If you run a website, you already know that first impressions matter. But what happens when someone lands on your homepage for the very first time? They might feel overwhelmed by menus, categories, and content — unsure where to start. That is precisely where start here pages come in. A start here page is a strategic tool designed to welcome new visitors and provide a clear, organized entry point to your site. Think of it as a new visitor guide that gently points them in the right direction, rather than leaving them to figure things out on their own.
A start here page differs from a standard about page in one key way: it focuses on actionable next steps and site navigation strategy, not just your story. While an about page typically explains who you are and what you do, a start here page is built around website onboarding — helping someone understand your site’s layout, find the most useful content, and feel a personal connection from the very first click. The biggest reason to use a start here page is simple: it introduces new visitors to your website in a way that feels welcoming, intuitive, and genuinely helpful.
What Is a Start Here Page and How Is It Different from an About Page?
That welcoming, intuitive feeling you want for new visitors is exactly what a start here page is designed to deliver. Think of it as a curated entry point — a single, focused destination that helps someone who has never visited your site quickly understand what you offer and where to go next. Instead of hunting for navigation links or guessing which category to click, a visitor lands on a page that says, “Begin your journey right here.” This trend in visitor experience design prioritizes clarity and direction from the very first moment, making the site feel approachable rather than overwhelming.
The most common confusion is the about page vs start here distinction. An about page typically centers on the creator: their background, mission, credentials, and personal story. It answers “who are you?” A start here page, by contrast, centers on the visitor. It answers “what can I find here, and how do I get started?” For example, a personal blog might use a start here page to briefly introduce the person and their history with the website, but the main focus stays on guiding the reader toward the most useful content first. The page acts as a site entry point that maps out the experience, not just a biography. This subtle shift in perspective — from self-focused to visitor-focused — is what makes the start here approach so effective for building trust and engagement right away.
Why Should You Add a Start Here Page to Your Website?
Beyond building trust, a dedicated start here page delivers tangible benefits for both your visitors and your site’s performance. Its primary job is to reduce the friction brand new users face when they land on your site. Without a clear entry point, visitors often bounce because they don’t know where to begin. A start here page solves that by presenting a curated path that inspires them to keep browsing deeper into your posts. This directly improves user engagement and encourages longer sessions.
Improving User Experience – For sites with 100 or more pages, navigation becomes a serious challenge. Even well-organized category archives can feel overwhelming. A start here page acts as a friendly guide, highlighting your most valuable content and creating a logical content hierarchy. Newcomers can follow a step-by-step journey rather than guessing which link to click. This reduces frustration and boosts visitor retention because users feel like the site was designed with their needs in mind.
Enhancing Content Discovery – A well-structured start here page also boosts site discoverability. By grouping your best posts into clear themes, you make it easier for search engines to understand your site’s structure. More importantly, you give readers a reason to explore multiple pages in one visit. That natural internal linking strengthens your site’s authority and keeps people coming back. In short, a start here page turns a chaotic collection of articles into a welcoming, easy-to-navigate resource for any new visitor.
What Content Should You Include on Your Start Here Page?
Now that you understand how a start here page organizes your site, the next step is filling it with the right material. Every effective start here page shares vital information and educates visitors about what your site offers. Begin with a personal story and history. This proves your authority in your industry and builds a genuine connection with readers. People want to know who is behind the content and why they should trust it. Pair that with a clear site mission. Explain your value proposition concisely. What problem do you solve? What can a visitor expect to gain? Including a brief, honest statement about your site’s purpose makes everything feel intentional and trustworthy. This combination of personal branding and a clear site mission turns a simple page into a powerful introduction.
Content curation is equally important on a start here page. You guide new readers to the most useful material without overwhelming them. Create a popular posts section that highlights your best articles, tutorials, or guides. This saves visitors time and immediately demonstrates the quality of your work. You can also include an introductory video for a more personal touch, or link to your social channels for ongoing engagement. The goal is to provide curated navigation that points people toward key content. By combining your personal story, a clear site mission, and a carefully selected set of resources, your start here page becomes a reliable first stop for any new visitor.
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How Do You Balance Personal Storytelling with Practical Value?
Once you’ve set the stage with your story and mission, the real work begins: making sure your start here page doesn’t just tell your tale but actually helps your reader move forward. The challenge is that a personal narrative builds trust and a strong personal connection, but if it lacks actionable content, visitors may read your story and then leave without taking a next step. The key is to thread utility into every part of your narrative. For example, Darren Rowse’s ProBlogger start here page weaves his journey as a blogger with clear links and an embedded intro video, giving newcomers immediate paths to learn more. Brock McGoff’s The Modest Man page uses a fullsize photo and centers on the value add of the site, so you understand his personal style mission while also seeing exactly how his advice benefits you. Similarly, Gary Vaynerchuk’s start here page targets people who want to learn about his lifestyle, offering links to his social channels and best articles. These examples show how to balance storytelling vs utility — you can share your background while pointing directly to useful resources. The result is a value-driven design that builds blogger authority and guides each visitor toward a helpful experience from the very first click.
Best Practices for Designing and Optimizing Your Start Here Page
To make your start here pages truly effective, blend strong user experience design with smart SEO optimization. Start by organizing content with a clean page layout that uses clear headings. This helps visitors scan quickly and find what matters. Visual hierarchy matters — use photos, screenshots, or short videos to break up text and guide the eye. For SEO optimization, prioritize fast load times and include descriptive alt text for images. Internal linking is critical: link to your most valuable posts, resources, or tools so newcomers can explore deeper. Keep your language clear and focused on what the reader needs — not what you want to say. For inspiration, look at how Michael Hyatt and Chris Ducker structure their start here pages. Both focus on delivering valuable information upfront, making it easy for visitors to take the next step. Remember, every design choice should reduce friction and build trust, turning a first-time visitor into a loyal reader.
Technical details also matter for performance. Optimize images for web use and choose a lightweight theme if your platform allows. Test your start here page on mobile devices; many users will access it from phones or tablets. Use a clear call to action that matches the page’s purpose — whether that is reading your top article, signing up for a newsletter, or exploring a core category. Linking from your homepage and other strategic pages will also help search engines understand the importance of your page. By combining user-friendly design with basic SEO principles, you create a resource that serves both people and search algorithms well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ‘start here’ page and how is it different from an ‘about’ page?
A ‘start here’ page is a dedicated landing page that guides new visitors to your most valuable content first. Unlike an ‘about’ page, which focuses on your brand’s story or mission, a start here page is action-oriented. It helps a reader quickly understand your site’s purpose and find the best posts, resources, or next steps without having to dig through archives.
How do I create a ‘start here’ page if I have a large site with many posts?
Begin by reviewing your site’s analytics to identify your most popular, practical, and evergreen content. Group these posts into 3-5 core categories that solve your audience’s main problems. Then write brief, direct summaries that link to each category or top post. Keep the page clean and scannable, using bullet points or short paragraphs, and avoid listing every article.
Why should I add a ‘start here’ page to my website?
A start here page reduces the friction new visitors face when exploring your site. Many landing pages or homepages serve multiple purposes, which can overwhelm a first-time reader. By creating a clear starting point, you build trust quickly, improve navigation, and increase the likelihood that a visitor will engage with your high-value content rather than bounce.
