The worst thing you can do on your website banner is say, “Hi! I’m Bethany.” Your customer or client doesn’t need to know you yet, they need to know how you can help them or their growing business. The hero image or website banner is someone’s first impression of your website so it needs to be an effective one.
But, what is a hero image exactly and what do you need to include in it? As a web designer myself, I have seen every type of website banner out there and have picked up a few key things that can transform your website hero from just another section to the first step in converting someone to a paid client.
Below I am going to cover some website banner design tips to help you craft concise copy that aligns with your brand.
6 Ideas For What Makes a Good Website Banner
You have worked incredibly hard on your business and you have reached the point where you are ready to attract the ideal customer to your website. One thing that greatly affects your ability to attract and convert customers and clients is what you place above the fold (or within your website banner).
‘Above the fold’ simply means the section of your website that is visible to others without having to move the scroll bar….also known as the ‘hero banner’ section.
So, let’s take a look at what makes a good website banner as well as some real website banner examples from past clients.
Note: The images below are all from websites I have designed and helped with copy.
1. Use the “Yes” Question
A quick copy strategy is using a “yes” question in the website banner. This immediately asks for customer engagement. Even if the question is unexpected, visitors will quickly wonder why they haven’t said yes to your product or service before (which is exactly what you want!).
Zina offers money coaching services and the first thing you see is a “yes” question asking if you are ready to lower your financial anxiety.
2. Describe the Exact Services You Offer
You may choose to summarize your services at the top of the banner. Be direct and to the point in order to attract potential customers. This may seem like one of the more simple website banner ideas, but it is a very powerful one. You don’t have to include every single thing you offer, but a quick overview of who you are, what you do, where you are located, or even who you work with is a great way to encourage the right people to keep scrolling.
For Christofora Events, their website banner design touches on all of this:
- Who you are: “Hudson Valley & New England Wedding Planner”
- What you do: “Exquisite Details. Seamless Planning.”
- Where you are located: “Based in the Hudson Valley. Serving New York and Destinations”
- Who you work with: Couples looking for “Exceptional Celebrations in Nontraditional Venues.”
White there isn’t an overwhelming amount of text in the hero image, it touches on everything someone would need to know to decide if they should keep scrolling through the site.
They also utilize a very minimal announcement highlighting their availability right at the top of the page. This is another great way to encourage people to take action or, in this case, detail when they are available. Most platforms will also allow you to link to other pages directly from this announcement bar, giving you the opportunity to link directly to your contact page, services page, new offer, or even your lead magnet.
People will scour the web for hours looking for answers to their most common problems. Use your web page banner to provide a solution. You do not need to overcomplicate the matter, just put your solution to a problem. You can always dive deeper into details on other pages of your website.
For Methods by Katie Breard, this is done very simply. The unspoken question here, “How do I work out throughout my pregnancy and different stages of my life?” is answered right off the bat: “Movement Through Every Milestone.”
Clients immediately know that regardless of where they are at in their life, they will get an answer to how to move and change their routine to best fit their body’s needs.
4. Use “If You Work With Me… Then” Statements
Writing the end of an “If You work with Me… then” statement on the website banner answers why the customer should work with you.
If you work with me, then ‘you will build your confidence’. If you work with me, then you will be able to’ design your own website’. Don’t forget to only include the last portion of the ‘If-then’ statement.
5. Answer What Life or Business Will Be Like After Working With You
This copy strategy gives clients a visual to work with. It is a look into the future of how you can help them reach their full potential. Instead of just focusing on where they are now, your website banner image can help them idealize where they want to be and how they can get there with your help.
6. Explain How You Are Different
Another copy strategy is to highlight your unique talents. This can be done in many ways, but stating why a customer will always come back to you has been very effective OR as the example below does contradict a limiting belief that is common for your ideal clients.
Remember to keep it specific. Finding your niche and setting your brand apart from others will ensure that you stand out among competitors.
Website Banner Design Tips
As you continue to perfect your website banner copy, it is important to make your banner visually appealing and not overwhelm the reader with an excess amount of fonts, graphics, and images.
Organizing your banner in a way that will continue to draw the readers eye across your banner and throughout your site will likely keep them on your page for a longer amount of time.
Below are my top website banner design tips.
Keep it Short
When people first arrive at your website the last thing they want to do is read a novel. Keep your banner short and get to the point.
Your Button Should Be Purposeful
After figuring out the copy you want to use above the fold in your banner, you will want to consider your first call to action (or button). By having a button on your website banner, you will give people the opportunity to act quickly. Common options include:
- Link to you scheduling platform
- Link to an email subscription
- Link to a Opt-In Form (like my quiz!)
- Link to a current offer
- Link to your services
Unearth your brand personality to stand out. Take the FREE Brand Archetype Quiz!
Your Image Should Not Be Distracting
Images should always be used with intention. Find an image that will highlight your product or service and show the personality of your brand. At the same time, this image should not overtake the copy. The copy is what converts and the image is there to support.
Why Your Website Banner Is Essential To Get Right
Your website banner sits ‘above the fold’ and is one of the most essential components of a website that converts traffic into customers and clients. It’s your first impression and that means it needs to be good.
Taking the time to figure out a website banner that will convey your brand and what services you offer will pay off.
Need Help With Your Website?
While these website banner design tips can help get you started, I can take all of the hard work off your hands and help you design and implement your entire website (including the banner) to ensure your brand is communicating clearly with your ideal customers. You can click here to review my services or head over here to get in touch!
More Website Design Resources
- Choose the right banner colors: Color Psychology in Branding
- Pick fonts that work: Font Psychology
- See real website examples: BethanyWorks Portfolio
