Website Header Design: 7 Best Practices to Follow
Website Header Design: 7 Best Practices to Follow
Your website's header design is the first thing visitors see when they land on your page. It's the gateway to your site and sets the tone for what users can expect from your brand. A well-crafted website header design can make all the difference in creating a positive user experience that keeps visitors coming back for more. That's why paying attention to this crucial aspect of web design is essential.
Importance of Website Header Design
Website header design is critical because it helps establish your brand identity and sets the tone for your site's content. The header is typically the first thing users see, and it can make or break their first impression of your brand. A well-designed header can help you stand out from competitors, build trust with potential customers, and increases engagement on your site.
How Header Design Affects User Experience
A poorly designed website header can confuse and frustrate users, leading them to leave your site quickly. On the other hand, a well-crafted header can improve navigation, guide users to relevant content on your site, and create a positive user experience that keeps them engaged.
Strikingly's Role in Website Header Design
Strikingly understands the importance of website headers and offers a range of customizable templates that prioritize simplicity, consistency in branding, navigation and functionality, attention-grabbing visuals, call-to-action buttons, and optimization for SEO.
To create the best website header possible, there are several best practices you should follow: keep it simple yet visually appealing; ensure consistency with branding elements such as colors and typography; prioritize intuitive navigation; use eye-catching visuals such as images or videos; include clear call-to-action buttons; optimize for SEO by using relevant keywords in text and images.
Implementing these best practices will help you create a website header that looks great, improves the user experience, and drives engagement on your site. With Strikingly's helpful resources, you can improve your website header design today.
Simplicity is Key
Image taken from Strikingly
When it comes to website header design, simplicity is key. A clean and straightforward header design can make a huge difference in the user experience of your website. By avoiding clutter and unnecessary elements, you can create a header that is easy to navigate and visually appealing.
One way to achieve simplicity in your header design is using whitespace to create visual hierarchy. This means that you strategically use empty space around your content to draw attention to the most critical elements of your header. By doing this, you can guide users through your site and make it easier to find what they're looking for.
At Strikingly, we understand the importance of simplicity in website header design. That's why our templates prioritize clean lines and minimalism. Our templates are designed to help you create the best website header possible without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics.
1. Keep it clean and straightforward
To keep your website header clean and straightforward, start by thinking about what information is essential for users to see when they first land on your site. This might include your logo, navigation links, or a call-to-action button.
Once you have identified these key elements, focus on making them stand out visually. Use contrasting colors or bold typography to draw attention to important information without overwhelming users with too much text or imagery.
2. Avoid clutter and unnecessary elements
When designing your website header, it's important to avoid cluttering it with unnecessary elements that can distract from its main purpose: helping users navigate your site. This might include things like social media icons or excessive branding.
Instead, focus on creating a streamlined design that prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. By doing this, you can ensure that users have a positive experience on your site and are more likely to return in the future.
3. Use whitespace to create visual hierarchy
Whitespace is an essential tool for creating visual hierarchy in your website header design. By strategically using empty space around your content, you can draw attention to the most important elements of your header and guide users through your site.
When using whitespace, make sure to balance it with other design elements like typography and color. This will help create a cohesive design that is both visually appealing and easy to navigate.
Strikingly templates that prioritize simplicity
At Strikingly, we understand the importance of simplicity in website header design. That's why our templates are designed to help you create a clean and straightforward header without sacrificing functionality or aesthetics.
Our templates prioritize minimalism and use whitespace to create visual hierarchy. With Strikingly, you can be confident that your website header will be both beautiful and easy to use.
When it comes to website header design, simplicity is key. By keeping your header clean and straightforward, avoiding clutter and unnecessary elements, using whitespace to create a visual hierarchy, and utilizing Strikingly's templates that prioritize simplicity, you can create a site header that is both visually appealing and functional. So why wait? Start improving your website header design today!
Consistency in Branding
Image taken from Strikingly
When it comes to website header design, consistency is key. Your header design should align with your brand identity and reflect your company's values. This helps create a cohesive experience for your users and builds trust in your brand.
- Ensure header design aligns with brand identity
Your header design should be an extension of your brand identity. This means using the same fonts, colors, and imagery throughout your website to create a consistent look and feel. When users see your header image, they should immediately recognize it as belonging to your brand.
