Website footer plays a significant role in improving the user experience. It’s a safe hub for users to learn more about your services or company. Its design is an essential part of user confidence and future interactions with the website content. So why is it important to pay attention to this aspect? Keep reading to learn the best practices and the significance of the website footer design.
What Is a Website Footer?
A website footer is a section located at the bottom of a web page. It typically contains relevant to the website or the company information, such as copyright notices, legal disclaimers, contact information, social media links, and navigation links to other parts of the website.
The website footer is an essential element of the design. Let’s look at its importance:
- Navigation. A footer can provide an additional means of navigation, especially for visitors who have scrolled to the bottom of the page. It can include links to important pages that aren’t available in the website’s header. It enhances the need for a high-quality footer design.
- Legitimacy. You can establish the credibility and legitimacy of a website by displaying copyright notices, legal disclaimers, and contact information in your footer design. This information assures visitors that the website is legitimate and trustworthy.
- User experience. A well-designed footer can enhance the user experience by delivering helpful information and making it easier for visitors to find what they need. It leads to increased engagement and satisfaction with the website.
- SEO optimization. A structured website footer design is an opportunity to improve search engine optimization (SEO). You can increase the website’s visibility in search engine results by including useful links and relevant anchor text.
It’s critical to follow brand consistency when designing the website footer. Using agreeing colors, fonts, and design elements can strengthen your company’s identity. As a result, you’ll create a cohesive and professional website look and feel.
What to Include in the Website Footer Design?
A functional website footer is an equal element to any other website part. However, optimizing it may appear challenging. The footer’s design should not be overlooked as it may convey valuable information to users. Here is some advice on how to improve the user experience with this part of a web page.
Site map
A site map is a visual representation of the structure of your website, which can be a helpful addition to your website footer. It makes it easier for users to navigate your website by clicking the link that takes visitors directly to the corresponding page. There are two ways you can add a site map to the footer:
- providing multiple links to the website’s sections right away
- giving a single link to the XML site map, redirecting users to the new page
The first method is also called “site map footer”. This footer contains navigation features that do not fit into the main navbar or features that encourage visitors to browse the website. For example, you can add navigational links that users would like to explore but are unable to see when they first visit the web page.
The second method includes an internal site map link that redirects users to the new page. This site map type contains all the website pages’ URLs allowing visitors to find the desired information in one place. This approach enables search engines better crawl websites, making it one of the best SEO practices
For a greater outcome, you can combine these practices, just like Apple does. As a result, your website has a better chance of being noticed by more people.
Copyright notice
A copyright notice is an essential part of the website footer, as it informs users the content is unique and protected by copyright law. It’s an effective way to protect your website content and establish ownership. Don’t forget about this aspect of your website design.
A typical copyright notice includes the copyright symbol (©), the year of publication, and the copyright owner’s name. You may also add “All rights reserved” after the copyright symbol. If you have copyrighted material you don’t own, include the name of the copyright owner in the notice. This way, you can create a clear and legally compliant copyright notice that informs visitors of your ownership rights.
Privacy policy
A privacy policy is among the most crucial parts of your website. Placing its link in the footer design is profitable as the users can find it intuitively and fast. It ensures that this section is visible on every website page. The privacy policy must include information about what personal data you collect, how and why you gather it, and how you use it. It should contain information about how visitors can control their data, such as dropping out of email lists or deleting their accounts.
Remember that the privacy policy should be concise and easy to read. Avoid using overly technical or legal language, and organize the content into sections that are easy to navigate. Consider using bullet or numbered lists to break up the content and make it easier to perceive. When designing, use a legible font and ensure the text is large enough to read on different devices.
Contact information
Your potential customers may have additional questions or desire to collaborate with you. The list of reasons to contact you may go on. Based upon this, putting the contact information is crucial. The most convenient way is to locate an email address, phone number, or postal address in your website footer. Alternatively, it could include a link to a contact form.
Consider dedicating an individual part of the footer design to contact information, like in the example, for a better user experience. It will boost user confidence and make it easier for visitors to collaborate with you.
Social media links
Social media links are another way for users to connect with you, for some of them may be the most convenient. As a result, adding links to social media profiles is advised. Representing your services on social media platforms adds public proof resulting in higher credibility and user trust. Look at the social media links in the Adidas website footer design:
The best way to add social platforms is by using icons because of the significant amount of text your footer contains. Additionally, consider adding labels next to each social media icon in the footer to indicate which platform it represents. It can make it easier for some visitors to recognize the icons and understand what they convey. Users can just take a look and intuitively follow the links. It’s not confusing, understandable, and easy to notice.
Logo
The website footer is an excellent place to showcase your brand’s identity. A logo makes it look more wholesome. There are several ways how to design a business logo in the footer:
- utilizing the same logo as in the header
- presenting it differently but saving brand consistency
- including a statement about your brand’s mission or values below the logo
The main idea of a great logo representation is to maintain the brand personality throughout every detail. Your footer logo design can impact user trust in your company significantly. Ensure your logo contrasts well with the footer background color. It helps to stand out and makes it easier for visitors to recognize your brand. Consider making your logo clickable and link it to your homepage or a landing page. This way users can return to the main page in case they get lost on the website.
Wrapping Up
Every element you put in the website footer design matters. This web page’s part is often overlooked but that doesn’t make it less significant. A well-designed footer helps users feel familiar with your web page, resulting in a better user experience and conversion rates. Analyze the content you provide to consumers and make it your strength. It’ll add value to your website undoubtedly
