Key Takeaways
- "Above the fold" is content visible without scrolling
- First impression forms in under 3 seconds
- Include value proposition, primary CTA, and key visual
- "The fold" varies by device—design for common screen sizes
- Encourage scrolling with visual cues
What is Above the Fold?
"Above the fold" refers to content visible on first load without scrolling. The term comes from newspapers, where stories above the fold were most prominent.
In web design, this area is prime real estate. It's where visitors decide whether to stay or leave.
Essential Above-the-Fold Elements
- Clear Headline: What you do and who you help
- Supporting Subhead: Expand on the value proposition
- Primary CTA: What action should visitors take?
- Key Visual: Product image, hero image, or video
- Navigation: Clear menu for orientation
Encouraging the Scroll
While above-the-fold content is crucial, you want visitors to explore further. Use visual cues like arrows, partial content visibility, or "scroll for more" indicators to encourage scrolling.