What is Footer?
Footer - the bottom section of a webpage that typically contains important information such as copyright, contact details, and links to additional resources. This section is commonly ignored by visitors, but plays an essential role in creating a well-rounded web design.
A footer is present on every page of a website and can be designed in various ways to complement the site's overall design. The purpose of this area is to provide additional navigational links to other pages within the site or external resources while also reinforcing branding with logos and slogans.
The footer has become an integral part of website structure over time, providing users with more access to valuable content without overwhelming them with too much information upfront.
The Importance of Footer for User Experience
Incorporating a well-designed footer into your website can greatly enhance user experience. By including important resources like sitemap links or social media buttons at the bottom of each page, users have easy access to these options without having to navigate back up the page unnecessarily. Strong use cases include e-commerce websites where footers house customer service contacts so shoppers can quickly find assistance if needed.
Additionally, adding proper copywriting elements such as disclaimers and terms & conditions have legal implications that protect both you (the business owner) and your users from any issues down the line. Your footer should be treated as another way for users to engage with your brand rather than just an afterthought stuck at the bottom:
- An extension for CTA's (call-to-actions)
- Cross-promotion opportunities
- Showcase awards or certifications earned by your organization etc..
Tips on Designing Effective Footers
- Favor minimalism: Keep the overall design clean and simple. Avoid cluttering with unnecessary information that can detract from its effectiveness.
- Make it easy to access: Users should be able to navigate your footer without difficulty, so keep it easily accessible by placing links prominently.
- Balancing Act: Ensure the content of the footer is balanced across all pages for consistency. You do not want missing information on one page or an overload on another
In conclusion, when designing a website, you shouldn't overlook your footer. When designed correctly, this component provides valuable real estate for showcasing important information while enhancing user experience at the same time.