Page+Importance

=**Home Page**=

** Identity **
A home page is the first impression of a website. It is the initial gateway, or front door, to a business, organization, etc. The first impression is the most important one because there is never a second chance to make a first impression. Redish describes the home page as "the 10-minute mini-tour" (2). This means that the home page should describe most of the information on the website in a short snippet. The size of the snippet of information can be larger or smaller depending on the importance of the topic. The most important information should be shown at the top of the page.


 * Important Homepage Info****:**
 * Name/title
 * Logo
 * Mission statement

This gives the website identity and lets users know exactly what the site is all about. **I****n addition, because most people are too lazy to read the homepage if it is compacted with too much unnecessary information, the advice is to make your page "short and sweet." We live in a fast-paced society and the shorter version is usually best for busy consumers, whether they are busy housewives or time-stressed executives.**

**Personality**
Company goods and services need to have a hook on the first page. Business can be gained or lost based on the first impression of marketing and branding. Take Carnival cruise line, as an example. Their home page contains their logo, show images and their website is inviting. The personality and tone of the home page is used to draw the user deeper into the site. This particular site has a personality that is focused more towards adults who are looking to go on vacation. It supplies links and a slideshow of events and sales. "Remember that your website is part of a conversation. You set the tone for your side of the conversation by sharing the website's personality with your site visitors" (3). Even though the website may seem inviting, Carnival will have a difficult time recovering their tarnished image from the recent events in the media. Business can be lost by the way a company operates, no matter how nice their website may be. True of a product, **the web page is not unlike a supermarket aisle. The provider wants to catch your eye and your interest in his/her wares. Whether he or she uses flashing lights or bells, he or she wants you to stop, be interested and impressed enough to buy whatever he or she is selling.**

**Key Task**** s **
Website users want to get to the information they came for right away. If someone were looking to go on a cruise, they would need to know which cruises are available at which times. Carnival provides a __#|cruise search__ feature directly on the home page.


 * Cruise Search Bar Helps** **Find:**
 * Destinations
 * Dates
 * Number of travelers
 * Find cruises that would best suit customers needs

The feature is large, it stands out from the rest of its surroundings and it is located at the top of the page. "Always put the Search box near the top of the page" (4). **The** **importance of placing the search box at the top of the page is because you want to convenience the consumer as soon as possible and create a relationship of service that makes "the customer is always right."**

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=Pathway Pages=

Pathway pages are the route that web users take from one area of a webpage to another. From the homepage, a pathway page can be used to seek information. For example, an airline passenger can use the first pathway page to select date of travel and the amount of travelers. The next pathway page in line will help them select aisle or window seats. The final pathway page will enable them to use a Visa, Mastercard or American Express card to book the purchase.

Pathways pages help simplify the work by laying the information out in a row. Once the next button is pressed, then the next page of information will be brought up until the finish button appears to inform the user that they have completed the assignment. Pathways can also be referred to as gateways. The next example is the Magic Kingdom at Walt __#|Disney World__.Walt Disney World In the center of the Magic Kingdom in front of where Cinderella’s castle stands. There is a round area that has gateways to Adventure land, Tomorrowland and Fantasyland with sub gates to other areas of the park. Along the way there are different gateways and information kiosks. Disney guest services information booths and __#|Disney vacation__ club booths. Pathways pages help webpage users navigate throughout a webpage.

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**References**
1. Millron, M. (Photographer). (2011). Pathways to possibility. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://catalyticconversations.blogspot.com/2011/07/pathways-to-possibility.html 2. Redish, Janice. "Homes pages - the 10-minute mini-tour". // Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content That Works //. San Francisco: Elsevier/Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2007. Print. 3. Redish, Janice. "Setting the tone and personality of the site". // Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content That Works //. San Francisco: Elsevier/Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2007. Print. 4. Redish, Janice. "Letting people start key tasks immediately". //Letting Go of the Words: Writing Web Content That Works//. San Francisco: Elsevier/Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2007. Print. 5. Scholtz, O. (Designer). (2009). Folder home icon. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://www.iconfinder.com/icondetails/25176/128/folder_home_icon 6. Tribou, R. (Photographer). (2011). Carnival Ecstasy Port Canaveral,FL. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.vacationstarter.com/travel/cruise-lines/carnival-cruise-lines/vs-carnival-ecstasy-port-canaveral-110811,0,25678.story . 7. Unknown. (n.d.). Disney's Magic Kingdom map. Retrieved from http://www.orlando-how-to.com/map-disney-magic-kingdom.php 8. Unknown. (Photographer). (n.d.). 3 key elements. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://allabout-weightloss.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-3-key-elements-for-effective-weight.html 9. Unknown. (Photographer). (2012). Walt Disney World. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://topwalls.net/walt-disney-world/