Hoofdwebsite

Hoofdwebsite is a term used in Dutch to refer to the primary website of an organization, brand, or institution. It acts as the central portal that represents the entity online and from which most visitors enter to reach other areas such as product pages, services, departments, news, and support. The hoofdwebsite typically combines branding elements with essential information about the organization, including mission, contact details, careers, and accessibility statements.

The main purpose of a hoofdwebsite is to provide a stable, trustworthy gateway for both current users and newcomers. It serves as the public face of the organization, offers navigation to more specific sections, and supports communication through features such as search, multilingual options, and announcements. While many organizations maintain additional microsites or product sites, the hoofdwebsite remains the dominant entry point and reference.

In terms of design and technology, a hoofdwebsite prioritizes clear information architecture, responsive design, fast loading times, and consistent branding. It often uses a global navigation menu, a prominent homepage banner or hero area, and a content-management system that keeps content up to date. Accessibility and search engine optimization are commonly emphasized to ensure reach and usability for diverse audiences. Governance typically involves a dedicated communications or digital team responsible for content strategy, branding guidelines, and updates.

In the Netherlands, rijksoverheid.nl is an example of a hoofdwebsite in the public sector, serving as the central gateway to government information. In private organizations, the term describes the main site that anchors the corporate online presence.