How do you design the perfect hero section for a website?

In my experience as a web designer, creating an effective hero section starts with understanding the client's goals. Whether it's increasing conversions for an e-commerce site or highlighting a new product, every element must serve a purpose. For example, I often use bold visuals and direct, compelling copy to grab attention and convey the core message quickly. I also design standout CTAs, ensuring they're visible and enticing yet blend seamlessly with the overall design.

Testing different versions for optimal placement and wording is crucial, as seen in projects where A/B testing increased engagement significantly. Additionally, I ensure all hero sections are responsive, maintaining their impact across all devices. This methodical yet creative approach has consistently helped me create hero sections that are not only visually appealing but also strategically effective

Designing the perfect hero section is all about creating a strong first impression that communicates the website’s purpose and engages users. Here’s my approach:

The hero section should immediately convey the brand’s value proposition. I use a concise, powerful headline that quickly explains the site’s main purpose or value. A compelling subheadline can add more detail if needed.

High-quality images, videos, or animations can add visual appeal and reinforce the message. I select visuals that align with the brand’s tone—whether it’s an inviting lifestyle image, a product showcase, or an engaging video loop—to draw users in.

Typography is crucial in a hero section. I choose fonts that are both on-brand and readable, with sufficient contrast against the background.

A hero section should guide users on what to do next. I include a prominent CTA button with a clear action (like “Get Started” or “Learn More”) and place it where it’s easy to spot, encouraging users to engage immediately.

By combining a clear message, appealing visuals, readable typography, and an inviting CTA, I design hero sections that are both visually striking and highly effective in guiding users further into the website.

The hero section might be the reason why someone stays on your page so it has to be eye catching BUT on the other hand it has to be simple enough to not be overbearing. 

I saw a typography tip on TikTok  a couple of years ago that has forever changed the way I write titles for websites - make sure that the title explain exactly what your business or your product is and does.

For example, you're creating a website for a company that digitizes documents. Instead of saying something broad like "We will modernize your business" say "Will simplify, digitize, and secure your document management". Let people know instantly what is it that the website is for and get creative after. 

And of course, video content is trending as some other answers mentioned and the hero section is the perfect place to use it.

Two ways to use video:

- You can add a video background to the whole hero section (slap on an overlay so it fits into your layout better and make sure that the contrast between the video and text is sufficient), 
- This is the place where you can add a video that explains your business, shows your product or a general introduction video. 

I like to fallow the structure of menu, title, subheading and an interesting visual element (a video, a graphic, a gif etc.) These can be arranged in endless amount of ways to for your design. 

The time it takes for users to form an opinion about a website is incredibly brief—just 0.05 seconds (Forbes. 2024) 

That's not a lot of time right? 

So it's important to get that hero section right.  For me it's about making this section as captivating as possible.  But...  It needs to be clear in terms of the message and look.

1) Don't over clutter it.  The message should be easy to understand as soon as a customer lands on the website. they shouldn't have to scroll too far before understanding what it is you do.

2) The hero needs to be mobile friendly.  If 4 out of 5 or 80% of all visitors come via a smartphone. this is easily overlooked and could deter a lot of customers if your hero section isn't optimised. 

3) Video content is on trend.  I find that a lot of my customers these days want a video background, which is great, as it allows you to show the purpose of an organisation without lots of writing. 

4) Use a clear font with colours that compliment the website.  It's amazing how many people still get the font wrong and make their hero section look clunky and oversized. 

5) An effective hero section should have your most important call to action. This allows for quick navigation, and to allow returning customers to get to where they need to quickly. 

So, every time I design a website, I make sure that I take a fair amount of time to look at the hero section and ask myself.  Is it clear what my client does, and will a customer feel enticed to explore the site further when they land on the page?

Ian