Did you know that what a user sees above the fold right after a page loads has a huge impact on their decision to stay or leave? In a world where speed of loading and first impressions determine success, the above the fold section plays a key role in grabbing users' attention and increasing conversion rates.
Elements placed in this part of the page, such as headings , CTAs , or visually appealing content, affect the user experience (UX) and positioning of the page in search results. But what does the term "above the fold" really mean? Why is it so important for SEO and how to optimize this part of the page to achieve the best results?
Above the Fold (ATF) – Why is Above the Fold important?
Above the Fold (ATF) , or the visible part of a website without scrolling, plays a key role in website design and user experience (UX) . This area determines the user's first impression and influences their oman whatsapp data decision to continue interacting with the site. By placing the most important elements in this section, such as headings , CTA buttons , or visually appealing content, you can effectively attract users' attention and increase your conversion rate .
What is “Above the Fold” and what is its importance in SEO?
Definition and History of the Term “Above the Fold”
The term “Above the Fold” comes from the newspaper industry and referred to the top of a folded newspaper that was visible on newsstands. In the context of websites, it refers to the part of a page that a user sees immediately after loading, without having to scroll down.
In an era where SEO and user experience are becoming increasingly important, optimizing this section has become a priority for webmasters and marketers. What a user sees in the first part of a page determines whether they will engage in further interaction with the site.
How does “Above the Fold” differ from “Below the Fold”?
“Above the Fold” refers to the elements visible without scrolling, while “ Below the Fold ” encompasses all the content that the user must scroll to see. While both sections are important, Above the Fold is the key area that affects first impressions , which in turn has a huge impact on bounce rates and SEO .
The Role of “Above the Fold” in Building Visibility and UX
Above the Fold optimization is important for both SEO and UX . Search engines like Google reward pages that load quickly and provide the most important information to the user immediately upon opening the site. Visual hierarchy , well-placed headings and calls to action (CTAs), and page loading speed can significantly improve its visibility in search results and increase user engagement .
If you want to learn more about technical website optimization and how it affects Core Web Vitals , check out our article: "How to Optimize Your Technical Website for SEO" - you will find practical tips that will help you improve your website's visibility in search engines.
“Above the Fold” Section Across Devices – How Does It Change?
“Above the Fold” on Desktop vs. Mobile
Modern websites must meet the diverse requirements of users who use multiple devices, from desktop computers to smartphones. On desktops, “Above the Fold” covers a larger screen area, which allows for more content, such as headings , forms , and graphics. On mobile devices, however , visible space is limited, so it is crucial to highlight the most important information and CTA buttons that will grab the user’s attention.
For example, “Above the Fold” content on desktop might include a video, visually rich banner, and rich headlines, while on a smartphone it should be optimized for fast loading and easy navigation.
How does site responsiveness affect ATF?
Responsiveness is a key element of “Above the Fold” optimization. Pages optimized for mobile-first indexing adjust their layout based on screen resolution and device type. This allows the user to see important information immediately, without having to scroll.
A lack of responsiveness can negatively impact bounce rates , as users abandon pages that are difficult to navigate on mobile devices. That’s why it’s crucial that “Above the Fold” is visible across devices without having to scroll , has clear calls to action, and engaging visuals.