Do stay simple. So, start with a simple start page maybe break it down to your company logo and a simple catch phrase to encourage visitors to continue. This makes your site more interactive. It also gives your visitors a sense of control and encourages them to check out other areas of your site. Do provide easy navigation.
Sites offer both reference and sales content.
These categories should be shown first. Keep in mind that a visit to the Web site could well be a follow-up to the visitor seeing your name somewhere else. Do be subtle. Be subtle in pitching products. Don't have banner ads or links on your start page.