Building the Perfect Website Header (And Why It Took So Long)
When I first set out to build my new localised website, I thought creating a header would be the easiest part. How hard could it be to place a logo, a tagline, and a menu at the top of the page? Well, as it turns out, building the perfect website header was far from straightforward—and it ended up being one of the most time-consuming parts of the process. My plan was to use all the info and knowledge learned over the last 7 months in WA and get it right the first time and out of the door!
I hit a wall!
The Header Struggles Begin
Initially, I underestimated how much thought and functionality go into a website’s header. It’s not just about putting your logo and navigation in place; it’s about:
- Ensuring the design matches your brand identity.
- Making it easy for visitors to find what they need.
- Optimizing for mobile and tablet screens.
- Balancing aesthetics with usability.
Each small tweak I made seemed to introduce another issue: misaligned elements, disappearing menus, or text that wouldn’t display properly. For anyone who has struggled with this, you’re not alone!
Why the Header Matters So Much
The header is often the first thing visitors see. Especially as this is going to be a static page website format. It sets the tone for your site and creates a first impression. A cluttered, poorly designed header can make visitors leave immediately. On the other hand, a clean and professional header invites them to explore further. And this is most certainly what I am looking for with my localised site.
I realized I needed my header to:
- Clearly display my logo to build brand recognition.
- Include a tagline that communicates what my site is about.
- Showcase an easy-to-navigate menu for key pages like Home, Services, and Contact.
- Look great on all devices, from desktops to mobile phones.
Lessons Learned (So You Don’t Have to Struggle Like I Did)
Here are a few key takeaways from my experience:
- Choose the Right Tools: After choosing Elementor as my page builder after trying the tree chewer, Beaver Builder and nearly going nuts with it. And thinking to myself this looks very similar in concept to WordPress’s Gutenberg block editor only with more bells and whistles and giving a far better look and it was one of 3 choices for the theme I wanted to use. Not until I figured out that the real bells and whistles only worked correctly by upgrading to Elementor Pro. And paying…
- This opened all the doors. And it made all the difference because with the basic version, I struggled to customize global elements like the header and footer. The Pro version gave me the flexibility I needed.
- Understand Your Theme: Your theme can either simplify or complicate your header-building process. Take the time to explore its settings and see if it has built-in options for customizing headers.
- Use a Visual Approach: Working with Elementor’s drag-and-drop editor helped me visually align elements like my logo, tagline, and menu.
- Be Patient with Yourself: It’s easy to get frustrated when things don’t look perfect. Remember, every mistake teaches you something valuable. Stick with it, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
The Finished Product
After plenty of trial and error, I’m happy to say my header is nearly where I want it to be. CTA’s to be done when I have built out the basics for the relevant linking pages. It’s clean, functional, and on-brand. Most importantly, it enhances the user experience, which is ultimately what matters most.
Moved On to The Next Pages. I am now working on the contact and services pages, which already don’t seem to be as challenging. Thank you.
What About You?
Have you struggled with building your website, headers or other parts? What tools or tricks have you used to get it just right? And I am sure there is a lot of people just learning with Kyle and his training videos—But let’s share tips and experiences in the comments below, because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that we all have something to teach and learn from each other.
Rob
Recent Comments
18
Hi Rob
Perfect is in the eye of the beholder. Clean, functional and fast loading is good enough. As a user of many websites myself (as we all are) that's what works for me.
I'm glad you found what works for you.
Have you checked page load speeds with Elementor? I hope they're ok.
;-)
Richard
Hi Richard,
I can only check the final outcome when I am done, But this is aimed at a high-earning area where I already have a good name.
So for me it has to be right in many different contexts.
Rob
i think it does, anything I am responsible for, reflects on me including load speed if I have chosen incorrectly
Rob
Agree so much! I lost hair out of it.
I eventually use GeneratePress Premium block element to do up my header to get what I wanted.
I'm glad you were able to figure it all out. Elementor isn't nearly as intuitive and easy to use as the block editor. Back in the day, Elementor had so many more drag and drop elements to it that the classic editor just didn't have. But now with Gutenberg's block editor set as the default, it is 10,000% easier to build and create with and you don't need any extra plugin.
I'd definitely consider getting used to creating with the block editor. It makes the simple things like customizing your header that much more of a smooth, streamlined process.
Glad you got it done!
Hi Eric,
As usual speaking in Batman dode! You say block editor, does that translate to WordPress Gutenberg's Block editor?
And I mean that question is not just for me, because until I put myself through this self-taught mini nightmare I had no idea what Gutenberg was referring to, or Generate Press and any of the others.
I had a long cht with Mr Chat and followed up on the answers to treat myself to my own class.
Now having used them and understanding whose is whose, I would agree with what you say.
Rob
Ps. Finally got to watch your YouTube classes, wish I had found them earlier!!
You gotta take full advantage of all the core training you have here at WA. Kyle walks you through all the basics of creating content within Wordpress so that you don’t have to venture out on your own trying to figure it all out by yourself.
There’s a whole series of mine right inside the core training inside your hub that covers Wordpress, working with Generate Press, using the block editor, and more.
Don’t leave yourself out on an island fending for yourself. Take full advantage of the training 💯
It is easy with hindsight Eric, and but I was trying to use other assets I had and paid for before I came to WA.
But I do see it as a great training class for myself, as I am forced to resolve challenges.
I will be looking into where best to host my local UK site when it goes live and make any changes after the first sale.
But now I have learnt the Editor, template and theme concept it does make WordPress seem so good.
Rob
Nothing is perfect, Robby. Let's appreciate one header at a time. The secret is being able to handle the customization process.
Maxine :)
See more comments
Dead right,
Your header, I believe, can help make or break your website.
Steve
Hi Steve,
It certainly is to me too,
Rob