Advice on Entry Page Design

for a "dual purpose" site

[old_expat]

I'm working on a new site that by necessity needs to appeal to both a B&M seller and an online buyer. No, it is not an auction site.

The site is something a little bit unique, and planned to evolve into something even more unique.

I'm thinking of vertically splitting the home page into "buyer" and "seller" features that hopefully entice prospective users to the appropriate second page.

My thinking is that:

- a simple link is not very appealing
- users want to know "where's the beef?" right away
- sellers want to see what is might attract buyers

Sellers have to register, but I prefer to give them a few reasons to register. Should registration be on the home page or the second page.

At this point, I don't want to force buyers to register.

Comments, alternatives, suggestions, opinions?

[Marshall]

IMHO, split the page in two with somewhat large headings:

FOR BUYERS FOR SELLERS

then provide some quick information. Depending on the registration process, long versus short, would influence where to put it: long - new page; short - same page. The less reading and the fewer clicks will always serve you best.

Marshall

[mcooce]

good post

[old_expat]

His or mine? ;)

[windwalker]

Hi Expat,
I recently had to do a dual entry site for a client. Two businesses, two logos, one entry page. I created a nice swoosh and split the page in half at an angle with two color schemes. I optimized for a non scaling, non scrolling 1024x768. It turned out, good, maybee very good...The client loves it and uses it for an entry screen at a wireless portal, lot's of good traffic get's directed to her businesses cleanly

[edited by: jatar_k at 4:51 pm (utc) on Sep. 25, 2007]
[edit reason] no urls thanks [/edit]