The Importance Of A Good Website Header When it comes to designing a website, you have a lot of choices to make. You have a lot of features to consider, navigation options to explore, and plenty of coding for functionality. One thing that is often overlooked or used a second thought is the header of the website. This is actually one of the most crucial aspects of your site since it informs viewers who you are, what you do, and what you stand for using text, images, or a combo of both. Take a look at what goes into making a good header for a website.
What exactly is a website header? A website header is basically your website’s identity. It is located at the top of the page, either in the corners, in the middle, or taking up the entire top section. Consider it the “face” of your website.
The header needs to express to your viewers what it is that you do and what you stand for. It needs to express all of this quickly without requiring a lot of insight and deep thinking. If you are an animator, it should explain that to your viewers somehow, whether with your name/ company name and an image, or some creative typography with an “animated” feel to it. People that see your site need to know what it is that your site and you are about to determine if it’s a website that they need or want to visit.
The heading needs to tie in with the rest of your website design. It should stand out as your header, but it shouldn’t lack cohesion with the website as a whole. If you use a certain color palette, that header should also incorporate those colors. Your navigation may be under your header, so if the header looks out of place, your website looks sloppy, and you will appear unprofessional to a new viewer. You don’t want that. Each piece should work together, while having extra emphasis where it is needed.
Like previously stated headers can incorporate all kinds of things. You can create a header that is just text. You can use one that is just images. You can create one that is just icons. You can even combine all of these elements into your header. The only way to figure out what will work best for you if for you to decide what will best help your audience understand what you are about. This is basic corporate identity. If you’ve had design training, then you know the importance of a logo or a brand. It is the same case with your header. In fact, if you have a logo or brand already, that needs to go into your header to let people know that this is your official site. You want to present yourself in a memorable fashion so that people will see you as a professional and keep coming back to you for information, products, and services that are relevant to them.
It’s unmistakable how important a header is in a website. It is what any viewer that visits your site will see first. That is why it’s so important to put up something that showcases what your about to make a great “first” impression.
