Hero images are what web creators often use to greet visitors to their website in an attractive format.
If you've ever wondered " what is a hero image? ", You are in the right place. In this article, we will take a look at the topic and how you can create beautiful hero images with powerful visual effects.
A hero image is the term used by web creators to describe the oversized content at the top of a web page.
The role of a hero image is to welcome your visitor as soon as they meet your company or Organisation. The abundance of hero image types in the web authoring toolkit brings so many reasons to include a hero image in your website.
Let's understand the main advantages of doing this, and why?
What is a hero image?
Embracing the virtue of a "good first impression", hero images typically have one or more of the following characteristics:
- A high quality image
- A captivating video
- An image slider or a multimedia carousel
- Animated or static illustration
- Headers and descriptions beside or in front of visual content
In terms of style, common design details you'll see applied to hero images include:
- Background images or videos with background overlays
- Fixed or sticky positioning
- Pointing affects the change in transparency or overlay
- Elements of contrast that differentiate the image from the header above or subsequent content
The novelty of hero images in web design is that on the one hand you are working with a very specific and defined space on the web page. On the other hand, the choices of style, effects and techniques to use when designing this part of your page content are absolutely endless.
Why should you use a hero image?
When the design and functionality of your hero image has a high caliber, you automatically achieve user credibility and trust. Your hero image and its surrounding hero content often represent your first opportunity to relay the unique selling point of your Organisation and the main user point of contact for the conversion.
When looking to trigger certain user behaviors, a top notch, powerful hero image that makes a strong first impression on your visitors is the best way to start.
You can make a lasting first impression
First impressions matter in many areas of life, but especially when it comes to how users relate to website aesthetics.
The results of experts in human-machine interaction (HCI) and visualization at Google Research attest to the influence of hero images on the success of a website:
This study, " The role of visual complexity and prototypicality in website first impressions : work on understanding aesthetic judgments ”, Studies how visual complexity and prototypicality impact the design of a website and the first impressions of its users.
The authors showed 119 actual screenshots from the website to their study participants and found that visual complexity and prototypicality affect the user's aesthetic perception in the first 50 images of the exhibit, and sometimes even within 17 ms.
As web creators our conclusion is quite simple: The hero image we choose and the way we present it on our page influences user sentiment and behavior in a major way.
You'll get the most out of your content above the fold
The "above the fold" section of a web page can be defined in simple terms: content that fills your screen / appears above the bottom border of the web browser window after your page loads. If the content requires scrolling to be seen, it means that it is located "under the fold".
The concept of “above the fold” originated in print design and publishing, long before the era of digital media. We all know what it's like to immediately notice something on the top half of a first page, and it's even safe to say that the content on the first page is often what makes us decide whether to buy or not. a newspaper, or just stop at a newsstand.
This is exactly why your content above the fold can be a major deal breaker in your website's success.
What do we mean?
If a website visitor is confused by your content and images above the fold, they will quickly leave your website. If your hero image and his surroundings above the fold are clear, engaging, and well-representative of your value proposition, he'll be more inclined to stick around.
Ultimately, the more you invest in the image and content of your hero section, the less likely users are to make a quick exit.
Don't forget about Responsive Design
Keep in mind that the location of a screen crease is subjective to the screen size of the device. This is an important consideration in responsive design, as above the fold content should be customized and configured in a way that is applicable to multiple device sizes.
Web designers and developers often use device-specific breakpoints to guarantee this responsiveness. This gives you complete control over the adaptability of your website design to relevant screen sizes and avoids the compromised appearance or impact of your hero image.
State your value proposition without information overload
You may be familiar with the concept of "information overloadIn website design and the user experience : We want to avoid using too much content, especially written content, when representing our brand and our business value.
In this sense, the use of an image, illustration or video is worth 1 words. Fine-tuning effective branding imagery will capture your entire story in one visual medium. Instead of verbalizing your story and branding proposition, you may be able to lighten the cognitive load on your user in a simple and user-friendly way.
The screenshot above is taken from Millbrook Construction, a Perth-based construction company specializing in "residential construction with high-end finishes and attention to detail". For their Elementor website, the hero image on the homepage makes perfect use of its “above the fold” interface. The eye-catching, crisp photograph of a happy modern home and outdoor pool sets off positive, relaxing vibes.
