How to create an impactful first impression on your course website
Are you a course creator looking to make your website more effective?
The first impression visitors get when landing on your site can make or break your conversion rates.
At Bright Matter Studio, where designing strategic website is our specialty, I’m going to share with you some tips to create an impactful first impression and optimize your ABOVE THE FOLD area of your website.
What is "Above the fold" and why does it matter?
The "above the fold" area is prime real estate on your website—it's the first section visitors see without scrolling. For course creators, this space needs to immediately convey the value of your course.
This is not the place to get ‘too’ creative, vague or abstract with your words. Use this area strategically to draw in potential students with results and solutions they’re looking for in their lives. Make it clear, compelling and possible.
Ready to dive in?
Watch my video or read the blog below!
3 essential elements for a powerful first impression
01. Craft a clear, specific headline
Your opening line should include both a headline and sub-headline that clearly communicate:
What your course is about
Who it's for
The specific solution you're offering
Common mistake: Many course creators try to get too creative with their headlines, resulting in vague or confusing messaging that misses the point about what their course actually delivers.
Examples of Strong Headlines:
Instead of a generic headline like "Empower Your Designs with Squarespace CSS," try something more specific:
"Learn the Basics of Squarespace CSS in Six Weeks: Get Savvy with Creating Your Own Codes to Elevate Your Designs"
For a wellness course, rather than "Women's Qigong for Health and Longevity," consider:
"Qigong for Vitality and Hormonal Balance for Women Over 40: Gentle, Meditative Healing Movements to Overcome Menopausal Challenges"
These examples clearly communicate what students will learn, who the course is for, and the transformation they'll experience.
02. Choose the right hero image
Your hero image should create a strong visual impression that draws people in and relates to your course offering or brand.
Consider what you're leading with:
Personal brand approach: If you as a teacher are integral to the course, include a high-quality headshot to create emotional connection and trust.
Knowledge hub approach: If you're leading with expertise, use an image that represents that knowledge—either high-quality stock photography or custom illustrations.
Custom illustrations can be particularly effective, as they use colors, shapes, and motifs to convey messages beyond the literal, capturing the spirit of your offering through visual language.
03. Optimize the "Just Below the Fold" Area
The area just below the fold—what visitors see after their first small scroll—is crucial for answering their initial curiosity and providing more depth about your value proposition.
For this section, consider:
List the top transformations or results your course offers—be succinct but enticing.
Include evidence or facts that support why your solution works—scientific data, statistics, or third-party validation.
Share success metrics—what are students learning and how is it helping them progress? Include specific statistics or testimonials from successful students.
Offer a valuable freebie—provide immediate value with a mini-workshop or sample module that gives them a taste of your course while building your email list.
Final Thoughts
Implementing these strategies will help you create a course website that makes a powerful first impression and effectively communicates your value proposition to potential students.
Remember to be specific about what your course offers, who it's for, and the transformation students can expect. Your website should feel both meaningful and spacious, creating an inviting environment that encourages visitors to take the next step in their learning journey.
What first impression is your course website making? Take some time to review your current site with these tips in mind!
Design services for course creators
At Bright Matters Studio, we specialize in design solutions for course creators in the wellness, coaching, and therapy fields. My approach combines strategic branding with conversion-focused website design to help your courses reach more people and generate consistent sales.
My services help you:
Develop branding that positions your course as the premium solution in your niche
Create a website strategy that guides visitors seamlessly to your course enrollment
Design visual systems that establish your authority and build trust with potential students
Create a website that acts as a hub in your marketing ecosystem that supports long-term course success
Are you ready to scale your course sales?
Whether you're just starting to explore the idea of creating a course or you already have course content that needs stronger marketing support, I'd love to hear where you are in your journey.
What kind of course are you creating?
At what stage are you in the development process?
What's your biggest challenge in positioning and marketing your course?
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Build a customer-focused website that grow your course business on auto-pilot.
✔ Connect - let your dream clients know they’ve come to the right place.
✔ Convert - Make it easy for your dream client to take action
✔ Have control over your site. No experience necessary. Squarespace allows you to customize your site with ease.
