something tiny — like click a button — can jumpstart real momentum.
One small step for the user... one giant leap for conversion rates. That’s commitment psychology in a nutshell.
Kim Didn’t Need Grad School to Know This
Dr. Kiesler had the data. Kim? She had instincts — and years of watching what real people actually do online.
She saw it again and again: if they clicked through — even out of mild curiosity — they were way more likely to reach out later.
It’s not magic. It’s momentum. One little click changes how someone sees themselves: not just as a browser, but as a potential client in motion.
Invite the Next Step
Your homepage should totally say “we get you” — but don’t leave it at that. Hand them the next step. Make the next action so obvious and easy, it practically clicks itself.
Whether it’s “See how we help,” “Browse packages,” or just “Keep reading,” give them something to do — a button, a link, a “tell me more.” That tiny action builds connection. (And clicks.)
TL;DR: Clicking Builds Buy-In
Your homepage shouldn’t just explain — it should open the door and wave them in. Let them feel understood and see there’s a path forward. Then point them straight down that path.
Because when someone clicks that first link, they’re no longer just skimming — they’re taking a step toward working with you.
And as Dr. Kiesler (and Bill, and Kim) could all tell you: the first step is everything.
Need help making that first step more inviting on your site?
Contact us — we’d love to help you turn more visitors into confident clickers.
