You really should consider some definitive intro Content on the index page (not just for the SEO aspects). Visitors want at least a
taste of what is in front of them, and this is what "defines" your navigation --- gives visitors something to 'decide' whether or not to drill in for more (this is the first aspect of "coversion" every website needs to establish).
The other things come naturally as you see more and more of the "flow" of how sites are balanced and structured --- and the tech issues are simply a means of making that happen.
Great beginning! New Dimensions of Internet Distinction