The Essential Element Of Your Homepage

A community homepage should be a snapshot of everything that's happening in your community. Make sure you show the latest activity on the homepage. 

Comments

[Angela Connor]

Rich: I have a pretty good homepage. I have to tell you though, that the "most recent" section is sometimes problematic and I've fretted over making changes but always stick with what I know is inherently correct..to highlight the latest. I have had a module added though, that highlights the most popular content within the last hour or so as well in case you come to the site and immediately want to know where everyone is hanging out and posting.

[Martin Reed]

Sometimes there can be a conflict between choosing the 'latest activity' or the 'best activity'.

New visitors to the community won't know (or care) if something is new or what has happened most recently - although it does of course provide value to regular members.

Sometimes it's better to feature the best stuff rather than the latest stuff - as Angela says, this also helps avoid highlighting content that may not necessarily be appropriate.

- Martin