Microsoft's homepage is terrible; here's how we'd improve it (use these ideas for your own site)
Today we're reviewing Microsoft and giving advice on their homepage and Microsoft 365 product page.
Let's get to it...
Homepage
1\. Remove the slider
The above the fold section on the homepage has a slider (or a revolving carousel). So by the time a visitor finishes reading and is ready to take action the slider changes. Sliders are frustrating and distracting.
Instead, remove the slider and only focus on the main call-to-action (which we're assuming is Microsoft 365).
2\. Have one clear call-to-action
Currently, there's no clear call-to-action. Does Microsoft want us to buy Microsoft 365 or save money on the Surface Pro? It's unclear.
Focus on one call-to-action, improve the headline, subheadline, call-to-action button, and additional information.
In our variation (see below), we changed the layout to a two-column layout with the main call-to-action in the right column and additional information in the left column. And we moved the second call to action to an alert bar or an overlay, especially if it's a limited-time offer.
3\. Add a drop down to the menu bar
Microsoft is a large company with many different products. The menu bar is confusing unless you're already familiar with them.
We saw this a lot with our former clients (during our consulting days).
They knew their products inside and out and assumed that their visitors did, too. But unfortunately, when you're that close to your own products it's hard to see the website with fresh eyes. That's why it's always a good idea to run your website by new people to get their perspective---especially if they're not familiar with your site.
Here's a tip: A great way to get website feedback is to go to a local coffee shop, ask someone if you can buy them a coffee if they'll take 5 minutes to look at your site and give you feedback. Tell them to be as brutally honest as possible so you can really make good improvements.
For Microsoft, we'd improve the menu by adding a hover drop down menu with additional sales copy and information.
Variation: 
Product Page
www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/p/microsoft-365-personal/cfq7ttc0k5bf
1\. Improve sales copy
Include more benefits in the sales copy to showcase the value of the product to justify the cost (this is especially important on pricing pages).
2\. Add a call-to-action above the fold
Currently, there's no call-to-action above the fold, so users have to scroll to see pricing. Many won't. Add a button above the fold, so users can quickly and easily get to the pricing section.
3\. Add a benefit in sidebar
The sidebar image doesn't really showcase any benefits. Change the sidebar to include benefits and showcase the apps included with Microsoft 365, so users can visually see all they're getting with the product.
Variation:
4\. Improve the pricing section
For the pricing section, we'd make three simple changes:
- Clarify the plans
- Show savings (either in a dollar amount or months free)
- Reduce hesitation in the call-to-action
Conclusion
Microsoft could further grow their business by:
- Using more sales copy, instead of tech copy
- Making the product funnels cleaner and easier to navigate
- Improving the menu bar
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