The graphics should not slow down the site in coming on the screen . Anything else that draws the prospect's eye is counterproductive and could lower response. The home page must encourage and motivate prospects and tell them why they need to read on . Again, it goes back to the reason why they came to the site in the first place. They must be encouraged by the benefits and see why it's in their self interest to spend one more second on your site versus going somewhere else.
Time is of the essence.
These are some of the critical questions that must be answered on the home page to make prospects want to continue on to your sales message. The above seems relatively simple, but most home pages violate the very essence of these basic direct marketing rules. The home page becomes a page for the publishing company, not a prospect. It brags, offers multiple options, and mentions all of the publisher's services or publications. It gives copy, visual, and option distractions.