Tips for Designing the Perfect Website Header

May 18, 2018

The website header is the first thing a visitor sees when after landing on your site. Here are a few of our tips to make sure your header shines on every page.

The website header is at the very top of each and every page on a website. The header's job is to establish your brand, guide visitors through the website, and provide core information about your business.

Emphasize what is important and only what is important

Most visitors only spend several minutes on a small business website before exiting. Think of the top things you want that visitor to do on your website before they leave. Those things probably include browsing the home page , reading about the business on the about page , exploring your services , and taking some sort of action like contact us or donate now . These are the items you should focus on in the header.

Below is a screenshot of the website header from Old California Restaurant Row. They are a location with over a dozen restaurants for diners to visit; their most important piece of information is their address. At the very least, a website visitor needs to know how to find them. Their second objective is to entice visitors to sign up for their email newsletter by offering the chance to win a gift card each month. This is the second piece of information in the header and is their primary Call To Action. Below these is the business logo and navigation menu. These are clear, bold, and easy to read, because we want the visitor to easily and effectively navigate the rest of the website.

Shrink the header to make more room

If you want a big, bold header with lots of information, keep in mind that it can take up a lot of each page's real estate (especially on mobile). We recommend you use a s hrinking Header , this design feature minimizes the amount of space a header uses -while keeping the key navigation information readily accessible - by reducing its size once a user begins scrolling.

Our client, Knowhere Games And Comics , has an awesome logo and wants to feature it on a large nebula background. They are also active on social media and it was important for them to make sure those icons are prominently placed. Lastly, as a retail store with a physical location they want to make sure their business address is easy to find. In the header design below you will see once the user beings scrolling, all the information aside from website navigation is stripped away so the other information doesn't detract from each page's content.

Ditch the social media icons

If a visitor is already on your website, are your social media pages where you want to direct them? Once a visitor leaves your website for a social media site or app, it is unlikely they will come back. You may have valuable or educational information on your page, but the temptation to explore is often too great. How many times have you logged into Facebook to find just one piece of information and ended up spending way too much time distracted?

For Knowhere Games and Comics , their social media is an integral part of their brand and a primary way to share the latest games and gaming news with their customer base. It makes sense for social media icons to be front and center on their website. However, for Old California Restaurant Row the goal of their website is to drive traffic to their restaurants. Visitors leaving their website straight from the home page header doesn’t help them achieve that goal. Ultimately, the decision to include social media icons in the header depends on the vision and purpose of your website. For many organizations and businesses, it does make sense. But just because it’s common, doesn’t mean you have to follow along.

Do you have questions about GoBeRewarded's web design choices or how we do what we do? Comment below or contact our team directly. They love what they do and enjoy talking about marketing.

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Why Local SEO is a Game Changer for San Diego Small Businesses

08 May, 2024

In San Diego's bustling markets, small businesses face the constant challenge of standing out in a crowded digital landscape. Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) has emerged as a critical strategy for these businesses, transforming how they attract local customers and compete effectively in their regional market. This blog post explores why local SEO is indispensable for San Diego small businesses and how it can dramatically improve their online visibility and foot traffic. The Importance of Local SEO Local SEO enhances a business's visibility in localized search results on Google and other search engines. For small businesses in San Diego, this means appearing in front of potential customers actively searching for products or services they offer in the area. Consider these compelling reasons why local SEO is essential: Targeted Geographic Campaigns: Local SEO allows businesses to target campaigns specifically in the San Diego area, ensuring marketing efforts are focused directly on the most relevant audience. This geographical targeting is more cost-effective and yields higher returns on investment. Increased Web Traffic: Small businesses can dramatically increase their web traffic by optimizing for local search terms and utilizing local business listings. This increased exposure leads to more website visits and potentially, more conversions. Enhanced Online Presence: Businesses can strengthen their online presence through tools like Google My Business, Yelp, and other local directories. Complete and optimized listings improve search rankings and give potential customers easy access to business information, such as hours, location, and services. Competitive Advantage: Many small businesses in San Diego may not yet have fully optimized for local SEO. Adopting these strategies can give your business a significant edge over less digitally savvy competitors. How Local SEO Benefits San Diego Small Businesses Implementing local SEO strategies can reap numerous benefits for a small business. Here’s how it works: Optimizing Google My Business (GMB): One of the most powerful tools for local SEO, GMB allows businesses to manage their online information across Google, including Search and Maps. You enhance your local search rankings and visibility by keeping your GMB information up-to-date and encouraging customers to leave reviews. Using Local Keywords: Incorporating local keywords such as "San Diego bakery" or "IT support in San Diego" into your website’s content helps Google understand where your business is located and what you offer, making it more likely to show your site to users in that area. Building Local Backlinks: Getting links from well-regarded local websites (like local newspapers or business associations) can boost your SEO rankings by proving to search engines that your business is relevant and respected in the local community. Creating Location-Specific Content: Tailoring content to reflect local events, news, or activities can attract local traffic to your website. For example, a blog post about participating in a San Diego community event can resonate well with local audiences. Mobile Optimization: With the increase in mobile searches, having a mobile-optimized website is crucial. Many local searches occur on mobile devices as people look for businesses while on the go in San Diego. Start Leveraging Local SEO Today For San Diego small businesses looking to grow and thrive, local SEO is not just a marketing strategy; it's a necessary investment. By improving your local SEO, you're enhancing your visibility, connecting with your community, and building a stronger local presence. Begin by assessing your current local SEO performance and identifying areas for improvement. If you need help optimizing your efforts, consider engaging a local SEO expert . With the right strategies in place, you’ll soon see an increase in local traffic—both online and offline—which can lead to greater sales and a solidified place in the San Diego market.