Below the Fold Term Meaning

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Below the Fold refers to the portion of a web page that is not visible without scrolling down. It is the area of the page that is “below” the initial screen view when a page first loads.

Average Fold Example of a Page

Detailed Explanation

The term “Below the Fold” originates from the print newspaper industry, where important news stories were placed “above the fold” to attract attention when newspapers were stacked or displayed. In web design and online marketing, content placed below the fold requires users to scroll down to see it. While placing key information above the fold is important to capture immediate attention, strategically using the below-the-fold area can enhance user engagement and provide additional context or details. Effective web design ensures that users are encouraged to scroll and discover more content below the fold through engaging visuals, compelling headlines, and intuitive navigation.

Key Points

  • What it is: The portion of a web page that is not visible without scrolling down.
  • Why it matters: Understanding the placement of content can influence user engagement and ensure that important information is seen by visitors.
  • How to use it: Use engaging visuals, compelling headlines, and intuitive navigation to encourage users to scroll and discover content below the fold.

Examples

  1. Blog Post: A blog post might use an engaging introduction above the fold to capture readers’ attention and encourage them to scroll down for the full article and additional resources.
  2. E-commerce Product Page: An online store may place product images and key features above the fold, while detailed descriptions, reviews, and related products are placed below the fold to provide comprehensive information for potential buyers.

Related Terms

  • Above the Fold
  • User Experience (UX)
  • Web Design
  • Content Placement

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is content placement above and below the fold important?

Content placement is important because it influences how users interact with a web page. Placing key information above the fold can capture immediate attention, while strategically using the below-the-fold area can keep users engaged and provide additional context or details.

How can I encourage users to scroll down and see content below the fold?

You can encourage users to scroll down by using engaging visuals, compelling headlines, intuitive navigation, and clear calls to action. Ensuring that the content above the fold is interesting and relevant can also motivate users to explore further.

Does content below the fold affect SEO?

Content below the fold can affect SEO, but its impact is typically less than content above the fold. However, ensuring that below-the-fold content is high-quality, relevant, and optimized for keywords can still contribute positively to overall SEO performance.