A website’s header is the first thing a visitor notices after landing on a site.
So, you need to cautiously design it to capture your targeted audience’s attention and make them further explore your site.
To help you design a better site header, we recommend that you take inspiration from some of the best website header examples.
But where to find the best website header design ideas 🤔?
Well, you can catch them here in this article. Let’s start exploring them.
10 Best Website Header Examples
Here are the top ten website header designs you can check out.
1. Header with a Sticky Bar
Some websites, including Dorik AI, affix the header to let it stick with visitors as they scroll down the page. Such a website header offers readers uninterrupted access to essential information no matter which page they visit.
2. Single-line Header with a Logo
It’s the most common website header design you can notice on many websites. Web designers prefer this design since it is simple yet effective.
Below is a screenshot with an example of this website header design.
As you can see on the screenshot, the Dog Bar logo is on the left side to accentuate the logo. The rest of the header elements, such as the navigation menu and CTA, are on the right side of the header.
You may consider this header design while constructing your website.
3. Single-line Header with a Notification
This one is just like the previous website header example. The only difference between these two design types is the notification bar. Many website owners place a banner on top of the header to announce an offer, news, or any other message to the audience.
If you look at the screenshot above, you can see that ClickUp has a notification bar in the top section. This bar includes a CTA so ClickUp can take its targeted audience to the required page.
You can design your site header like ClickUp and include a notification bar to run a high-priority offer or notify web visitors about a notable change or event in your business.
4. Two-tiered Header
Many website owners favor the two-tiered header. This design allows them to create clutter-free, well-structured websites without compromising any elements in the header section.
Here’s an example of a website with such a header style.
5. Two-tiered Header with a Notification Bar
Some websites use a double-tiered header to offer more navigational options to visitors without overwhelming them. The screenshot below shows an example of this website header design.
As you can see, Salesoft features a two-tiered header and a notification bar, which allows users to learn more about the recent innovations in Signal-based Selling.
Below that notification bar is a secondary header with Support, Contact Us, and Log in. Underneath all these, there’s a single-line header with a left-aligned logo.
You can opt for this design idea if you prefer showcasing many elements in the header.
6. Header with Multi-site Navigation
Primarily, ecommerce websites or others that need to display or attract the audience to their other company pages use this header with multi-site navigation design. This kind of header design enables visitors to visit the parent site’s sister companies’ websites easily.
7. Hamburger Slide-in Header
Many web designers use this unique header style to demonstrate all the essential menus nicely. The benefit of this hamburger slide-in header is that it lets the audience pay full attention to the menu.
When visitors click on the hamburger option, the menu slides in, catching their attention to the particular clickable options. Here’s an example of a website with a hamburger slide-in header.
8. Full-takeover Slide-in Header
The full-takeover slide-in header is similar to the hamburger slide-in header. However, these two designs differ in subtle ways.
When visitors click the hamburger element, the full-takeover slide-in header spreads over the entire page instead of extending over some areas.
You can choose this header style for your website if you want your audience to focus entirely on navigational menus.
9. Left-aligned Vertical Header
Some web designers utilize the left-aligned vertical header on websites to make sites unconventional and draw visitors' attention. You can use this header design to instantly catch the audience’s attention and provide them with easy access to essential header menus.
10. Right-aligned Vertical Header
It follows the same principle as the left-aligned vertical header. But instead of featuring all menu items on the left side, it boasts menu elements on the right side vertically.
What to Include in a Website Header
Let’s find out what to put in your website header.
I. Logo
As you know, a logo is your brand/business’s identity. It helps you build brand recognition. So, cautiously and strategically design your logo and place it on the header. Doing this will help visitors see the logo at first glance and remember it for a prolonged period.
II. Navigation Menu
A navigation menu is another primary element of your website header. So, prioritize clarity and simplicity while creating a navigation menu.
Pro tip: Hierarchically order page links and clearly label each link to provide visitors with an intuitive user experience.