Taking it a step further, the style choices of the full height background image and the size of a 'blanket' indicate the firm's rugged knack for creating luxurious residential properties. The value proposition is as clear as swimming pool water, and users comfortably absorb all the necessary information.
Your hero images can help convert leads
Attractive and visible touchpoints are a basic ingredient for a conversion-reproduction user flow. This is why the relationship between the hero section's call to action and your hero image itself can make or break your website building goals.
Let your CTA texts say " Register now "," Learn more "," Get in touch », Etc., your hero image must be coordinated transparently on all fronts: visibility, messaging, color scheme, appearance, etc.
Credible and effective conversations with potential clients are based on a comfortable and natural atmosphere; visually pleasing imagery is the best way to achieve this.
This is exactly what we see on the Elementor website created by STL Caricature, a team of cartoonish artists who provide event entertainment services. The animated title (hero text) depicts the happy customers in their hero images, showing what the cartoon artists provide for each person.
So, once you've rolled up your sleeves and started getting into the practicalities, what goes into the process of deciding what type of hero image to use?
Let's explore the four different types of hero images and how to assess which one will be the best fit for your website.
# 1 Product hero image
A product hero image is a large high image definition of the brand's product. These images can be presented in static or in motion/in action, as long as they allow to visualize the value proposition of the product.
Popular ways among web designers to showcase and personalize their product hero images can include:
- A detailed / snapshot example of an individual product, as we see above on the company's website Australian Avo Lover subscription.
- Screenshot of a digital product interface, such as a dashboard.
Product hero images are usually found on the websites ofe-Commerce (but not exclusively). Potential shoppers expect to see examples of actual products, supporting informed decision-making about the store's suitability for their shopping needs.
Avo lover used Elementor to create their e-commerce website, which their clients use to purchase weekly subscriptions of fresh avocados delivered to their doorstep.
Avo lover's customer base is a niche market in a narrowly defined area of interest, so their choice of product hero image makes perfect sense. Potential subscribers are avocado enthusiasts; seeing an up-close and intricate photograph of the products is exactly what they are looking to see.
Best Practices:
- Invest in the quality of background images
Whether your background image is a photograph, video, illustration, etc., the image file should be as light as possible, with crystal-clear resolution.
- Pay attention to contrast levels
If you add text in front of your hero section image (or component of any kind), make sure that the contrast between the website elements is strong and easily seen. This is where background overlays and filter effects can be extremely useful.
# 2 Image of the client hero
The following type of hero image used by online businesses takes an alternative approach to showing their added value: showing their customer using the product. This perspective is a strategic way to empathize with your visitors, succinctly demonstrating that you understand their pain point and can meet their needs.
The above video clip is taken from the Elementor site created by Alexander Fisher, a Stuggart-based personal trainer who provides a range of health and fitness related services.
Alexander's customer hero image shows more than a satisfied customer enjoying a healthy and fit lifestyle. The hero image takes it a step further by featuring a video that features his client bonding and connecting with loved ones.
Best Practices:
- Share your use cases and customer experience
Differentiate your product by showing its most dominant use case. An image that conveys your business goals and value shows how the visitor will benefit from your unique offering.
- Relate to your target audience
Make sure your target audience is accounted for when selecting the type of person to feature in your image. Choose an image that communicates your understanding of the field and your ability to delight your customers.
# 3 Image of the founding hero
A founding hero image is a large image of the founder of the business owner, placed in the hero section to greet the website visitor.
Images of founding heroes are often used in portfolio websites of freelancers, business owners like a psychologist, makeup artist or musician as shown on the Elementor website by Jasmine Cain above.
The greatest virtue of a founding hero image is that it puts a face to a name; it connects the website visitor to the service provider, creating a pleasant dynamic between the two individuals.
The choice of images for your founding hero image should be handled with care. With plenty of options to choose from, which boils down to:
what will convey your brand's message in the strongest possible way?
Is this a photo of the founder looking straight at the camera and smiling, or maybe looking in a different direction?
