What Makes a Great Website Header?

Posted by Ben Johnson

November 8, 2011

According to most website designers, the header or banner of your site is arguably the most important aspect. The obvious reason behind this logic is that it’s the first thing that a visitor to your site notices, so they immediately pas judgment on your site even without looking around. However, many people work on building a site with good content, but neglect to put some thought and time into the header. If you have a site and are interested in making a new header, here are five characteristics that make a great banner.

Captures someone’s attention

The first thing someone sees when they arrive at your website is usually the header at the top of the page. For some it is the place that makes or breaks a site. When they get your site, you need to offer an engaging header that draws in your visitors. It’s very easy for them to click away when there’s some dull banner at the top of your page that looks like every other header they’ve seen.

Looks professional

If your header looks like an amateur or someone with absolutely no designing skills made it, they will automatically assume the content of your site is equally amateurish. You don’t have to be a graphic designer to create a professional-looking header, but avoid making it look like it was made 10 years ago or in 10 minutes.

Reveals what your sites about

Whether your selling jewelry or blogging on the evolution of typography, an ideal header would prove some relevance to your site. You don’t want to put an image of a fire engine when you’re writing about sandwiches, but you could use that image if you run a blog devoted to the hottest chili.

Embodies the mood and personality of your site

Along the same lines that it must be relevant, a good header also reveals the tone of your site. If you’re blogging about the news regarding human trafficking in Uzbekistan, you don’t want to have a light or humorous header. You want something that embodies the gravity and urgency of your subject. The inverse is true as well. Having a playful banner at the top of your site will invite readers who are looking for amusing content.

Has the name or logo of your site

This isn’t a requirement, but it definitely increases the worth of a header. If your header is interesting enough or the name of your site is right next to it, you don’t need to put it in. However, if you can think of some unique and interesting way to add the name and tagline, it will give a functional use to your banner while cutting down on extraneous space.

About the Author

This guest post is written by Tim Martinez who writes about a wide variety of topics including web design, useful survival knives and awesome camping gear.

Ben Johnson is Alliance Manager at Logoinn, a logo design company. He writes about the effect of design on marketing and brand identity and helps small businesses find design solutions for effective marketing.