If you have ever noticed a large piece of content at the head of a webpage, then you have already encountered a hero image. Don’t be misled by the term “image” – in fact, a hero image can either be an image or bit of text that is located above the “fold” of a webpage, and it has an important role to play in crafting the ideal visitor journey through your website.
What makes a hero?
There are almost limitless possibilities when it comes to creating your very own hero image. It could be a striking photograph, a fun animation, some bold and dramatic words, or even a video or slideshow of visual content.
A hero image is your visitor’s first introduction to your brand, so it makes sense to make it as aesthetically pleasing as possible, whilst also driving home the ethos of your unique offering.
Remember mobile users
To be sure that all of your visitors are getting the benefit of your carefully crafted hero image, make sure that it renders properly on mobile devices, too. The importance of doing so is laid out in, which explains how retail businesses in particular can benefit from providing a high-quality mobile experience.
And don’t forget that HTML5 banner ads are always a great way to capture the attention of your target demographic. After all, great HTML5 banner ads will not only draw the eye, but encourage visitors to click through to learn more, and will also occupy that prime position at the top of the page.
Creating a stylish impression
Once you’ve chosen the perfect content for your hero image, it’s time to style it so that it makes the maximum impression. Opting for interactive elements (such as effects that change the image to transparent when a user hovers over it) can help your whole website instantly look more sophisticated. Or make your hero image stand out by using striking contrast tones that set it apart from the header or other page content.