Easy Ways to Make a Stylin' Homepage

Here are several examples of great homepages. You can use ideas from these examples to make your homepage look good and get your community started.

Good ideas are circled in red on these homepage images.

Example 1: CSI Wiki

Reasons this homepage rules: 1.) The homepage is updated every time there is a new episode of CSI, keeping visitors coming back to the site. 2.) This homepage has a video. Learn how to add videos and other cool widgets. 3.) It has lots of links to great pages so that visitors can find out what's on the site at a glance. 4.) It links to pages that get people talking. For example, "What You Want To See" and "Rumors and Gossip" are great page titles to get the community chatting.

Example 2: Fuse TV Music Artist Wiki

Reasons this homepage rules: 1.) The creator immediately tells visitors what he/she wants them to do on the site with the headline "Create, Contribute, Connect." 2.) Under "Top Posters" this homepage gives a shout-out to good contributors. You can also feature people's avatars on the homepage if they are doing a good job on the wiki. 3.) People like to click on photos, and this wiki uses both photos and text to direct visitors to their favorite bands.

Example 3: Mythical Creatures

Reasons this homepage rules: 1.) The creator made a header logo to give this homepage a look and feel that is consistent with what the site is about. Learn how to upload your own header logo. 2.) The site creator communicates what needs to be done on the wiki with the section called "Pages that need your help." 3.) The creator made a visual index of sections on the site which looks appealing. This way, visitors will probably go to a page, go back to the homepage, go to another page, go back to the homepage... Creating interesting sections on the homepage will keep visitors on the site longer.

Example 4: Sarah Connor Chronicles

Reasons this homepage rules: 1.) The creator renamed the homepage "Sarah Connor Chronicles." This will help people searching for Sarah Connor Chronicles find this page. Learn how to rename your homepage. 2.) The use of space and tables is excellent. It's designed well and shows how to use tables in different and interesting ways. 3.) Some of the tables have a gray background, giving the site more color. Learn how to change the background color of your tables. 4.) The creator added a poll on the homepage. Learn how to add polls and other cool widgets.

Example 5: The L Word

Reasons this homepage rules: 1.) The creator encourages people to sign in or sign up. 2.) The creator uses tables in a creative way to give an overview of site highlights. 3.) The creator made a photo index to favorite pages and gave a small description by each photo explaining these pages are about.

Other good examples of homepages:

Californication	wikiFido	Australia Travel Wiki
Survivor Wiki	Videos that Rocked the World	Rick Ross
Yellowcard	Dexter Wiki	Heroes Wiki
Weeds Wiki	Tudors Wiki	Better Recipes