The Importance of Your Website Footer
When it comes to web design, most people tend to focus on the eye-catching elements like the homepage, stunning visuals, and engaging content. However, there's a hidden gem at the bottom of your website that often goes overlooked – the footer. You might be surprised to learn just how crucial your website footer is.
In this blog post, we'll dive into the "what," "how," "where," and "why" of the website footer, uncover its hidden potential, and explore its role in enhancing the user experience for Squarespace websites.
What Is the Website Footer?
Before we delve deeper into the importance of the footer, let's clarify what it is. The website footer is the section that appears at the bottom of every webpage on your site. It typically contains a variety of information and links that serve both your visitors and your business.
Why the website footer matters your business:
Now, you might be wondering why the website footer is such a big deal. Let's break it down:
Enhanced User Experience: The footer provides effortless navigation, allowing your potential clients to access essential information without having to scroll back to the top of the page. This ensures a smooth user experience, making your site user-friendly and encouraging visitors to explore your services further.
SEO Boost: Search engines reward well-structured websites. A thoughtfully designed footer can contribute to better SEO rankings. By including relevant keywords (I have Squarespace Web Designer in mine) in your footer, such as your service offerings and location, you can improve your website's visibility in search results.
Credibility and Trust: A well-designed footer with contact information, privacy policies, and copyright notices instils trust in your visitors. It shows that you are a legitimate and trustworthy business or professional. I would also recommend removing ‘powered by Squarespace’.
Increased Conversions: Your footer can serve as a strategic space for calls to action (CTAs) or links to essential landing pages, such as your contact or booking page. This can lead to increased conversions, whether it's scheduling a consultation or requesting a quote.
Legal Compliance: For businesses, the footer is where you can place necessary legal information, such as terms and conditions or GDPR compliance notices, ensuring you're meeting legal requirements.
What Should Your Footer Include?
Now that you understand the significance of the website footer, let's explore what elements your service-based business should incorporate:
Strategic Links: Include links to your most important pages, like your portfolio, services, and contact page.
Services Offered: Include a concise list of your services. This not only informs visitors at a glance but also reinforces your expertise in your field.
Contact Information: Ensure that your footer prominently displays accurate contact details, making it easy for potential clients to reach out.
Location and Service Areas: If your services are location-based, specify your service areas in the footer. This helps potential clients know if you cater to their region.
Social Media Integration: Add social media icons that link to your profiles. This can boost your online presence and allow visitors to connect with you on various platforms.
Copyright Notice: Display a copyright notice to protect your content and demonstrate professionalism.
Privacy Policy and Compliance: If you're collecting data on your website, make sure you have a link to your privacy policy and adhere to legal requirements. This will differ depending on the country you are in.
CTAs: Incorporate clear and compelling calls to action in your footer. Encourage visitors to take the next step, whether it's booking a consultation or exploring your services further.
Where Should You Place the Footer?
The placement of your footer is crucial. It should appear at the bottom of every page on your website. Squarespace makes this easy by including a consistent footer section across all templates. Ensure that your footer is visually appealing, with a design that complements your overall website style.
FAQs About Website Footers:
Q: Can I change my footer design on Squarespace?
Yes, you can customise the design of your footer on Squarespace. It's essential to maintain a cohesive look and feel with the rest of your website while ensuring it's user-friendly.
Q: Should I include every link in my footer?
No, it's important to prioritise the most important links and information in your footer. Keep it clean and organised to avoid overwhelming your visitors.
Q: What's the ideal length for a footer?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but generally, it should be long enough to include necessary information but not so long that it becomes overwhelming. Balance is key.
Q: Should I include links to external resources in my footer?
It's generally best to keep your footer focused on your website's content and resources. However, you can include external links if they are highly relevant to your services, such as industry associations or certifications. This could also be where you have FAQ’s.
Q: Can I change my footer design without affecting the rest of my website's look and feel?
Yes, you can customise your footer's design to match your website's overall aesthetic while maintaining consistency. Be sure to test any design changes across different devices for a seamless user experience.
Q: What should I do if my website footer is too cluttered or overwhelming?
If your footer appears cluttered, consider streamlining it by prioritising the most important elements.
Q: Are there any best practices for mobile-friendly footers?
A: Yes, ensure that your footer is responsive and looks good on mobile devices. Use legible fonts and icons, and consider a mobile-specific design if necessary. Test the functionality on various screen sizes to guarantee a positive user experience.
As a service-based business owner, your website's footer is a valuable asset that can set you apart from the competition. By understanding the "what," "how," "where," and "why" of this essential section, you can unlock its potential and elevate your online presence.
Get in touch with me and let's make your online presence shine brighter than ever before. Your success story begins here!