Website Header Design In Step-By-Step Plus Topmost Examples

In the first place, a Website Header is the elementary website layout addon that sits at the top of each web page and posts and serves a few very important purposes. Meaning, that this does more than just provide a place for your organization or business brand logo. Usually, it is part of a consistent User Experience (UX) that all good websites share in common.

And now, as a matter of fact, the design of a Website Header may differ from site to site. But, the core features that determine how a website is navigated and experienced remain the same. Generally, this section is usually consistent across all of the pages on the website. However, some designs give the home page a slightly different header appearance.

Especially in order to draw attention to featured areas of the site. Such as the general company profile, team (taskforce) members, blog, frequently asked questions (FAQ Answers), a search results bar, main services, solutions support, contact details, and much more. Some may also include Guest Posting, Affiliate Programs, or even a Donate Button on their website too.

With this in mind, you can Send Us A Proposal to the jmexclusives team of Web Tech Experts Taskforce to get a free quote on our all-inclusive website graphics design and development service solutions. Including the website footer and header in this case. But, let’s teach you more about what a website header entails and why it’s such an important site toolkit first.

What Is A Header?

According to SISTRIX, a header is a visual image or typographic element that runs across the top of your homepage, and ideally every other page of your website. A header will make your website instantly recognizable. Especially, if it uses your brand logo and colors. Many headers are clickable too, taking users back to your homepage to act as a central navigational tool.

Headers can be focused on a CTA, brand, content, video, or product. For example, within a product-focused header, the website name or logo might be quite insignificant, with the main information about the product (such as ‘30% off today only!’) taking the main focus instead. They can be used to advertise any messages or promotions, thus they’re extremely versatile.

Forthwith, design-wise, headers are usually displayed as a particular type, such as a sticky or fixed header. While you can adopt either strategy, it’s imperative to make sure it fits the style of your website. And also, make sure that it doesn’t prevent users from being able to read the rest of your website properly.

Unfortunately, website headers are easy to overlook when in fact they are extremely important. After all, it will be one of the first things visitors will see when accessing your website. New to headers in website design and want to learn more about them? Here is everything you need to know about what is a website header and why you should use it.

What A Website Header Is All About

As can be seen, from the above explanation, in any given web page layout, a website header is the upper (top) part layer of any given website — for pages and posts mostly. Definitely, it’s a strategic part of the page as the area which people see before scrolling the page in the first seconds of introduction to the website. Somehow, you can consider it as a sign of invitation.

Meaning, that the header should provide the core information about the digital product so that users could scan it in split seconds. In terms of website design perspective, a header is also the area making the broad field for creative design solutions. And which should be catchy, concise, and useful. Above all, they are often referred to as «Site Menus» in design terms.

While, in position terms, they are key elements of navigation in the website layout. So, what are the notable benefits of a Website Header, you may ask, right? Well, according to the jmexclusives team of webmasters, a website header is both a basic need and requirement. It’s one of the most important components of your website to outreach what you want to achieve.

Such as being able to:

• efficiently and effectively convey what your site is about,
• showcase what your business does (products, goods, services support, and solutions support)
• introduce what you want to tell your visitors when they visit your website, etc.

However, before embarking on your clients’ website header design or rather your own, it is highly recommended you sample out from the best and topmost layouts out there. Especially, in regards to the general menus (header, pre-header, and even footers) outlook. So that, in the end, you can have a clear idea of where to start and how to do it right.

Overall, a good Website Header makes your website easier to navigate, establishes your brand, and creates a consistent browsing experience throughout your website. It’s important to realize, that in typography and word processing, page headers are texts that are separated from the body text. In addition, they appear at the top of a single printed page or each page.

Related Resource: Website Footer Design | The Bottom User Interface Main Features

Normally, in most cases, it’s horizontal in size — it runs across the top of the page and most of the time appears on every page of your website except the landing page or sales page. Not to mention, a Website Header is often used to promote your brand. Whereas it mainly contains your logo, your site name or title, your own slogan, your labels, and some other key elements.

Such as social media icons, shop and store buttons, coupon links, etc. To say nothing sort of, your website header helps to set the look and feel or the identity of the whole website. Equally important, a Website Header represents the first impression for your site visitors, and it could leave a lasting impact. That’s why it must be able to outreach what you want to achieve.

Above all, word-processing programs usually allow for the configuration of page headers. Such as the Microsoft Office Word Processing Software, CorelDRAW, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, etc. Eventually, something which is typically identical throughout a work except in aspects such as Page Numbers, Page Fonts, and Sizes.