Or, would a candid photo of the hard-working business owner be better suited?
Best Practices:
- Pay attention to sizing and dimensions
Use a clear, well-sized image (or video) that shows visitors the exact details they need to see. If necessary, you can focus on larger areas of your images by cropping them and removing less important content.
- Focus on what your image should convey
The role of the background should be to focus on the person in front of it, not the other way around. The most impactful founding hero images will show the smiling business owner, implying his passion for keeping customers happy.
# 4 Non-contextual hero image
Non-contextual hero images are, as the name suggests, sequences that display something seemingly 'unrelated' to the owner of the product or business. The purpose of a non-contextual hero image is to make an impression on the visitor through visual association or a subliminal message. Viewing the non-contextual image shows the user what the product or brand is, but in an indirect way.
This technique is used, for example, in the example above from Elementor's website built by the digital marketing company AP Technology, based in Oklahoma. The company's website uses a wide, clear background image that shows a unique angle of Oklahoma City's skyscrapers.
This photograph represents the company's value proposition, as stated in the website's hero text: Build your business and watch it grow, as tall as the tallest office towers in the city.
As soon as the human eye sees the physical structures dominating the sky, it understands that these marketing professionals are working to get businesses off the ground, to the height.
Best Practices:
- Make sure visitors understand why the image is relevant
While you don't display a direct visual of your product itself, make sure that connecting your product's value with your non-contextual hero image is still easy to identify. Users shouldn't need to spend time thinking about its relevance.
- Make a clear link between the hero image and the hero text
The hero text that you place in conjunction with your image should relate directly to its visual content. It is a necessity, even if it requires several iterations of your text and the choice of the wording.
- Create a cohesive design scheme
The colors you choose for button texts and backgrounds, headers or descriptions should coordinate with the hero image or artwork. This also applies to clickable accents on your website:
the elements of the navigation menu, the logo, etc ...
We all know how important a consistent visual language is to the prestige of our website, our brand presence and professional credibility. This is where design style guides can be really helpful, especially in making sure your hero images are aligned with your website design.
How to test your hero image: the methods we like
Once you start experimenting with several options for your hero image, you can immediately assess which option generates the most engagement and gain insight into the most effective design - and ultimately stick with that one.
Here are some must-have testing methods that are easy to set up and provide a wealth of knowledge to make sure you're using the best hero image possible.
A / B Test your hero image
A / B testing requires the designer to create two or more options for the hero section (whether it is two versions of the titles and their copy, the hero image itself, the layout section, font sizing, or whatever else you can think of) - it's completely up to you.
Imagine you decided to use a blend mode when users hover over your hero image, but you don't know which mode will improve the user experience the most.
Perform a A / B test between two different mode options (there are 13 blend mode options, after all), lets you try more than one mode to see which gets the most hovers, clicks, and ultimately more engagement.
One of the most common and important steps in A / B testing your hero section is to also test at least two CTA button options - to identify which button gets the most conversions.
Specifically, testing the color of a CTA button is always a useful experience that allows you to understand which button color attracts and engages users the most. Button color A / B testing is very popular among web designers because it is quick and easy to perform and hardly requires additional design resources.
Use heat map tools to discover user behavior
Heatmap tools identify and analyze the places where users click on a web page. These tools allow website and landing page owners to see exactly how users are actively navigating content. This is accomplished once the tool identifies whether or not users are interacting with key elements (and how), such as links, buttons, options, and of course, CTAs.
Here is some information that website owners can glean from using heat map tools:
- Non-clickable items distract users.
- Button sizes are too large or too small.
- The colors of the buttons are not visible.
Be the hero of your website
Website trends are constantly evolving, adding new features to web design possibilities. It's always important to keep your hero section at the forefront of your design considerations - making sure that it always reaches its potential in presenting your website to the crowds.
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Conclusion
Here ! That's it for this article which shows you how to make a hero image. If you have any concerns on how to get there flet us know in the Comments.
However, you can also consult our resources, if you need more elements to carry out your projects of creation of Internet sites, by consulting our guide on the WordPress blog creation or the one on Divi: the best WordPress theme of all time.
But meanwhile, share this article on your different social networks.
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