The hero section is the large, prominent banner at the top of a webpage, typically the first thing visitors see. It usually spans the full width of the page and sits above the fold, making it prime real estate for your most important message.
Components of a Hero Section
Headline - A clear, compelling statement of your value proposition. Subheadline - Supporting text that adds context. Hero image or video - Visual content that reinforces your message. Call-to-action - A button or link prompting visitors to take action. Background - Often a large image, video, or gradient that creates visual impact.
Purpose and Goals
The hero section’s job is to immediately communicate what you offer and why it matters. Within seconds, visitors should understand what your website is about and what action to take. Effective hero sections reduce bounce rates by quickly engaging visitors and guiding them deeper into the site.
Design Best Practices
Keep headlines short and benefit-focused. Use high-quality, relevant imagery that supports your message. Ensure text remains readable against background images using overlays or contrast. Make CTAs stand out with contrasting colours. Optimise images for fast loading since hero sections are the first thing rendered.
Hero Section Variations
Full-screen - Takes up the entire viewport height. Split-screen - Divides space between text and imagery. Video background - Uses video instead of static images. Minimal - Simple text-focused design with subtle backgrounds. Carousel - Multiple rotating hero slides (though single, focused messages typically perform better).
Common Mistakes
Generic stock photos that don’t reflect your actual business. Too much text that overwhelms visitors. Weak or missing calls-to-action. Poor image optimisation leading to slow load times. Cluttered designs trying to communicate too many messages at once.
Mobile Considerations
Hero sections need special attention on mobile devices. Full-screen heroes can push important content too far down on mobile. Text must remain readable at smaller sizes. Background images should be optimised for mobile bandwidth. Consider simplified mobile versions that prioritise message over visual impact.
Testing and Optimisation
Hero sections significantly impact conversion rates and deserve regular testing. Try different headlines to find messages that resonate. Test various CTA copy and button styles. Experiment with different images or videos. Use analytics to see if visitors scroll past the hero or leave immediately.