What is above the fold?
Above the fold is the part of a web page visible on screen before a visitor scrolls, named after the top half of a folded newspaper.
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In plain English
On a website the fold isn’t one fixed line. It moves with every screen size, so what’s above the fold on a laptop might be halfway down on a phone. In practice it means “the first screen.”
That first screen has one job: tell people they’re in the right place and show them what to do next. Everything else can come after a scroll, and people do scroll when the start is clear.
Why it matters for a small business
The first few seconds decide whether someone stays. If the opening screen is a vague slogan over a stock photo, visitors have to work to figure out what you do. A clear headline, a short line of proof and one obvious action keep them going.
An example
A roofing company in Cochrane replaces its full-screen drone video and “Excellence Since 1998” headline with “Roof repairs and replacements across Cochrane and Calgary,” a line about free inspections, a phone number and a “Book an inspection” button. The video moves further down where it supports the story instead of delaying it.
Common mistakes
Where I see above the fold go wrong most often.
Cramming every service, badge and offer into the first screen so nothing stands out.
Using a slider, so the message visitors see depends on when they happen to look.
Designing the first screen only for desktop and leaving phones with half a headline.
Above the fold, answered
Yes. People scroll readily when the top of the page tells them they’re in the right place. A weak first screen is what stops them.
Usually a clear button to contact you is enough. A full form at the top can feel pushy before the visitor knows anything about you.
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- nick@tavro.ca
- 587-439-9994
- Calgary, Alberta