Headers can include a variety of meaningful layout elements, for example:

• basic elements of brand identity: logo, brand name lettering, slogan or company statement, etc.
• corporate mascot, photo presenting the company or its leader, corporate colors, etc.
• copy block setting the theme of the product or service presented
• links to important categories of website content plus the topmost social media networks
• basic contact information (telephone number, e-mail, etc.)
• switcher of the languages in case of multi-lingual interface
• the main search results bar field and subscription form options
• links to interaction with the product links for things such as trial versions,
• downloading button options from the App Store, etc.

Of course, yes! It doesn’t mean that all the mentioned elements should be included in one web page header. However, in this case, the risk is high that the header section would be overloaded with information. For one thing, the more objects attract the user’s attention, the harder it is to concentrate on the vital ones.

On the basis of design tasks, designers, sometimes together with marketing specialists, decide on strategically important options. And also do pick them up from the list or add the others, so should you.

The Difference Between Header, <header> And <head>?

The website blog header is likely the first thing a new visitor sees on a blog. Whereas it can definitely draw the reader’s attention to your blog posts or recent articles. And it might be the one thing that determines whether they want to hang around or not. On one hand, the Blog header is always different than the header of a basic website because it needs more functionality.

Particularly, in order to help the site readers easily navigate through the blog and become better involved. On the other hand, a blog header can be used to set the mood and visually communicate what your blog is all about. A great example is Amazon which uses its header as a search function. And, it’s even one of the most successful online retailers in the world.

For this, many eyes glance over Amazon’s website header every day. Amazon manages to cram a lot of information into the header without overwhelming the audience. Plus, it gives the user everything they need in just one bar without having to look for it. It’s done in a way that makes you feel as if you are browsing the aisles of a supermarket, only in a digital sense.

Header

Generally, there are two important things you have to consider before you upload your blog header. Firstly, you should make sure that it is a reflection of you and what your blog is about. And then, secondly, you should select the right blog header size. A website banner is all about a graphic image depending on its use (a website banner image, an email, or an ad banner).

A header is a term given to a main strip or icon that sits towards the top of your website. Its purpose is to introduce your branding and send out a message. Headers usually appear on every single page of your website, though they can vary in placement if required.

<header>

An <header> element is placed before introductory content or a set of navigational links. It can be used multiple times on a website, although is never found within a <footer> or an <address> element.

Anyone who owns a website or blog will be familiar with an <header> as this usually appears at the top of your HTML code. Also, if you are asked to paste in code (such as for Google Adsense) it specifies to paste it after the ‘<header>’ element.

After the <header> it is common to see a heading element such as H1 tags, which run on a scale of H1 to H6, with H1 being the main SEO title on a blog or page. The greater the number, the smaller the tag, making H6 the least insignificant tag to use on a page.

<head>

An <head> element is used for holding metadata which means data about data. This could include information such as <title>, <link>, <script> etc. An <head> element is not displayed on the page, but the information is used by the browser.

An interesting point to note is that in HTML 4.01 the <head> element was compulsory but in HTML5 it can be skipped. The browsers that support <head> include Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Opera, and Safari making it widely accepted.

The Most Common Header Types:

• A Website Banner is a graphic image, also known as a header banner or title banner that serves a different purpose than a header; it announces the name of a site, the identity of a site, or a page title and often is spread across the width of the page and normally used for informative purposes.
• An Email Banner is an image that is an integral part of your email newsletters and your email design. It has the power to draw your readers in, communicate your message, reinforce your brand and connect visually.
• As for Banner Ads, they are forms of advertising image. And they are also known as web banners. Normally, they are used for advertising purposes and come in different sizes and orientations. Such as the leaderboard 728×90 pixels, wide skyscraper 160×600 pixels, etc.

By the same token, we can not also forget to mention the role of a Hero Website Header as well. If you’re looking for more than just a half-size header, a Hero Header will be another header style that you are going to love. A Hero Header is a full-width header image above the fold, and it resides in the most important area of every page.

For instance, at the moment it is the most popular trend in website design algorithms. In general, text and navigation elements are usually displayed over the Hero Header as overlays in the design.

Why You Should Consider Using A Website Header 

As one of the main visual elements of a website, a header is a valuable piece of digital real estate. There are many different functions a website header can have depending on the nature of your business. However, as a tool for branding and in some cases navigation, your website header sets the tone for each page that it appears on.

If you are still asking why you need a header for your website, then you should know this. That; you never get a second chance to make a first impression, which is why the header is so important. Obviously, it helps identify a website and gives information about the brand. It’s also an opportunity to reinforce your company ethos or get across any particular important message.

