If you have clicked on this blog, it means you are here to master your website header design. Well, you have come to the right place. We have provided you with clear tips so that after reading this blog you can take away these actionable tips and apply them to your website instantly.
Did you know that people form their first impression of a website in just a few milliseconds? This quick judgement plays a crucial role in how they perceive your brand, engage with your site, and decide whether they want to become a customer or not. That is why you want to pay special attention to mastering the first thing a customer sees, which is a website header.
This is backed up by a 2018 study carried out by the Nielsen Norman Group, in which they found that typically visitors spend about 57% of their time on the first screen they see. This makes your header not just a design element, but a pivotal point for engagement and conversion for your business.
In this blog, we’re excited to walk you through creating a website header that doesn’t just catch the eye but also turns visitors into customers which in turn boosts sales as well as engagement for your business online. From choosing the right hero image to crafting an irresistible value proposition, Gekkoshot have got you covered.
Choosing Your Hero Image
Think of your website’s hero image as the profile picture of your brand. It’s the first thing people see, and you want it to say, “Hey, this is who we are, and we’re glad you’re here” Picking the right image can feel a bit like finding the perfect outfit for a special occasion; it needs to be just right.
We all love a bit of eye candy, right? But when it comes to websites, it turns out simplicity often wins the day. It should be attractive and intriguing, but not so over-the-top that it confuses or overwhelms your visitors. For example any flashy gifs in this section could actually give people a headache as well as making your website load slowly, in this case you want to avoid anything of the sort but instead focus on something that is colourful with your brand colours in mind to provide that overall cohesive look.
Your hero image is your chance to make a statement about your brand. Think about what your story is and what you are trying to say. For example, think about Grown Alchemist in 2022, their choice of a single, elegant GIF perfectly captured the essence of their brand.
Here’s a little secret: there’s no rule book for choosing your hero image. Want to feature real people? Go for it. Prefer something abstract? That’s cool, too.The trick is to pick something that feels true to who you are and speaks directly to the hearts (and eyes) of your audience.
Crafting Your Value Proposition
Your value proposition is like your brand’s handshake and introduction rolled into one. It’s not just a fancy tagline; it’s your promise to your customers, telling them exactly what they can expect from you. Your value proposition should be like that one friend who always knows just what to say. It needs to be impressive and unique, sure, but also genuine and believable. No one likes a bragger or a promise-breaker.
You know how sometimes you only need a few seconds to get a feel for someone? Your value proposition works the same way. It should be clear, straightforward, and to the point. When someone lands on your site, they should instantly understand what you’re all about.
Let’s face it, people are more interested in what they get out of the deal. Sure, your product might have the latest features, but what does that mean for your customer? Always highlight how your product makes life better, be it saving time, money, or just making things a little more enjoyable for your customers.
Making Your Website a Breeze to Explore
You know that feeling of walking into a store and finding everything you need instantly? That’s the kind of experience we want to create with your website navigation. It’s all about making your visitors feel like they’re on a journey that provides them with a sense of ease.
Good navigation is like a great tour guide, it should be helpful, but not overbearing. It’s crucial to strike a balance between trendy modern design and practical usability. Your visitors should be able to find what they’re looking for without getting frustrated and clicking through your website endlessly before they can get to where they need to be. We can avoid this by having a menu at the top of your home page.
A lot of people ask us if there is a specific or magic number for how many items your menu should have, however it honestly just really depends on the services or products you are offering. Whether it’s a sleek main menu with a few critical items or a more detailed list with dropdowns, the key is to keep it organised which in turn will improve your design.
Your navigation should reflect what’s most important to your audience. If you’re a one-stop shop for gardening, make sure your visitors can find everything from tulip bulbs to lawn mowers without breaking a sweat.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box with your navigation design. As long as it helps your visitors and enhances their experience, a little creativity can go a long way. We always suggest making the navigation as simplistic as possible especially if you are a retailer as you don’t want your customer confused on where to buy your products (more on this later).
Maximising Impact with Header Calls to Action
Think of your website’s call to action (CTA) in the header as not just a button or a line of text; but instead an invitation for your visitors to take the next step. Here’s how to make your CTAs in the header too tempting to resist.
Your CTAs need to be able to blend in with the overall design of your website but still stand on their own feet to be able to draw attention. It’s about making them so appealing that visitors can’t help but click on them. We always get questions on where to place CTAs in which we suggest that, usually, they are placed right below your value proposition but don’t be afraid to get creative. You might find that tucking them into your navigation menu or somewhere unconventional works wonders.Especially if your business is more on the creative sides of design.
The words you use in your CTAs need to resonate and stick in your visitors’ minds. Make sure they’re clear, direct, and engaging. Your CTAs should not just instruct but also entice.
Adding a Shopping Cart Icon
Implementing a shopping cart icon to your website’s header is a small feature, but it makes a big difference in making your customer’s shopping experience much more smooth and enjoyable. Here’s why this little icon can be a game-changer. It’s always there, visible, and easy to use, letting your customers check their selections with just a click. This convenience means they’re more likely to breeze through to checkout without any hassle.
Think about a great shopping experience that you have had, we bet it was a smooth journey? remember the easier and more enjoyable it is, the better. A visible and accessible shopping cart contributes to this by streamlining the process, making it easier for customers to manage their selections and move forward to the purchase.
Leveraging Contact Details in Your Header
Think about the scenario of landing on a website and needing a contact number and address but not being able to find either, frustrating right? In a perfect world when you land on the website you would want to see it instantly so you can make that phone call or look up that address that you need to put into your sat nav so you don’t miss your appointment.
Therefore, by including contact details in the header (whether it’s a phone number, an email address, or social media links), you’re making it super easy for customers to reach out to you, which can be crucial in turning their interest into action. Visible contact details are like an open invitation to chat. They encourage visitors to get in touch, ask questions, and engage with your brand. This openness not only fosters communication but also creates opportunities to turn these interactions into lasting relationships and, ultimately, conversions. For new visitors, this can be a deciding factor in forming a positive first impression of your brand. Which is quite an important factor for a business, we are sure you would agree?
With these essential tips, you will be mastering the art of header designs in no time. Think of it as your journey to becoming a true master in the digital space, and in the spirit of a wise Jedi Master, we encourage you to embrace your inner Padawan as you refine and perfect your skills. If the path still seems a bit daunting, or if you’re looking to revamp your current website, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Gekkoshot. Our team is ready to guide you through the galaxy of web design, ensuring your website stands out in the vast online universe. Let us know how you get on.