5 Ways to Create a Hero Image That Drive Conversions

90% of all the information transmitted to our brain is visual– it’s just how we’re wired. That’s why, when you add a dash of visuals to your content, you make it more engaging.

Great visuals are key to high conversion rates. And of all visual tools in your arsenal, the Hero Image may just be the most essential.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what hero image is, why it matters and how you can leverage it to your advantage.

What is a Hero Image?

Before the digital world started using this term, hero image was defined as full-page ads in newspapers, two-page spreads in magazines, or a large banner on the window panes of the stores.

Digitally, a large eye-catching graphic placed prominently on the top of the website page or hero spot is known as a hero image.

Hero images are like an introduction. It gives your visitors/customers the sense of what to expect from your website.

The hero image can be static or dynamic (including videos or animations), and it typically extends across the screen like an oversized banner.

Why Does it Matter?

Hero image has become a quintessential tool as it grabs the attention of the audiences just when they land on your website.

Do you know other reasons why the hero image matters so much? Let’s find out.

Hero images can:

1. Simplify brand concepts which may be difficult to understand solely with text, by providing an outline of your brand, product or service in a crisp yet interesting way.

2. Evoke positive emotions by adding a personal touch that immediately builds credibility and trust for your brand.

3. Engage your audience with your business. You can add CTA, your brand’s USPs or ask them to sign up for a free trial.

4. Enable your website visitors to know your brand’s unique selling point (USP) because of its prominent place and size.

The 3 ‘Must-Haves’ of a Good Hero Image

There is no doubt that a good hero image can help in conversions by making people want to explore more about your business. Here are a few key ingredients an ideal hero image should have to derive the impact you expect.

1. Emotional Element

Creating emotional connection with your audience is the best way to win their attention and trust. That’s why, you must try to make your hero image emotionally appealing. Using images that show positive emotions could be your best bet. To do so, think along the lines of:

• Does the hero image depict emotions that will help to trigger the desired action?

2. Authenticity is the Key

Try to be as real as possible. Use original images that are related to your website’s content or your business. Authenticity resonates strongly with your audience and helps you to build a better connection with your audience. To do so, think along the lines of:

• Does the hero image represent your brand in a credible way?
• Does the hero image match with your brand values?

3. Relevant Images

As the attention span of users is reducing, your hero image should align with your theme, business, or the message you are offering through your website. To do so, think along the lines of:

• Does the hero image clearly demonstrate the message of your website?

5 Smart Ways to Create Hero Image

The hero image is like the foundation of your digital presence, so to get the art and science of it right, let’s go through 5 smart ways to make your hero image stand out.

1. Right Dimensions

The image can only woo the viewers if it’s in the right format and is according to the browser capabilities like WebM, MP4, OGG, etc. The ideal full-screen hero image dimensions should be 1,200 pixels wide with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Whereas, for a banner hero image, the recommended size is 1600 x 500 pixels. Check whether the format is supported by your website and multiple screens or not. Make sure it fits completely on your hero space, is clear and loads quickly.

2. Responsiveness

Whether it’s a mobile, tablet or desktop, check the responsiveness of the website on all the devices because you never know what kind of device a user can use to view your website. Do not forget to check how your hero image looks on different screens. The placement of images on different devices should be done in such a way so that it doesn’t lose the context.

3. Add Animation/Visuals

Mostly, websites use images and text in their hero images but it’s not important that you also have to stick to it. Go beyond your limits and try out different visuals, animations, etc. Adding animation gives a sense of energy and vitality, which is key for engaging first-time visitors and creating better brand recall.

Try and check how it looks and then decide what works for your business and its goals. For instance, SVG animation is a secret ingredient of many designers, as it reduces the load time.

4. CTA Buttons

Make your visitors’ next step obvious by adding a clear call-to-action (CTA) button. While your hero image is the centerpiece of your website, it must not overshadow the CTA. That’s why, ensure that you use a balanced image that not only highlights the message of your website but also offers them a pleasing and clear CTA.

5. Whitespace

Adding white space to your hero image can add a ton of harmony and legibility into your web design as a whole. Additionally, whitespace provides balance and hierarchy, which will help you to create a clean and easily readable website.

A good hero image will grab attention, tell your brand story, stir emotions, build empathy, and get the conversions rolling in! So, to carve the most impact from your hero image, design them with a dash of contrast, a dollop of authentic & creative visuals, and a clear call to action!

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