Above The Fold

What is “Above the Fold?”

Above the fold is the term for the visible portion of a webpage or print medium that users see before scrolling or opening up the rest of the content. Originating from the era of print newspapers, above the fold referred to the top half of the front page, visible to potential buyers as newspapers sat folded on newsstands.

In the digital world, the concept has evolved, and it now refers to the part of a website that becomes immediately visible upon loading without the need for the user to scroll down.

Here’s an example of our above-the-fold on desktop for our homepage:

The fold’s specific location on a digital webpage may vary depending on the individual’s device and screen size. As a result, designers and content creators must be aware of the fold to ensure the most critical information and elements are easily accessible to users, helping engage and retain their attention.

Two points to remember about “above the fold” are:

• Placement: Strategic and valuable content should be placed above the fold, as it will likely be the first thing a user sees.
• Responsiveness: Due to the varying device screen sizes, the fold location may change; therefore, responsive and adaptive design is essential to ensure a positive user experience.

Why is Understanding the Term “Above the Fold” Important?

Comprehending the concept of “above the fold” is crucial as it determines the initial content website visitors encounter. By featuring relevant and engaging content in this prime location, website owners can capture users’ attention, leading to improved conversions, reduced bounce rates, and a positive first impression.

Carefully selecting the proper call to action (CTA), best practices for user experience, A/B testing, and specific keywords above the fold results in more effective use of online real estate. This optimization maximizes usability, ultimately contributes to better sales for ecommerce websites, and enhances the website’s ranking on search engines like Google.

How Above the Fold Is Measured on Desktop and Mobile Devices

Measuring the above the fold area on desktop and mobile devices can be complicated due to the variety of monitor sizes, screen resolutions, browser plugins, and diverse screen types for smartphones and tablets. Consequently, specifying a single fold placement for every webpage is challenging.

In general, the rough measurements for the fold line are approximately 600 pixels in height and 1,000 pixels in width. This sizing works well across commonly used monitor and browser combinations, like 1024×768 pixels, considering maximized browser windows without toolbars.

To determine the optimal fold placement for a particular website, website analytics can be valuable. These analytics can provide information about the most prevalent screen dimensions used by visitors, facilitating better design decisions.

It is important to stay updated on emerging screen dimensions, as well. For instance, 320×568 and 360×640 dimensions are gaining popularity. Testing various layouts and reviewing your website analytics will aid in finding the optimal dimensions for your specific site.

Additionally, consider the characteristics of your target audience. If your audience consists mainly of younger individuals who frequently access social media and browse the internet on phones or tablets, it is beneficial to create a website design that caters to all screen types.

When designing a website, implementing responsive design is crucial. Due to the multitude of devices in use, the area visible above the fold varies. Responsive design allows the fold line to appear at different positions on the webpage, adapting to various factors such as screen sizes, resolutions, and device types.

What Kind of Content Should Be Displayed Above the Fold for SEO?

In order to optimize above the fold content for SEO, it is essential to focus on relevant, attention-grabbing content that aligns with your business goals and target audience’s needs. Avoid overloading this area of your website with ads, as this can lead to penalties from Google, poor user experience, and lost potential customers.

To effectively display content above the fold, consider incorporating the following elements:

• Headline: Use a powerful H1 tag that grabs the user’s attention and briefly conveys the purpose of the page.
• Text Content: Incorporate your targeted keywords, ensuring they appear in the opening paragraphs for better search engine optimization.
• Images and Videos: Optimize images and videos with alt text and relevant captions. These visuals play a significant role in capturing user interest.
• Call to Action (CTA) Buttons: Make CTAs visible and clear, encouraging users to engage, buy a product, or subscribe to your content.
• Navigation Menu: Employ an intuitive navigation menu, either with a traditional or hamburger-style, to assist users in finding the information they need.
• Hero Image: Use an eye-catching hero image that complements your main headline and communicates the purpose of the page.
• Page Speed: Optimize page loading speeds to prevent users from abandoning your site due to slow load times.

By incorporating these elements, you create a balanced and visually captivating above the fold content. This approach engages users, enhances lead generation, and contributes to improved search engine optimization.