Definition:
"Above the fold" is a term originating in the world of print media that has evolved to find a place in digital language. In its original conception, it referred to the top half of the front page of a newspaper, which is the first thing readers see before unfolding it. In web design and digital marketing, "above the fold" refers to the portion of the web page that is viewed without scrolling down. The relevance and usefulness of this concept has changed over time and is still the subject of debate.
In web design, the concept of "above the fold" is an essential consideration. The top of a web page, or the "above the fold" area, is often the first impression visitors have of a website. Therefore, it is critical that the design is attractive and that the information presented is relevant and easy to understand.
The most important elements, such as the company logo, main navigation, headlines and key messages, are often placed "above the fold". This design aims to grab the visitor's attention, provide essential information at a glance, and encourage the user to further explore the website.
The concept of "above the fold" also has implications for search engine optimization (SEO). Google and other search engines have indicated that "above the fold" content can have an impact on SEO rankings, as it is assumed to be the most relevant information for visitors.
Importantly, above-the-fold content quality is a key factor. Filling this area with too many ads or low-quality content can have a negative effect on SEO rankings. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a balance between relevant, high-quality content and advertising or calls to action.
With the rise of mobile devices, the interpretation of "above the fold" has had to adapt. Since the screens of mobile devices are smaller than those of desktop computers, the "above the fold" space is significantly reduced.
This has led to greater importance in the strategic placement of content and design elements in this smaller space. In addition, the increasing diversity in the size and orientation of device screens has made it more challenging to define exactly what "above the fold" is in the mobile context.
Although "above the fold" is a commonly accepted concept in web design and SEO, it is not without debate. Some experts argue that, in the modern digital age, users are used to scrolling and that the importance of "above the fold" has diminished.
Others point out that while users may be willing to scroll, information presented "above the fold" still plays an important role in capturing the user's attention.