I have written on this already. Let me ask you this again today.

What is that small (and hence inconspicuous) visual element in a website that most newbies tend to ignore in their website building? Why newbies alone, even some successful websites don’t have them. Hint: It’s an important branding element.

Answer: It’s the favicon.

Shortened form of “favourite icon”, the favicon is that small icon seen in the address bar just beside the title of an active page in the different tabs of the browser (when it has a tabbed interface). These small icons are seen in the bookmark list too. A favicon helps in distinguishing a website from other active pages in the browser tabs. When a website does not have a favicon, the tab shows a blank-page image in the default.

Is the Importance of Favicon Overrated?

I have seen some “successful websites” here in WA and elsewhere without favicons in them. Meaning, when it’s about making sales and getting leads or subscribers, having a favicon or not having it is immaterial. Really? I can’t say because I don’t have any data to back my contention.

Perhaps, if it’s an amazing sales copy, a reader may not even bother to look whether there’s a favicon or not and maybe take action immediately by clicking on the CTA, resulting in a flash sale or a business lead. A regular website visitor does not even know what a favicon is. Only bloggers know it and so unless the business is targeted towards other bloggers or affiliate marketers, the website owner can afford to ignore the favicon. Or can he?

Does a Favicon Make a Website User-friendly?

It sure does. It saves time for the user. It saves time in identifying a website from other websites from the active tabs in the browser, from the bookmark list, and browsing history. For instance, if a user has a list of bookmarked websites for future reference, the favicons used will make it convenient for him to pick the one that he was looking for. Imagine tabs or a bookmark list with websites without favicons and with all similar-looking blank-page images!

A Favicon is a Branding Element

Having a favicon lends a better brand credibility to a website. Having it projects an image of seriousness and of being trust-worthy. A website without a favicon looks amateurish and careless. If you’re building a business website, please use a favicon.

So, friends, do you already have a favicon in your website? I'm sure you have :)