- Use consistent colors and typography
Using consistent colors and typography is essential for creating a strong visual identity for your brand. Choose a color palette that reflects the personality of your business and use it consistently throughout all of your marketing materials including the site header.
- Consider incorporating a logo
Incorporating a logo into your header design is an effective way to reinforce brand recognition. A well-designed logo communicates professionalism and helps establish credibility with potential customers.
Strikingly's branding options for header design
Strikingly offers various branding options for site headers, including customizable templates, font choices, color schemes, and logo integration tools. These features make it easy to create a professional-looking website that aligns with your branding efforts.
By following these best practices for website header design, you can ensure that you are presenting a consistent visual identity to potential customers that will help build trust in your brand over time. With Strikingly's helpful resources, there's no better time than now to start improving the look of your site header!
Navigation and Functionality
Image taken from Strikingly
When it comes to website header design, navigation, and functionality are crucial elements that can make or break a user's experience. A well-designed header should make it easy for users to find what they're looking for and navigate the site seamlessly.
1. Make navigation intuitive and user-friendly
The navigation menu should be easy to locate and use, with clear labels that accurately describe the pages they lead to. Avoid using overly complex dropdown menus or confusing icons that may confuse users. It's essential to keep in mind that users typically have a short attention span, so making it easy for them to find what they need quickly is key.
2. Ensure all links are functional
There's nothing more frustrating than clicking on a link in the header only to find out it doesn't work. Ensure all links in the header are functional and lead to the correct pages on your site. Broken links not only affect user experience but can also harm your SEO efforts.
3. Optimize for mobile devices
With more people accessing websites on their mobile devices, optimizing your website header for mobile is essential. This means using responsive design techniques that ensure your header looks great across all screen sizes, from smartphones to tablets.
Strikingly's navigation and functionality options
Strikingly offer a range of customizable templates with built-in navigation menus that are both intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for visitors to find what they need quickly. The platform also allows you to add custom links or pages as needed, ensuring your site's navigation is tailored to your business needs.
Paying close attention to navigation and functionality when designing your website header can greatly improve user experience and help drive conversions. By following best practices such as making navigation intuitive, ensuring all links work properly, optimizing for mobile devices, and utilizing Strikingly's helpful features, you can create a header background that looks great and functions seamlessly.
Attention-Grabbing Visuals
Image taken from Strikingly
Regarding website header design, attention-grabbing visuals are essential. They can make or break the user experience and determine whether visitors stay on your site or leave within seconds. Here are some best practices to follow for incorporating eye-catching visuals into your header design.
1. Use Eye-Catching Imagery
One of the most effective ways to grab users' attention is by using high-quality, eye-catching imagery in your header design. Visual elements can add depth and personality to your website, whether it's a stunning landscape photo or an engaging illustration.
To make sure your images stand out, consider using contrasting colors and bold shapes that complement your branding. Also, ensure that the images you use are relevant to your site's content and messaging.
2. Incorporate Animation or Video
Another way to make your header design more engaging is by incorporating animation or video elements. These media types can help bring movement and life to an otherwise static page.
For example, you could include a short animated intro showcasing your brand's personality or a video background highlighting key features of your product or service.
However, be careful not to overdo it with animations as they can slow down page loading times and distract from the overall user experience.
3. Consider Using Background Images
Background images are another way to add visual interest to your website header design without overwhelming users with too much information. A well-chosen background image can set the tone for the entire site and create a cohesive look across all pages.
When selecting a background image, consider using something that complements your branding colors and typography while still being relevant to your site's offer.
Strikingly's Visual Design Capabilities
If you're looking for an easy way to incorporate attention-grabbing visuals into your website header design, Strikingly has got you covered! Our templates and design tools make it simple to create a stunning header image or background that aligns with your brand.
With our drag-and-drop editor, you can easily add images, animations, and videos to your header design without any coding knowledge. Plus, our templates prioritize simplicity and clean design so that your visuals don't overwhelm users.
Incorporating attention-grabbing visuals into your website header design is essential for creating an engaging user experience. By following these best practices and using Strikingly's visual design capabilities, you can create a header that stands out and keeps visitors coming back to your site.
