In line with the traditional concepts of web design, components placed in the page footer are not of any real worth, the majority of designers believe this and they are sure that it must also be the truth.
The reality is that, if you place site features right in your page footer, they are always going to find it hard to grab the attention of users. This is why footers tend to be disregarded altogether and not afforded any real focus at all.
It is true that a lot of footers are overloaded and not very interesting, as designers use the bottom part of a page to cram in all of the little things which they have not managed to fit up in the page.
This includes disclaimer notes, copyright notices, ‘back to the top’ links, and contact information.
Image source: Andreas Ubbe Dall
If the majority of designers constantly disregard this space, can a savvy web designer learn how to make it stand out?
We should not forget that a fabulous looking footer can be a great way to surprise users and keep them close to your website!
How Are Footers Supposed to Be Used?
Image source: Islam Usry
In essence, a footer is just another space in which to hold data. This is why some designers place contact information and some small company descriptions in this area.
There are websites which use the footer for driving directions, phone numbers, and email addresses. Yet, it is also recommended to use the footer as a way of presenting something creative and customized.
With just a tiny change in the footer and a personal touch, you instantly make your platform personal and interesting.
Large and Insightful Footers
Image source: Henry Brown
There are many designers who know that it is a waste to disregard an entire platform ending with just a few throwaway links or sentences. Skilled and intriguing platforms should have engaging and exciting footers. If you create a large and insightful footer, it will appeal to users.
To start designing a website footer, you need to split the footer from the page information by using a range of tones. However, do remember that the color theme of the entire platform should be homogeneous, as everything needs to look and feel streamlined.
Duplicate Closeness to the Floor
Image source: Jac-Martin Dorion
Whilst this may sound a little weird, it is a tried and tested trick. A lot of design experts prefer to duplicate closeness to the floor or to the ground.
In other words, they try to finish layouts using features like trees, birds, buildings, and the horizontal viewpoint.
A Sitemap in Footers
Image source: Marco Paccagnella
Putting a sitemap somewhere within your footer can offer advantages. For instance, it is a good way to briefly describe the information on the platform and it can be a handy way to help users get around.
A footer with an accessible sitemap draws in focus from users and can boost clicks and traffic.
Connect to the Information
Image source: Mobby Dick
It is important to remember that two of the most vital connections within any website footer need to direct users to the About Us and the Contact Us pages.
Your users will wish to find out about the company or the creator of the website and you need to ensure that this data is simple to get to. Some might also wish to know about your team members and how they can be reached.
As people lose track of business cards, this is a better source of information.
Use Different Tones to Keep the Footer Separate
Image source: Bruno Amorim
As the primary purpose of the footer is to finish the website plan, it tends to be constructed in a color which contrasts strongly with the predominant tones across the platform.
It is just as useful to use bright tones as it is darker ones, so pick the colors which feel right for you.
Footers with Sophisticated Goals
Image source: Seong Lee
Aside from visual attractiveness, a good website footer design can be employed to present critical data quickly and efficiently.
As aforementioned, it can include contact details, addresses, sitemaps, and more. Additional features, like RSS feeds and email registration links, are also routinely placed in the footer.
Social Features in Footers
Image source: Laura Budinger
There is no harm in placing social features within a footer.
The users who might choose to follow you on social media platforms will appreciate the opportunity to click through and join your page in an instant.
Order Footer Links
Image source: Alessandro Risso
Gathering similar footer components together will give the space a clear sense of order and regulation, and will result in a clean and tidy look.
Just think about using multiple columns – or horizontal columns – for data like contact details, links, social media features, services, and other components from your most important areas.
Add a Copyright Warning
Image source: Mark Wyner
This very small piece of writing can make a big difference to the security of your website, so remember it.
While the majority of platforms add it as just one line of writing across the bottom end of a screen, it is possible to create it in a way which feels assimilated to the rest of the footer.
It is a good idea to include the year of creation and any pertinent details related to the copyright owner.
Acknowledge Readability
Image source: Andrew Korytsev
Since footer data is often presented in very tiny fashion, your choice of color and font are more important than ever. The best approach is to stick with high contrast designs – for example, a light background with a dark colored text.
The Bottom Line
A good website footer design can convey a lot of things about an online platform. It lets users know what you are about, what you do, what you can offer them, and even why they should stick with your website.
Credit for featured image: J.Baptiste Eudeline