In reality, there are four various sizes; blog header and website header sizes. Be that as it may, which are simplified into; 1024×300 pixels, 1280×350 pixels, and 1920×1080 pixels, which is a large room for website owners and web designers. Whereas, for the website banners, there are 800×200  pixels, 1024×300 pixels, and 1280×350 pixels.

For your graphics designing, we offer many online design tools and editing tools to help you easily create and edit your designs. On that note, you can think of a website header almost like the front of a shop on the high street. When standing outside, you’d see the name of the company and store window that may display information about what’s inside.

The Best Website Header Design Practices Plus Editing Tools  

To enumerate, as aforementioned, your website header acts in the same manner as when you are standing outside a given shop on the high street, only in a digital sense. It’s very much an introduction that sums up what it is you can offer. In nutshell, a header is a term given to a main strip or icon that sits towards the top of your website.

Technically, its purpose is to introduce your branding and send out a message. Headers usually appear on every single page of your website, though they can vary in placement if required. But, which information should a website header really contain? Well, there is more to that than you can ever think of or even imagine. Luckily, we are going to boil everything down below.

First and foremost, your header should contain the name of the company or the website that people have landed on. This can either be achieved by using your logo, or a combination of your logo and a strapline. If your logo is quite bulky, try experimenting with simple typography instead. Or, an icon that represents your brand rather than the entire logo.

A header should be clearly displayed and feature the brand colors of your business so that visitors know they are on the right website. Depending on the format of your header, it may be possible to include other key information about your business. For example a phone number or links to your social media pages.

1. Header Maker

For creative audiences and advanced users, we present powerful design makers such as the Header Maker which helps you create your own unique, striking header that amps up your brand and impress your audience. The Header Maker will give you room to be creative, and there are a number of techniques you can use to connect with your users.

Above all, Header Maker can do almost anything you can imagine when you design your noticeable header! Whether you’re a total newbie or an advanced user, you will be able to figure everything out! Start your exploration with your creativity! Make your own header in Minutes!

2. Advanced Resizer

What is more; a website header can be easily customized to fit any online project. Whereas, the advanced photo resizer is a free online modern technology image editor manipulation tool.

Not to mention, that helps you Crop, Rotate, Resize and Optimize your Website header in Minutes! It is a great and powerful tool, very easy to use as 1, 2, 3! Advanced Resizer is a robust browser image resize tool that can be used across many grade levels, from beginners to professional designers.

3. Photo Text Editor

Photo Text Editor is a handy and multi-talented online photo editor that lets you add text to a photo in no time. It is a layer-based powerful tool for professionals, yet anyone can use it. Further, with a friendly interface that helps any user to create a text overlay on the photo, adjust color, move, rotate and resize with quick and ease.

Notably, with over 650 amazing hand-picked fonts and styles; the Photo Text Editor is designed to make your job simple, unique, and creative. Start now; Add text to your website header online for free!

4. Canva

Apart from Canva being an online creative design and editing platform, it allows you to create a variety of design content. Among them are Website Posters, Banners, Headers, Footers and also Social Media Fliers, and Banner Ads as well. So, with this in mind, amplify your Website Header with the Canva Tools!

5. Hamburger Menu

Another design solution that is quite popular in the perspective of header functionality is hiding basic links. Especially that of data categories behind the hamburger button. It is called so as its form consisting of horizontal lines looks like a typical bread-meat-bread hamburger. The hamburger button is named so, for its unintentional resemblance to a hamburger look.

To enumerate, it’s a button typically placed in a top corner of a graphical user interface. Its function is to toggle a menu or navigation bar between being collapsed behind the button or displayed on the screen. Whereas, the icon which is associated with this widget, consisting of three horizontal bars, is also known as the collapsed menu icon.

August is a digital marketing agency in Australia that uses a hamburger menu that is, especially, popular in mobile design. This’s very innovative as it allows for much more details to be given when the user hovers over it. The result gives a very clever finish to the rest of the design, allowing the main photographic background to stand out more.

6. Fixed (Sticky) Website Header

Sticky headers present another trend able to boost usability if applied effectively. Actually, it enables to provide users navigation tools that are available at any point of interaction. After all, something which can be helpful in terms of content-heavy pages.

In particular, for those with long scrolling effects. Equally important, sticky navigation is a term used to describe a fixed navigation menu on a webpage. In particular, that remains visible and in the same position as the user scrolls down and moves about a site. Persistent navigation bars – or “sticky headers” – are now a web design standard.

