The header is one of the most important elements of your website. It sits at the top of each page and provides essential navigation tools for your visitors. A well-designed header can improve user experience and help your customers find what they need quickly. Let’s look at what you should include in your website header and why simplicity is key.
1. Keep It Consistent Across Your Website
Your header appears globally on every page of your website. Any changes you make to the header will be reflected throughout your entire site. This makes it essential to get it right from the start and keep it simple, clean, and functional.
2. Add Your Logo
Your logo is a crucial part of your branding and should be placed in the header. For desktop versions, the top-left corner is a common and expected position. On mobile devices, it’s typically centered at the top. Make sure your logo is linked to your homepage, as visitors often expect this and use it as a quick way to return to your homepage from any page.
3. Include a Simple Menu
Your menu is the gateway to your website’s key pages. Keep it clear and concise. If you have many pages, only display the most important ones in the header menu. The goal is to make navigation intuitive and easy for your visitors, helping them find what they need without hassle.
4. Consider Adding a Contact Button
A well-placed contact button makes it easy for customers to get in touch. People are accustomed to finding a contact button in the top-right corner, so consider adding one there. Make it prominent enough to stand out but not so large that it overwhelms the header.
5. Include Your Company Name in Text
Even if your company name is part of your logo, Google can’t read text in images. To help with SEO and accessibility, ensure your company name is written in text somewhere in the header.
6. Display Your Phone Number
If you rely on phone calls for customer inquiries, place your phone number in the header. This makes it easy for visitors to contact you directly without searching your site. For mobile users, make sure the phone number is clickable so they can call you with one tap.
7. Add Anything Essential to Your Business
In some cases, you might need to include something specific to your industry. For example, if you're an independent travel agent, showcasing your ABTA and ATOL registration numbers in the header can build trust instantly. Only add elements that are crucial for your customers, keeping the overall design clean and focused.
8. Keep It Clean and Clutter-Free
The golden rule for headers is simplicity. Avoid overloading it with unnecessary information or clutter. The header should focus on helping users navigate your website quickly, find your contact details, and understand your brand at a glance.
By keeping your website header simple, clean, and user-friendly, you create a better experience for your visitors. If you need help designing a professional, functional header for your small business website, get in touch with a web designer who specialises in service-based businesses. A well-crafted header can make all the difference!