The OpenWater Blog

Learning Series: Overview Page on Website

You need an overview page on your website.

An overview page serves numerous purposes, the most important of which being that it drives value for your program by offering an in-depth glimpse into where the program has been, what’s in it for entrants, and where the program is going.

A great overview page contains several different components, including:

• A brief idea of what the award is;
• The history of your program;
• The value behind entering; and
• Visuals

A Brief Idea of What the Award Is

You might think that the name of your program or other components explain what the award is, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, many of the potential entrants who come to your site are unlikely to know much about your program at all.

When you offer an explanation of your program, list the categories and focus on a broad, big picture glimpse into what the program is and what makes it tick.

Goal: Pique interest so users delve further into your website and feel enticed to enter.

The History of Your Program

While the brief overview of your program will tell potential entrants where your program is at right now, it doesn’t reflect where you’ve been. And, if an entrant is interested after reading your brief overview, going to the history of your program next is a great way to solidify a deeper, more actionable interest.

Include information like:

• When the program began;
• How the program has changed/developed over the years; and
• Why your organization chose to begin the program

Goal: Solidify a deeper interest in your program for those intrigued by the basic overview.

The Value Behind Entering

Once entrants are interested in your program and are more invested after learning about the program’s history, they will have a lingering question: “What’s in it for me?” After all, no entrant will take the time and resources to enter your program if they don’t believe it’s worthwhile.

Some of the simplest ways to show value is to emphasize the:

• Prestige of your award;
• The kind of award (i.e. is it monetary, an appointed position, etc.);
• Experience; or
• Feedback

Goal: Give entrants a tangible reason to apply to your program.

Visuals

Strong visuals are invaluable on an awards website. You could have a great overview page but without any visuals, it’s automatically weaker and less likely to convert potential entrants into applicants. At a more basic level, some users won’t stick around to read a page once they realize there are no visuals.

This doesn’t mean you have to get complicated with your visuals, either. Instead, you can include something simple and still be highly effective. Some examples include:

• Photos of previous winners;
• A group picture from last year’s awards ceremony;
• Your logo for the program this year; or
• A photo of the award itself

Anything that is eye-catching will work – so don’t get too wrapped up in the visual part of the page.

Goal: Give potential entrants something to look at as they process your other information, essentially bringing your program to life.

Bring Your Overview Page to Life With Just Four Components

Your overview page is an essential part of your website, but that doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. With just the four components above, you’ll have everything you need to convert interested individuals into committed entrants.

If you want to see a proper overview page in action, along with the rest of the website, check out our demo site here.

Ashley Surinak

Ashley Surinak is the resident OpenWater expert on all things content. From the blog to guides and beyond, you'll find her at every turn in your OpenWater journey.

Learning Series: Call for Entry Page

Learning Series: 10-Step Process for Awards Websites