In marketing, “above the fold” is a term that originates from the world of print newspapers. When newspapers are displayed on a newsstand, they’re usually folded in half. Thus, only the top half of the front page is visible to potential readers. This top half is what’s referred to as “above the fold,” and it’s where editors typically place the most important or attention-grabbing news of the day.
When applied to digital marketing and web design, “above the fold” refers to the portion of a webpage that is visible without scrolling. Because this is the first part of the webpage a user sees, it’s considered prime real estate.
Immediate Impact: Since this is the first content users see, it’s crucial that it grabs their attention and gives them a reason to stay on the page or continue scrolling.
User Engagement: Important calls to action (CTAs), like “Sign Up,” “Buy Now,” or “Learn More,” are often placed above the fold to increase visibility and encourage user engagement.
Loading Speed: Users might leave a website if the content above the fold doesn’t load quickly. It’s essential to ensure that this portion of the site loads swiftly to retain visitors.
First Impressions: The content above the fold sets the tone for the user’s experience. A positive initial impression can increase the chances of user engagement and conversion.
SEO Implications: User behavior, such as bounce rate (when users leave after viewing only one page), can impact search engine rankings. If users frequently leave because they don’t find the “above the fold” content relevant or engaging, it might negatively affect SEO.
However, with the advent of mobile browsing and the wide variety of screen sizes and resolutions available today, defining the exact location of “the fold” has become more complex. While the concept remains relevant, it’s important for marketers and designers to recognize that the fold might appear differently for users on various devices. As a result, responsive and adaptive design, along with an understanding of user behavior across different devices, is vital.
