First impressions are critical in online marketing. When people land on your website or a social media page, there are a few things they will instantly see. Most of the time ‘the first thing’ is your hero image.
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Hero images are a less well-known tool than a traditional logo. But as more people move online for all their shopping needs, you will need to provide a strong and visual first impression. A hero image is one of the best ways to make that impression.
Let’s go over:
- What exactly a hero image is
- Why and how people and companies use them
- How you can create your own stunning hero image
What Is a Hero Image?
A hero image is a very large and specific kind of website banner. They are typically larger than most other banners and are prominently displayed at the top of websites. They are normally above the “fold”, which is the area the viewer sees before they scroll down. They are front and center, with the navigation bar and other tools nearby.
Hero images cover almost the entire width of a webpage, leaving only room for calls to action and navigation options. Because of this, hero images need to be premium and professional. They should be an attractive visual that creates a mood for what new viewers should expect from your website.
There are a few common traits most professional hero images share. They are either high-quality static images, repeating videos, or animations. Because they are placed alongside important directions for viewers, hero image colors are often well-thought-out to allow some attention to go to sign-up options or navigation bars.
Why Should I Use One?
People have short attention spans and tend to enter and exit dozens of sites while browsing online. When a user lands on your website, you will want them to stay there. One of the best ways to keep them is through a hero image that immediately answers their questions.
A hero image is supposed to grab attention and build expectations. People respond well to quality visual content. Having a professional, high-resolution banner across the page is a great way to convince visitors to keep looking around your website.
Make a Hero Image
Choosing the right hero image can be a bit difficult. But you can start your search by narrowing down your options based on your industry.
You can start making a hero image using PikWizard and Design Wizard. Follow these steps to have your own hero image with just a few steps.
High Quality Images
First, you will need to find the images you will use for your banners. PikWizard is home to hundreds of images you can choose from. You can then edit those images on Design Wizard.
Selecting the right images provides a great framework and the inspiration you need for a great final image. You can start by choosing a template that aligns with the products and services you offer.
Travel Sites
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One of the most common uses of hero images is for travel services and events. Many images are appropriate templates for a travel site. PikWizard has plenty of outdoor or people-centered images that you can use as a travel hero image template.
Streaming Sites
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Sites like Netflix have some of the most memorable hero images. But there are many streaming sites apart from the big companies like Netflix and Disney.
If you have a site that houses your streamable online content, a hero image serves as a great introduction. Check out PikWizard’s templates for online or tech-themed hero images.
Restaurant Sites
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In the age of Uber and Covid-19, many restaurants are getting more business online. You can introduce your online order services with a food and drink template from PikWizard.
Dentist Office Websites
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Online booking channels for dentists and other healthcare service providers are often managed partially online. An appropriate, professional hero image will help you make the ideal impression for visitors.
Illustration Tools
After you choose an image to start with, it’s time for some embellishment. You have several options you can use to make sure your hero image looks good on your website. First, once you find an image you like, you can resize it. You can also compress an image using tools like Photoshop, or other online resources. Design Wizard has the illustration tools you need to embellish your image.
Your image files will normally be saved as either png or jpg. If one option doesn’t work well for you, you can try the other. Image file types may offer different qualities and loading speeds on your site.
Subject Placement
A subject is the primary focal point of a hero image. They are added because they draw focus to a specific point of a large canvas which would be distracting on its own. By placing a subject in the right place, you’re drawing attention close to the call to action.
The subject is normally on the right or left side of a hero image.
Sometimes, you can opt to not include a subject in your image. In that case, center your copy and call to action.
Add Text
There should always be some text on your hero image, but not enough to overwhelm visitors. Text is normally placed on the opposite side of the subject. This text should be a call to action that is snappy and to the point. One or two sentences will normally suffice.
Sometimes, it’s also appropriate to include some small-font text at the bottom of a hero image.
Treat Your Backgrounds Well
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The key here is to add text and subjects that compliment your backgrounds. Your text should contrast well and stand apart from the background. The text should be in focus and the background should take its rightful place – in the back.
Test Your Images
You can always do a better job with your hero image. Starting with one image is great, but there’s only one way to know how your hero image is performing.