7. Double Menu

A double menu in the header can present two layers of navigation. We have shown the example of such a trick in one of the recent case studies for a bakery website. Whereas, the website also uses a sticky header which consists of two levels of navigation.

The upper menu shows the links to social networks, the logo, search, shopping cart, and hamburger button hiding the extended menu. Also, the second line of navigation gives an instant connection to the core interaction areas.

Such as:

• products catalog,
• locations for the point-of-sales,
• news and special offers,
• information about the service and contact section.

Additionally, visual and typographic hierarchy makes all the elements clear and easily scanned providing solid ground for a positive user experience.

Choosing A Great Website Header Image  

Almost any website out there uses images to complement its content. In fact, photography is a powerful tool for web designers. It can tell a story and draw attention to motivate your visitors to scroll further. In other words, the right photos can give your visitors context and help them to understand your product or your vision.

Not to mention, a great photo can engage people who are interested in your website to read your article or to use your product. Below are some examples, inspiration, and basic rules on how you can use the imagery in the header of your website.

a. Contrast

You probably want to add a headline or a short text to your photo. And the last thing a visitor wants is to guess what they are reading. You’ll have to ensure the text stands out and that it is legible. And also, you’ll get the best results if you use white color for the font. In most cases, the dark text does not work because the contrast is too low. Dark text only looks great if you have an almost white photo, e.g. a white sky.

b. Composition

Do not hide the main subject of your photo behind a text. For one thing, this way you can dark out the side with the text to get a higher contrast. And also, you can create a bright side with the subject to highlight it.

c. Facial Features

A study has shown that websites with facial features are perceived as more appealing. Though, be sure to show a relevant photo. How do you use images on your website? For inspiring photos check out Pexel’s popular photos for some touches.

d. Quality

As an example, use high-quality and eye-grabbing pictures. Whereas, if people see an out-of-focus photo they will leave your website. Remarkably, visitors expect to see high-resolution and professional-looking images that are visually appealing. And do not use cheesy stock photos.

e. Readability and Visual Hierarchy

The choice of typefaces for headers and the background color should get under highly rigorous research and testing. Inasmuch as the aspect of readability in header plays a vital role. Whereas, the user has to be able to scan and perceive this basic information as fast as possible. Without any sort of additional effort. Otherwise, you risk providing a non-user-friendly interface.

The Website Header (Top And Bottom Considerable Features)

One of the most valuable lessons to learn from the examples below is that it’s okay to create a header or footer that is unique to your brand. However, that doesn’t mean you necessarily shy away from some tried-and-true principles when just starting.

But, it does mean that we have some creative freedom to do things that both look good and are useful. May it inspire you to use your creativity to build something that gives users everything they need, but with your own touch. Watch the video guide below.

Your website header is a vital part of your visitor’s website experience. A functional, consistent header can make a world of difference in your site’s usability. You can do a lot to make your header look and feel unique to your site and as long as the core common features are in place, your content and design will shine through.

Once you have planned out the content of your website, the next step is to figure out what content you want to put on the header, the content that goes into the body section of each web page, and the content you want to include in your page footer.

Website Header Plus Footer Design Examples

Notably, both a website’s header and footer play an important role in the overall user experience. Each one provides an opportunity to establish branding and offer up a large dose of utility. On one hand, headers have long been the focus of designers. Inasmuch as it’s the first thing a user will see upon visiting a particular site.

Such as the jmexclusives Website. In reality, we often use it as the main source of site navigation, but it can do more. Generally, a well-thought-out header could prove to be even more useful with more additional features. Such as; search results, e-commerce functionality, and also accessibility options.

On the other hand, the website footer sometimes gets some sort of ignorance from webmasters. Especially, being relegated to display copyright and perhaps a few links. Not to mention, this is a great waste of potential. Above all, for content-heavy websites such as the jmexclusives. We sometimes see a footer that is more or less a rehashed copy of the header.

But, there are other area-appropriate items that we may be missing. That said, let’s now take a look at some Website Header and Footer Layouts that can serve as an inspiration for your next Website Header Design project.

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Notable Website Header Inspirations

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1. Kicklox Website Header

The folks behind Kicklox did a fantastic job in developing a header that is easy to use and quite useful. Whereas, their potential users are a bit unique in that they might be engineers or those in need of hiring one. What’s nice here is that they’ve actually provided users with an option for choosing which category they belong to. It’s a prime example of how we can add utility that’s specific to a site’s purpose.

2. Undeveloped Website Header

Notably, Undeveloped has an incredibly minimal and sparse header – and it makes perfect sense. Inasmuch as they’re in the domain business and their goal is to get you to either buy or sell domain names. Their header focuses solely on this goal, without any extra clutter.

