Guidelines for Designing Website Headers
Here is a complete guide to designing website headers.
Within how many seconds do you create an opinion about a website?
At least 15-30 sec, Right?
And, what’s the first thing you’ll see or notice on the website?
Most of you will say, “a website header.”
And that’s correct
Every website page has a header, the first thing visitors and users will notice. There should be a balance between a simple website design and a detailed direction to the website’s deeper pages. While creating a website header, you must ensure that your visitors and customers can quickly get what they’re looking for. And for that, you need to recognize some best practices.
You should hire a web application development company Dublin for a perfect website header design because they know how a header design can influence and attract clients. Web experts focus on and implement the best practices for designing website headers.
Now, let’s discuss the website header in detail:
What is a Website Headers?
Although they’re frequently disregarded, website headers are crucial. As the name suggests, the header is the upper portion of a website page. It is a section of content typically pinned to the top so that it constantly appears on all your site’s pages. A header’s primary goal is to clearly outline the essential information on your website, which convinces visitors to view it more. Also, the website header can give your visitors a precise direction as they move forward from one page to another.
Your header will instantly identify your website, especially if it incorporates your brand’s colors and logo. Ensure that you select the header that goes with your website style.
Why do you need a headers for your website?
We all believe that” a first impression is the last impression.” You’ll never get another chance to impress your visitors. The header aids in website identification, and more importantly, you can use the header as an opportunity to convey any important message to visitors.
You should imagine the website header as an exterior of the shop by looking at which the visitor can understand what’s inside the store. The header primarily serves as an introduction and summary of your services or products.
Tips for designing a website headers
Now, let’s have a look at a few tips for designing a website headers:
1. Emphasize the most crucial components
Ensure that the header communicates the primary action you want your site visitors and users to take when they arrive at your page. In general, headers include information that facilitates user interaction with the website, such as:
- Firm's logo
- Contact details
- Tagline
- Icons of social media
- Navigation links
2. Consider transparent headers
For websites, you should consider using a transparent header with eye-catching images. While displaying crucial links, this provides images with possible exposure.
When using a sticky header, having it clear on the scroll can be a little distracting because the header’s background will move along with the images. And if you want to avoid this, you should add some color to the background because even after scrolling through the photos, the users won’t get distracted from the links.
3. Consider effects to demonstrate people learn where they are and where they are going.
While the users navigate, the selected effects play a crucial role in directing them. You should select an effect that is easily noticeable and not distracting. You can also choose effects like underlining that can be visible on mobile devices.
4. Consider design elements that express the company's personality.
Using effects and colors is the best way to convey a company's personality. If your brand has a light-hearted tone, you can use the floating effect, but if your customers provide professional services like real estate, then the floating effect is not the right choice.
Best practices for designing a website headers
Here are the most popular practices that a web application development company can undertake to design the best website header
1. Maintain a consistent design
Though there is no size, shape, or color of a website header, that doesn't mean you can ignore it. You can use it as a design feature to enhance the overall look of your website. It would help if you were sure to strike a balance between being distinct and unified.
Also, ensure that your header doesn't affect how users view your information. With the overall look of your website, you need to ensure that your color schemes and fonts are in line.
2. Use readable fonts
Readability is crucial because it contains some of the most significant and informative elements. Your audience mustn't exert too much effort to understand your text. And so, for your header, you should select a font that is a good representation and easy to read.
3. Hidden navigation
Many web development companies choose hamburgers menus. The navigation menu is represented by an icon that looks like three horizontal lines layered on one another. If you're working with a minimalist website design, then a hamburger menu enables you to give users a wealth of options that save space.
4. Shrinking header
If you want to display your background image and, at the same time, you want to include the header in your website, then shrinking the header is the perfect solution for you. As the visitors scroll down, a shrinking header is intended to blend into the background of your website. Using this header style will have a stunning virtual impact on your website.
5. Mobile header menu
While designing your website header, you can't ignore the mobile. Mobile devices are used by people who don't know or don't have laptops or computers. First, you should have a mobile-friendly header to have a mobile-friendly website. When a website header is responsive, it can change in size and shape depending on the device. A hamburger menu is the best option for mobile devices.
6. CTA (call-to-action)
A solid call to action motivates the visitors to act. There isn't much room in the website header. And so, you must only place the crucial CTA. For example, if you're running a clothing brand, you should add a call-to-action like "Place order." Ensure that your message is clear and can be described in one or two words.
Wrap-Up
The website header should be your first choice if you want to create an impressive impression on your visitor's and users' minds. So, when building your website, you must pay extra attention to the website header. Always ensure that you keep your website header updated. The abovementioned tips and practices will help you to create a fantastic website header design.
You should hire a web development company to get effective results from the website header. A professional web developmeners will ensure that you're creating a unique and attractive website header.
So, it's time that you prioritize the website header today