III. Search Bar
A search bar becomes necessary for your website if it houses a massive archive of content. This element helps web visitors easily find their desired item on your site.
Therefore, include a search bar on your website header to keep your targeted visitors engaged for a longer period of time.
IV. Shopping Cart
If you sell physical or digital items or services, a shopping cart is a necessary element you need to include in the website header. A shopping cart will benefit you while improving shoppers’ checkout process.
Therefore, integrate this header element into your website to give users a hassle-free shopping experience.
V. Social Media Buttons
Social media buttons help website visitors explore your business’s social media pages. So, you can include these buttons in the website header.
Although many websites feature these buttons in the footer section, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t add them to the header.
VI. CTA
CTA, which complete form is Call-to-action. You can implement one Call-to-action button in the header to draw visitors’ attention and encourage them to take action. If you need inspiration for your website design, you can check Dorik AI’s header.
As you can see in the screenshot above, Dorik AI runs a special offer for a limited time, which they announce with a CTA on the notification bar above the header. You can do the same for your website.
VII. Login Fields
If you have a membership website, it’s essential to include a login link in the header and offer users a seamless login experience.
VIII. Language Menu (Optional)
You may have a business goal of reaching a global audience. So, designing your website tailored to worldwide visitors is essential. This design process starts with adding a language menu to the website header.
This menu shows that you value foreign visitors, recognize the importance of communication, and are ready to accommodate their needs.
By including such a menu, you let them switch between languages, browse your website in their language, and help them easily navigate your site.
Website Header Best Practices to Follow
We’ve read about what to keep in the website header. Let’s now learn about the website header's best practices to make your site look professional.
Use the Correct Color Contrast: You need to use the right color to make your website header appealing. Wisely choose color pallets for the website header and the entire site. Ensure one color aligns nicely with another color so that you can perfectly display your site logo, header elements, and website content.
Add a CTA: We’ve already mentioned this factor. Here, we once again remind you to add a clear CTA to your website header to get your desired outcome from targeted visitors.
Use Readable Fonts: Imagine this: You beautifully design your site with the right color scheme and by following the correct website-making principles, but you didn’t remain careful while choosing the font for your site.
Consequently, visitors struggle with reading information or navigating your site. Indeed, you don’t want that. Thus, use a clearly legible font and select high-contrast color schemes for the font and its background.
Include High-quality Images or Animation: To provide an excellent user experience, try adding high-quality images, hover effects, and trigger animations to the website header. You can include images/icons of the search bar, shopping cart, and language switcher in the header.
No matter what visual elements and animation you implement in the site header, remember that your goal is to enhance the user experience without causing distractions.
Make It Intuitive and Responsive: Research your competitors’ websites and other eye-catching sites in your niche before creating a website. Carefully check those websites’ headers and take inspiration to build yours. All in all, make it intuitive and as responsive as possible.
Related Read: Website Design Mistakes to Avoid
FAQs on Website Header Examples
What is a Good Header?
A good header is informative and accurate. It should allow users to find relevant pages and information in a split second, draw visitors’ attention, and encourage them to explore the website.
What Should My Website Header Say?
If you’re wondering what your website header should feature, here's what it needs. It should have your business logo, CTAs, a headline, navigational elements, a search bar, a login area, a shopping cart, and other items we discussed in this content.
How to Create an Attractive Header?
You can make a website header attractive by following the site header best practices outlined in this article. Here’s a rundown of how you can do it. Make it simple; use the correct color schemes, high-quality images, animation, clear CTAs, and readable fonts.
Let’s Now Design Your Website’s Header
You’ve seen the top ten website header examples. But they aren’t enough. You can examine many other websites alongside these listed ones.
After that, list out what to include in your website header. Determine what color scheme to use in the header, and so on. However, you won’t have to think about these factors much if you pick Dorik AI to create your website.
This no-code AI website builder follows state-of-the-art strategies to create stunning headers and entire sites. So, you can try it out today, build excellent websites, and customize headers according to your needs!
