Deep Dive
Originating from the newspaper industry, 'above the fold' refers to the first screen a user sees when landing on your site. This is the most valuable real estate on any page.
Users decide within seconds whether to stay or leave based on what they see here. It must contain your main value proposition and a clear Call to Action (CTA).
Key Takeaways
- Must capture attention immediately (within 3 seconds).
- Should contain the primary H1 and main CTA.
- Varies by device (mobile fold is different from desktop).
- Critical for bounce rate and conversion.
Why This Matters Now
The 'Fold' is a lie, but a useful one. There is no single fold line because every phone screen is different. But the concept helps us prioritize.
You have 50 milliseconds to form a first impression. If the user doesn't understand 1) What you do, and 2) What to do next, before scrolling, you have failed.
Common Myths & Misconceptions
Users don't scroll.
Reality:They do! Just look at TikTok or Instagram. We are a scrolling generation. But we only scroll *if* the stuff above the fold hooked us.
Everything important must be jammed at the top.
Reality:Clutter kills comparison. Keep the top clean. Just the headline and the CTA. Put the details below.
Real-World Use Cases
Hero Section: A compelling headline, a subheadline, and a 'Get Started' button against a relevant background image.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Putting a 'Sale Ends in 2 Hours' banner at the very top.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep is the fold?
Usually 600px-800px on desktop and 600px on mobile. But always check your analytics for 'Average Fold Depth'.
Should I put ads above the fold?
Be careful. Google has a 'Page Layout Algorithm' that penalizes sites pushing content down with too many ads at the top.
We Can Help With
Website Design
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