3. BucketListly Website Header

One of our pet peeves about headers is that we often try to jam so much information into a relatively small space – even on large screens. Here, the BucketListly Blog makes great use of the available real estate, stretching the full width of an HD screen.

4. Fabienne Delvigne

As a matter of fact, the Fabienne Delvigne Website Header is attractive, compact, and has everything users need. The design blends in perfectly with the content below. Thereafter, adding a cohesiveness that we’ve rarely seen. Plus, the more utilitarian choices on the upper right are noticeable, but not intrusive. Also worth noting is that the header folds up quite nicely into a “sticky” version upon scrolling down the page.

5. The New England Journal of Medicine

When designing a website for an organization like The New England Journal of Medicine, there are so many needs to consider. Users not only have to be able to easily navigate through the various sections of content. But, there’s also account management, subscriptions, and other potential uses that require attention. In other words: The header has to do an awful lot. Something with this many needs could easily overwhelm users, but here it doesn’t. There’s a great use of space and color to help guide users through the site’s many possible choices.

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Remarkable Website Footer Inspirations

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1. Weboo

It’s not often that we see a footer being used as the sole source of navigation. Whereby, Weboo pulls this off quite well, with an easy-to-understand “step” method of getting from one page to the next. Even better is that you can either click or use your mouse’s scroll wheel to navigate.

2. Block Collider

This is not your typical footer. Sure, there’s your standard mailing list signup. But check out the craziness happening at the very bottom of the Block Collider Footer. Not forgetting, two large animated blocks linking to related sites add a little excitement. When was the last time you saw a footer do that?

3. Dorpstraat Stellenbosch

There’s nothing incredibly fancy about Dorpstraat Stellenbosch’s site footer. But again, we see a design that focuses on a particular action. In reality, they want you to sign up for their email list and aren’t shy about asking – but in a tasteful sort of way.

4. Orenda Security

Here’s a case of using the site’s footer to accomplish just as much branding as you’d typically see in a header-only on a larger scale. Orenda Security features a large, animated logo, navigation, and contact info in a full-screen view. That’s something unique that you might only attempt to do with a footer, and it works quite nicely.

5. Dedeman Hotels & Resorts International

There’s an awful lot of utility to Dedeman’s footer area. Newsletter subscription form, social sharing, and affiliated sites are all there and beautifully put together. So often, we try to make footer design elements tiny and almost unnoticeable – not so in this example. All the desired actions are big, colorful, and easy to use.

Summary Thoughts:

Keep in mind, that while designing your own Website Header, there will be a few elements common to most, if not all pages. These elements may include your business or organization’s website logo, navigation menu, quick email links, contact details, copyright notice, links to terms and conditions, etc. See also F-Shaped Pattern For Reading Web Content in detail.

Adding a “Call-able” HTML Phone Number Link on a Website using the HTML Phone Number code method is very simple. And, as we mentioned earlier, links are nearly on all web pages. Whereby, they allow users to click their way from page to page. HTML links are hyperlinks. Technically, you can click on a link and jump to another document.

Then, there will also be elements and content that are unique to each web page (for example, a Contact Form on the Contact Us page or a photo gallery on the Photos page. For elements that are common to most pages, you can consider placing them in your page header or footer. The body is where all unique information should go.

More Useful Related Topics:

1. Website Head And Headers Explained In Detail
2. Q2W3 Fixed Widget Plugin | How To Make Sticky Elements
3. Sidebar Widget Margin Customization | Step-By-Step Guide
4. Digital Online Content Design & Development Guides
5. Website Graphics » Designers Layout Development Tips
6. Adobe Express (Formerly Adobe Spark) | Create Your Design Free!
7. HTML Phone Number | How To Add “Call-Able” Link On Website
8. Ad Inserter | The No. #1 Plugin to Insert & Manage Ad Units
9. WordPress Gutenberg (Block Editor) | A Webmasters Guideline
10. WPForms | The No #1 Drag & Drop WordPress Form Builder Plugin

Always remember, that your header should still be simple and easy to read. There is also an opportunity to add additional information to your footer. Doing so can help prevent your header from looking too cluttered. Above all, it should greet visitors and set the tone for their overall user experience. Something you should always include in your web design list.

Finally, we hope the above-revised guide was helpful in creating your lucrative, impressive, and outstanding website header. However, if you have additional contribution sites and or inspirational facts you’d like our team of Web Tech Experts Taskforce to include herein, feel free to submit them. You can also Contact Us if you’ll need more help or even Donate to support us.