After you design a couple of hero images, you can A/B test them to find out which one is better. You can’t always guess which hero image is best at a glance. So, for the best results, you’ll need to get a bit more technical.
Hero Image Ideas
When you’re building an ideal hero image, there are a few things to consider. Try to keep these ideas in mind as you create and edit your first hero images.
Focus On The Top Of Your Website
Your hero image will hoard most of your visitors’ attention. But you still need to focus on the aspects of your site that are most important. When visitors land on your website, they should see your hero image alongside the options that you are trying to entice them towards.
The above reasons are why hero images are often displayed side-by-side with a sign-up box. Another good option is a “find out more” button for the visitor to click on, which can redirect them to relevant content or a landing page. Normally, the navigation bar is layered at the top of the hero image.
Center It Around Your Products
A hero image is supposed to compliment your product/service catalog.
You won’t normally cover your entire hero image with an image of your products. But you can feature the presentation of your products in contrast with the background or their use by customers. You can even add some text to highlight your most popular items.
A great way to use hero images is smart product placement. Your hero image can feature your products in use. By doing so you can also associate your products with the emotions or circumstances they are meant to cause.
Show Benefits
Your hero image should prominently display the benefits your product or service brings. For example, entertainment service hero images normally display happy people having a good time. For professional products, someone performing their job in a lower-stress situation is a more appealing image.
One of the main points of a hero image is to show visitors what they can expect from your brand. So, your banner should show them the ideal situation they should strive for with your products or services.
Page Caching
Hero images look good when they pop up on a screen. But sometimes they can be too slow to load, causing users to leave your site prematurely.
Page caching is a complicated process to explain. But you don’t need to be a genius to use it. You can simply hire someone to do it for you, or you can learn the necessary programming to do it yourself.
In some cases, extensive expertise is not required for page caching. If your site is on WordPress, you can just use a plugin. Just remember to only use one plugin, or they will contradict each other and ruin your site’s code and normally make it slower.
UX Design
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Hero image designs rely on the principles of user experience (UX) design. UX design allows you to optimize your hero image according to tested principals that keep visitors engaged.
You don’t necessarily need to by a UX expert. But can learn enough to do it yourself or consult a UX expert to make the most out of your hero image.
Size Changes
One of the most important hero image design principles is that it is OK to downsize your image. But you shouldn’t try to upsize one.
With jpg, in particular, upsizing your image will greatly reduce the image’s quality. There are a few ways to mitigate this effect. But it’s safer to just avoid downsizing.
Start Designing A Hero Image
Hero images are an increasingly popular design tool for capturing attention. But like any other kind of design, there are certain principles that you have to follow for the best possible results.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of a hero image? ›
A hero image is a website design term used to describe an oversized banner image at the top of a website. Sometimes called a “hero header”, it serves as a user's first glimpse of your company and offering because of its prominent placement towards the top of a webpage that usually extends full-width.
Do I need a hero image? ›Hero images are an essential element of any website. They capture the attention of your customers and help drive customer conversion. Your hero image should always convey your brand value and messaging in a straightforward way.
What is a hero image on Amazon? ›A hero product image is the lead image used to illustrate a product on an ecommerce site, such as Amazon, Tesco, Target, Walmart or Alibaba. It is this product image which features in category and search results. It is a brand's first opportunity to showcase its products and grab the attention of online shoppers.
What makes a hero important? ›Simply put, then, the key to heroism is a concern for other people in need—a concern to defend a moral cause, knowing there is a personal risk, done without expectation of reward.
Why do I need a hero? ›Heroes exemplify cherished values, display qualities we admire, show us how to overcome challenges – and call us to stand up for others. They help build a better world for us all.
What makes yourself a hero? ›Being your own hero means showing yourself real love by developing your own values and staying true to any commitments you've made to yourself. Do what you say you're going to do and feel proud of yourself, confident in your character. In the end, heroes are all about intention, consistency and compassion.
How do I make myself a hero? ›- Always Be On Guard. You must first have the mindset of a hero. ...
- Help Your Loved Ones. Actions are the best ways to show your loved ones that you care, especially when they are unexpected. ...
- Be Kind to Strangers. ...
- Find A Cause You Believe In. ...
- Every Penny Counts. ...
- Inspire Other Heroes.
