How To Choose An Effective Homepage Hero Image

Why it matters: The Hero Image, when chosen properly, is your most effective story-telling tool. Its origins come from the Hero Prop in plays. The large, easy to see stage prop that sets the scene… the scene where we empathize with the main character (the hero). The Hero Image should bring immediate clarity of message to your audience.

How it works: These are ways we look to leverage the Hero Image

• Tell A Story To Connect Emotionally With Your Target Audience
• Highlight Your Brand
• Answer Your Target Audience’s Questions
• Showcase Your Value Proposition/Call-To-Action
• Make a Claim/Announcement

How we bring it all together:

Select a Compelling Image. Choose an image that your target audience recognizes as being part of their life, or the life they want. This familiarity assures them that the site is for them. Avoid obvious stock photos. Be authentic. Don’t use images you don’t have a license to use.

Make a Compelling Claim. Your hero image coupled with this claim is your first impression. This statement is the reason they will stay longer. Workshop this statement until it is pithy, and powerful. 

Offer a Compelling Call To Action. Be upfront about what you want your audience to do. This site is your opportunity to compel them to connect. Put it put there.

Hero image pro-tips:

• Choose an image where there is energy focused on the Claim/CTA
  • Someone pointing, looking, moving towards your CTA.
• Choose an image with depth that draws you in to a vanishing point
  • Horizontal lines, angles, structures, paths… draw your attention.
• Use dark and light shading to create contrast for your Claim/CTA
  • Vignette, fogging, semi-transparent shade… make for easy-to-read text.
• Choose an image with some empty space to place Claims/CTA.
  • Alternatively, this can be added with solid color overlays
• Apply the above to your interior page subheader image selections. Avoid using a default subheader when each page has its own story to tell.

Should I use a Slideshow for my Hero Image?

• Do more images tell the story better?
• Will our audience pay attention long enough to warrant it?

Should I use a Video for my Hero Image?

• Does video tell the story better?
• Will our audience pay attention long enough to warrant it?
• Can we get the right video clips to tell the story we want to tell? Cost?

If you would like to take a deeper dive into how to choose an effective hero image just let us know. At no charge to you, we’d be happy to discuss this important topic. We’re available by email, text, phone, chat, or feel free to schedule an appointment at any time.