Call to Action
Image taken from Strikingly
The call-to-action (CTA) is an essential part of any website header design. It's the prompt that encourages users to take a specific action, such as signing up for a newsletter or making a purchase. Visitors may leave your website without engaging with your content or converting into customers without a clear and prominent CTA.
1. Include clear call-to-action buttons
One of the best practices for creating an effective CTA is to use buttons that stand out visually and are easy to find on the page. The button should be large enough to catch the user's eye but not so big that it dominates the entire header design.
When designing your website header, consider using contrasting colors for your CTA button that complement your brand colors. For example, if your brand color is blue, try using orange or green for your CTA button.
2. Make buttons stand out visually
To make sure your CTA button stands out from other elements in the header design, consider using white space around it or adding a border. This will help draw attention to the button and make it easier for users to click on it.
Another way to make sure your CTA stands out is by using action-oriented language in the text on the button. Instead of Submit, try Get Started or Join Now to create a sense of urgency and encourage users to take action.
3. Use action-oriented language
In addition to using action-oriented language on your CTA button, you can also use it in other parts of the header design. For example, instead of “Learn More,” try “Discover How You Can Benefit Today.”
Using language that focuses on what users can gain from engaging with your website will create a sense of excitement and encourage them to explore further.
Strikingly's call-to-action options
Strikingly offer several options for creating effective CTAs in your website header design. You can choose from a variety of button styles and colors to match your brand, and customize the text to create a sense of urgency.
Additionally, Strikingly provides helpful resources on how to create effective CTAs that convert visitors into customers. With these tools, you can be sure that your website header design will encourage users to take action and engage with your content.
Including clear and prominent CTAs in your website header design encourages user engagement and drives conversions. By following best practices like using action-oriented language and contrasting colors, you can create an effective CTA that stands out from other elements in the header design. With Strikingly's helpful resources and customizable options, you'll be on your way to creating the best website header possible.
Optimization for SEO
In today's digital age, having a website is not enough to attract visitors. You need to ensure that your website is optimized for search engines to rank higher in search results. One way to do this is by optimizing your website header design. Here are some tips on how to optimize your header design for SEO:
1. Use relevant keywords in header text
Using relevant keywords in your website header design can help improve your site's visibility in search results. Ensure that the keywords you use are relevant to your business and the content on your site. For example, if you run a bakery, you might want to include keywords like freshly baked bread or delicious pastries in your header text.
2. Ensure header design is crawlable by search engines
Search engines use crawlers to index websites, so your website header design must be crawlable. This means that search engine crawlers should be able to access and understand the content on your site's header without any issues. To ensure crawlability, avoid using Flash or JavaScript for essential elements of your header design.
3. Optimize images for SEO
Images can play an essential role in a website's SEO strategy, but they can also slow down page load times if they're not optimized correctly. To optimize images for SEO, ensure they have descriptive filenames and alt tags that include relevant keywords related to the image and the content on the page.
Strikingly's SEO features for header design
Strikingly offers a range of features designed to help you optimize your website header design for search engines. These include customizable meta tags and descriptions, as well as options for adding structured data markup to help search engines better understand the content on your site.
Following these best practices for optimizing your website header design can improve user experience and search engine visibility. And with Strikingly's helpful resources, it's easier than ever to create a website header that works for you and your business. So why wait? Start improving your site header today and see the results for yourself!
Conclusion
When it comes to website design, the header is one of the most important elements to consider. A well-designed header can greatly enhance user experience and improve your website's overall look and feel. By following best practices for website header design, you can create a visually appealing and user-friendly site.
Implementing best practices for website header design can significantly improve user experience. A clean, simple header with intuitive navigation can help visitors quickly find what they're looking for on your site. Consistent branding and attention-grabbing visuals can also help make a strong impression on visitors.
Strikingly offers helpful resources for website header design, including templates that prioritize simplicity and branding options to ensure consistency with your brand identity. Strikingly's navigation and functionality options make creating an intuitive user experience easy.
If you want to improve your website header design, there's no better time than now. By incorporating clear calls-to-action and optimizing your headers for SEO, you can attract more visitors to your site and keep them engaged once they arrive.
Website header design is crucial to creating a successful website. By following best practices and utilizing Strikingly's helpful resources, you can create a site that looks great, functions well, and keeps visitors coming back for more.