- 1.) Give your hero a tragedy tied to their origin. ...
- 2.) Give your hero flaws to overcome. ...
- 3.) Give your hero constant conflict and drama. ...
- 4.) Give your hero a personally or philosophically connected villain. ...
- 5.) Give your hero a unique and distinguishing quality.
Concern for the Well-Being of Others
According to researchers, empathy, and compassion for others are key variables that contribute to heroic behavior. 4 People who rush in to help others in the face of danger and adversity do so because they genuinely care about the safety and well-being of other people.
A little bit of trivia for guys out there who are wondering why hero images are called as such. The term “hero” was first used in the world of theater and it was the prop (it's usually called the hero prop) that is more detailed than usual because it's meant to be seen or viewed in close range.
What should a hero look like? ›
A hero is defined by his or her choices and actions, not by chance or circumstances that arise. A hero can be brave and willing to sacrifice his or her life, but I think we all have a hero in us — someone who is unselfish and without want of reward, who is determined to help others.
What is a hero image in email? ›Hero image in emails — the first visual that your subscribers come across, gives them a glimpse of what your email is about. It helps to grab the subscribers' attention and direct them towards a desired call to action. A hero image is usually a medley of image and some text.
What does hero content mean? ›Hero content is a marketing gift that keeps on giving. Also called big rock assets or lead magnets, these long-form pieces are designed to generate a lot of value for your target audience and, in turn, generate a lot of interest for your brand.
What is a hero profile? ›HEROProfile, part of the HERO system, allows employees to present a consolidated view of their professional information that managers and supervisors can use to review employees' skills, talents and experience.
What makes a hero answers? ›What are the qualities of a hero? Answer: There are numerous characteristics that a hero must hold like courage, bravery, mental fortitude, strength, intelligence, patience, selflessness and honesty These characteristics alone are adequately not to make a legend.
What does it mean to be a hero today? ›Heroes protect others by saving others, helping others, acting against danger or injustice, acting when others do not, and acting on behalf of vulnerable individuals or groups.
What is the hero mindset? ›November 14, 2022. HERO is a way to remind ourselves to operate with Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, and Optimism. A Growth Mindset is essential to making progress in school and in life!
What does it mean when someone always wants to be the hero? ›The Hero Complex, sometimes called the Hero Syndrome or Savior Complex, is when someone strives to be the hero of the situation. No matter the situation or the odds, they want to be the ones that save the day.
What is your hero in your life? ›A hero is someone who helps people, saves people lives, and risks their lives for someone else's life. A hero can also be someone brave, cares for someone, loves someone.
What are the 7 characteristics of a hero? ›There are seven main traits of epic heroes; they are of noble birth or elevated status. They have superhuman capabilities, are a vast traveler, an unmatched warrior, a cultural legend, demonstrate humility, and finally, battle superhuman foes.
What is the strength of a hero? ›
A hero shows bravery. They will stand for the things they believe in, no matter if it may cause them harm. They protect those around them as well. A hero is courageous.
What is an example of heroic act? ›When you think of heroism, you might think of great acts of bravery, such as rushing into burning buildings and facing danger in battle. Heroism consists of putting others first, even at your own peril.
What is a willing hero? ›The willing hero is motivated by the obstacles that he faces. He's always ready for challenges, and is bored of a life that doesn't provide some threat to overcome. The willing hero is also noted for his bravery. Unlike some other heroes on this list, the willing one is fearless and daring, almost to a fault.
Can everyone become a hero? ›Anyone can be a hero. Even someone who doesn't want to be. A hero is some one who is brave and selfless. Someone who will stand up for what is right even when no one else does.
What is the most important quality of a hero? ›SELFLESS – The number one quality of any hero is that they're selfless. This means they put the needs of others before themselves. They care about people. They sacrifice their own wants, desires, and needs for the good of those around them and will even lay down their lives if necessary.
What is another word for true hero? ›1, 2 dauntless, valiant, valorous, gallant, brave, courageous.
How do I make text stand out on hero image? ›Adding a tint can help text stand out on hero images that are particularly bright. Try it out by using the hex code #1A3A5# and 100% color opacity.
Why is hero Called hero? ›...
