Create the Perfect Website Header

by | Web Design, User Design (UX)

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Your website header is the first thing people see when they visit your site, so it’s important to make a good first impression. A well-designed header can help you achieve your business goals by communicating your brand identity, attracting new customers, and promoting your products or services.

In many cases, people will find enough information on your header to feel comfortable enough to contact you for more information about your products or services.

In this blog post, we’ll teach you all about headers so you can maximize your website’s effectiveness to help you to achieve your websites goals.

What Is A Website Header?

A website header is a graphical element/section that appears at the top of every page of a website. It often contains the logo, name, and/or slogan of the website, as well as other navigational elements that allow users to move between pages on the site.

Website headers are typically designed using HTML and CSS and can be customized using various techniques including animation, sliders and scrolling effects.

Headers are often considered to be synonymous with the term “above the fold” an old newspaper term which means the area of a newspaper which can be read before you unfold it.

Web Design Header

Importance Of A Website Header

When it comes to website headers, there is more than just meets the eye. Many people think that website headers are simply a decorative addition to a website, when in reality they serve an important function.

Website headers are one of the most important elements on a website because they are the first thing that people see. They also help to orient visitors and let them know what the website is about. This is why it is so important to make sure that your header is well-designed and accurately represents your brand.

The average time a visitor stays on a website is roughly 2 and a half minutes.  Today’s visitors want information fast and many people expect to be find the information they need on your website’s header.  Your header needs to be well planned a by validating your business while helping your visitors satisfy their need for information.

Importance of a Website Header

Different Types Of Website Headers

We can classify website headers in many different categories, with each category providing a specific purpose or style.

The 5 most popular website headers at this time are listed below.  We will take some time to briefly discuss each style of website header so that you have a good idea of the styling and usage.

  • Hero Headers
  • Header Sliders
  • Header Contact Form
  • Video Headers
  • Carousell Headers
Types of Website Headers

Hero Headers

Hero website headers became popular in web design in the early 2010s. They are a large, oversized image or graphic that spans the width of the website and typically sits at the top of the page.

Hero website headers can be used to communicate brand messaging, as well as to showcase images or videos that communicate the company’s values or mission statement. They are also often used to promote special offers or discounts on the website.

Hero Website Header

Header Sliders

Header sliders are a common feature on ecommerce and commercial websites.  They are commonly used communicate several different messages on a website landing page.  The messages slide across the screen in a sequential manner.

Slider headers are build using CSS and JavaScript and can be installed on WordPress via plugins or added to Bootstrap based website with prewritten code.

Smart Slider Header

Headers With Contact Form

A website header with a contact form is a great way to get in touch with potential and current customers. A contact form allows customers to get in touch easily and quickly with you, whether they have a question, want to place an order, or just want to say hello.

Contact form headers work great on websites where people are expected to contact you for more information.  Such website include many different services-based businesses such as law firms, plumbers, dentists, and contractors.

Website Header With Contact Form Example

Video Header

Video headers have become popular in web design as more and more websites use video in their designs.  Video headers usually play a video in the background with textual based information in the forefront of the header.

Video headers are resource intensive and will weigh your website down in terms of size and load times.   Video headers can really make a website stand out when used correctly.

Video Website Header Example
Example of a Carousel Header - Netflix

Choose The Right Header For Your Website

When it comes to website design, the header is one of the most important elements. It is typically the first thing that people see when they land on your page, and it can set the tone for the rest of their experience. So how do you choose the right header for your website? There are a few things to consider:

  1. The type of business you have

Different businesses require different types of website designs. Some business websites act as a source of information and resources. Such websites do not require hero or contact form website headers, instead these websites do best with headers that allow visitors to quickly navigate the website.

It is important to understand why people are visiting your website in what they would like to accomplish.  for many business websites it is importing to have a contact form on the header as people landed on your website with an intent to contact you For more information.

  1. Your target audience

As mentioned earlier it is extremely important to understand the type of people who visit your website.  Such information will allow you to choose the right type of header for your audience.

  1. The message you want to send

A website header is the first thing that someone will see when they visit your website.  It is important to impress your website visitors with a well throughout header that assures visitors that they landed on the right website.

Choosing the right header is as important as having the right “elevator pitch”.  As website visitors only last a few minutes on websites before leaving.  Make sure you get then hooked!

Five Tips to Design a Better Website Header

Building website in 2022 is a lot different that it was just 5 years ago. The actual focus of building a header has shifted from coding to marketing and UX design. We would like to share a few helpful tips on “building” the perfect website header for your target audience.

I – Focus on your Objectives

Before you start designing your website header, it’s important to consider what your overall goals are for the website, and how the header can help achieve those goals. Think about what you want visitors to do after landing on your site, and what information you need them to be able to access quickly.

By having a clear understanding of your objectives, you’ll be able to create a header that is more effective and better aligned with your overall website strategy.

It is important to keep your goal in mind when working on a project. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you are working towards the right objectives.

II – Resonate With Your Audience

It’s important to be clear with your header call to action so visitors know what to expect after clicking. A simple CTA like “Sign up for free” is effective. Toggl’s website header design, while busy, includes a bright pink “sign up for free” button that stands out and guides visitors to the next step in the customer journey.

As the wise Brené Brown once said: “Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.” In other words, your header call-to-action shouldn’t be so clever or quirky that your visitors don’t know what will happen after they click on it. Simple CTAs like “Sign up for free,” “Start a free trial,” or “Get started for free” get the job done.

It’s always a great idea to keep an eye on your Google Analytics to ensure that your Call To Action (CTAs) are performing well.

III – Keep Your Website Free from Distractions

Your website header is one of the most important design elements on your site. so it’s important to not overload it with too much information or too many elements. Keep it simple and clean so that visitors can easily understand what your site is about and navigate to the content they’re looking for.

IV – Focus on Your Messaging

When it comes to website design, less is often more. Focusing on your messaging and keeping your styling to a minimum can help you stand out from the competition.

By designing a sleek and modern website, you’ll be able to capture your audience’s attention and communicate your brand’s values. simple, clean lines and typography will help set the tone for your website and create a polished look that users will appreciate.

Tips for creating a website header

A website header is the first thing people see when visiting your website. It’s important to make a good first impression by using an attractive, professional header that accurately represents your brand. Here are a few tips for creating a website header:

  • Choose a professionally designed template.
  • Use high-quality graphics and images.
  • Avoid using too much text.
  • Make sure the colors and fonts match your brand.
Philip Polaski Modern Web Design

Philip Polaski

Hello, I'm Philip Polaski, the creator of Modern Web Design. Currently based in Malaysia, my roots trace back to Boston.

With over a decade of experience, I specialize in building websites that excel in digital marketing & conversions. 

CEO & Founder
of Modern Web Design

Modern Web Design provided us with professional, quality services at a very reasonable cost.  We highly recommend their web design, research and digital marketing services.

Haslam

Genovasi University College