I think on the home page it's important to link to the number one reason why consumers start they search online - looking at home. In terms of usability/ conversion ratios I focus my users on the task I want them to complete. I have tested a variety of landing pages & copy and I find it best to have different entry pages for each task. The web designing tool I’m using is
Topagentsite and I’m quite satisfied with it. You may try.
Best of luck.