Hero (given name)
| Gender | Female |
| Origin | |
|---|---|
| Word/name | Ancient Greek |
| Meaning | hero |
| Other names | |
A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles. The only difference between a hero and the villain is that the villain chooses to use that power in a way that is selfish and hurts other people.
How do you write a hero message? ›First and foremost, an effective website hero message is no different than the sign outside that diner: It should explain what you are and do. But unlike a physical sign, a hero message can go even further—helping to explain who you do it for, the value you add to the world, and/or why anyone should care.
How do you write a copy of a hero? ›
What kind of hero copy should I focus on? If you're communicating with visitors who are in the “Unaware” stage, your hero copy needs to be clear, simple, and direct without being boring. It still needs to grab attention, but you should always opt for copy that's “clear and concise” over “clever.”
What is a hero example? ›Examples of heroes range from mythological figures, such as Gilgamesh, Achilles and Iphigenia, to historical and modern figures, such as Joan of Arc, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Sophie Scholl, Alvin York, Audie Murphy, and Chuck Yeager, and fictional "superheroes", including Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, and Captain America.
What are the best examples of hero content? ›The most commonly used types of hero content are case study, white paper, survey/report, guide and ebook. Uses one or more real life user stories as an example, or to illustrate a wider message. An extended piece of writing to help readers understand an issue or solve a problem.
What are examples for hero content? ›Examples of this kind of content include ebooks about a subject that's important to the brand's target audience, brochures or data sheets about their products or services, and white papers that reveal research into a particular area of interest.
What is a good character profile? ›Your character profile is a record of everything you know about your character, from their origins and backstory to their personality traits and physical appearance. You can also note their relationships, daily routines, hopes, fears, and motivations.
What is the purpose of a hero in a story? ›A hero in a story is the main character that has to overcome conflict and trials. This character also goes on either a literal or figurative journey that requires them to use their skills and knowledge to overcome hardship or problems.
What is the purpose of hero stories? ›Hero Stories Reveal Deep Truths. According to Joseph Campbell, hero stories reveal life's deepest psychological truths. They do this by sending us into deep time, meaning that they enjoy a timelessness that connects us with the past, the present, and the future.
What are the most important element of a hero section? ›- Clearly state what your product or services will do for your visitor.
- Match your message to your intended audience or ideal user. Keep it simple with no jargon if it's a mass-market product. ...
- Your headline is always about your ideal visitor. Never about you.
Examples of heroes range from mythological figures, such as Gilgamesh, Achilles and Iphigenia, to historical and modern figures, such as Joan of Arc, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Sophie Scholl, Alvin York, Audie Murphy, and Chuck Yeager, and fictional "superheroes", including Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, and Captain America.
What is a hero explain your answer? ›A hero is someone who gives of himself, often putting his own life at great risk, for the greater good of others. However, such as in war situations, what is good for others will always divide opinion into opposing camps.
What makes a person a hero? ›
A hero is selfless, a genuinely good person, and someone gets the undivided attention of all of us and causes change. Someone willing to risk their own life to save another.
How can you be a hero and inspiration to others? ›Inspire Other Heroes. By setting an example, you will encourage others to be more heroic in their everyday actions as well. Be proud of your efforts, share what you are doing with your friends and family know. Help them find items they can donate and invite them along on a volunteer activity.
What can hero stories teach us about real life? ›By being there with heroes as they face their struggles and seeing how they react to their problems, stories teach us how we should act when we come up against our own obstacles.
What is an example of a hero story? ›The Hero's Journey in The Hunger Games
Katniss lives in poverty in a fictional world called Panem in the near future. She wants to keep her little sister safe. She needs more of a life than just survival. Katniss's little sister Primrose is chosen for the Reaping – and almost certain death.
A hero message's primary goal is to inform. A perfect hero message should make clear what your does, for whom you do it, and why you exist. What. Whom.
What are 4 important characteristics for a hero? ›- Bravery.
- Conviction.
- Courage.
- Determination.
- Helpful.
- Honesty.
- Inspirational.
- Moral integrity.
First and foremost, an effective website hero message is no different than the sign outside that diner: It should explain what you are and do. But unlike a physical sign, a hero message can go even further—helping to explain who you do it for, the value you add to the world, and/or why anyone should care.