Blog header graphic is the most prominent element of your blog and it sits in the most prominent position. It is the high section that runs across the top of every post and page on your blog and it usually is the first thing your visitors see when they get to your blog.
Your blog header image brands your blog and tells the reader that they are browsing your blog while the reader moves through your articles and pages. Some bloggers even create several blog headers, make them rotate to give a dynamic appearance of their blogs.
Still thousands of bloggers do not seem to pay too much attention to their blog header image and use the same generic graphic they have found in their WordPress blog theme.
What does header image tell about your blog?
Using the generic header graphic sends out an amateur and unoriginal image of your blog. Do you want your blog to be associated with and confused with other blogs that are using the same blog graphic?
Some first-time visitors may not even scroll down to read your blog content because your header graphic did not catch their attention or it made a negative impression. They will ask themselves why would this blog have anything interesting and unique to offer if the blogger didn’t even make the effort to have an original and eye-catching header?
You need an original and eye-catching header graphic
You need to differentiate and express your blog with an original and eye-catching header graphic. It needs to be unique to grab the attention and give a good first impression to your visitors. Good blog header graphic creates an appropriate atmosphere and sets the tone of your blog.
You need to define the purpose of your blog and decide exactly what you want your blog header image to communicate about your blog and about yourself to your visitors.
Some blog header examples for your inspiration
Your blog header can be anything you want. Here are some examples from the blogs that I enjoy reading. Hopefully some of these can inspire your blog header.
How do I get my own header graphic?
If you want to have a modern look and feel, unique and eye-catching blog header image is your answer. It works and gives a professional image. It inspires your blog visitors to scroll down and start reading your content. I would definitely recommend getting an unique blog header design for your blog.
- WordPress has a detailed tutorial on a all things about designing headers.
- Read a detailed step-by-step PhotoShop tutorial on how to create your own logo.
- Check out 45 free header designs you can use on your blog.
- Get a designer to do design the header for you. HowToMakeMyBlog header was created by Daniel C. Townson at Afterman Media.
I hope this article has shown you the importance of having a blog header design and inspired you to get your own unique blog header.
Image by: PowerBookTrance
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
I completely agree! The image I chose is simple, but I think it is eye catching, relevant to my subject matter, and it is unique (since I took the picture myself). I also use a portion of that same image elsewhere as my avatar on twitter, message boards, etc. It helps create a recognizable association across my online presence.
@Annie – Good job! I like how you use the same image in your header and then use it in social media and other promotion. Very good branding!
@Chris – Definitely, the head should be relevant to your content. Maybe put some iPhone/Mac stuff as it seems you have lots of Apple related content.
@carrotmadman6 – Nice, shiny and colorful background especially hehe
The header image for my blog is kind of temporary. I do like it, but it implies more astronomy-themed content. While my blog does throw in some astro topics once in a while, it’s quite clearly more tech-based. So I’m going to have to make some new header images.
Sometimes a great background can make a huge difference.
Once I save up some cash I’m thinking about getting a designer to build me one. I know quite a few of them so if anyone would like a designer just let me know!
I’ve been thinking about doing a blog makeover… I might have to re-look at my header: To put your personal picture in the header or not to, that is the question!
The header on this blog is very clear, free blog ideas and tips!
Your header design is one of the most important aspects of your Blog. The one recommendation I have is that you include what your Blog is about in your header. If people cannot even understand what your Blog is completely about than it is unlikely they will subscribe.
I usually have a pretty nice header image IMO. On one of my blogs, I even have a mascot in the header. I makes my blog memorable, and people will remember the site down the road, if not for the content, then the mascot.
Thanks for all the comments!
@Alex – I like the idea of having a blog mascot. Haven’t seen anyone doing that so it seems like a great opportunity to create a cartoon character which can brand your blog all over the net.
@Man Overboard – It is definitely very short-term strategy to only work on getting visitors to your blog. You can always get somebody to visit your blog for a quick second or two. The trick and the hard work is to get them to stay on your blog, ready your articles, comment on them, subscribe to your RSS and keep coming back. The header image is one of the things that will help out, I have already mentioned several others in my articles and hopefully will continue providing good tools and tips.
Superb overview. NOw I look at my blog header and…it’s my website graphics applied to the WordPress template, but maybe when I redesign my site I should add a little extra flare to my blog header, too.
Brilliant Article Marko. I used to have a really crappy looking logo but then I got my hand on Photoshop and designed a really unique and eye catching one. Your blog’s logo really says a lot about your blog so try and get a unique and well designed one. Even if you have to pay for it.
There are no 2 blog header that are the same. If there are 2 the same, there is a copyright problem. Blog headers make your blog to be unique. It also increases the value of your blog and leaves an interesting impression to your readers and visitors.
Your header is one of the most original and catchy graphics I have seen on a blog yet. I’m sure this is a large contributor to the rapid success you have enjoyed here.
Too many people focus only on “getting them” and there is not nearly enough energy put into “bringing them back.” I think you do both very well here.
Yes, I totally agree with these suggestions. And it’s true, everytime I see a blog that uses a free template that hasn’t been customized, I do think of it as amateur. Of course, I am somewhat of a web dev snob, so that might explain why I turn my nose up at other blogs. lol.
But its true. When you added the new header graphic to this blog, I definitely took notice.
I have always wanted some good headers for my Blog but unaware where to get it or how to make4 one. Thanks a lot!
Hey Marko!
Thanks for featuring my SEO blog. Actually my header graphic is not even a graphic, it’s text! It’s huge text that’s get anti-aliased (smoothed out) so that it looks like a graphic. Some blogs use too big header graphics which cover too much space and take a long time to load. I keep it simple.
tad
That is pretty cool, and yeah, it definitely looks like a logo hehe
this is a very insightful article. i enjoyed reading this very much.
you’re right-using personalized blog header makes a blog seems more professional and personalized, which is great.
thank you for sharing!
Yes the header graphic is important to. But I think there is a lot more to take care of. I have written an ebook about how to start your own blog with the proper way. This will be a very good information source for the beginners.
Hey, and thanks for the header graphic! Its nice to get it. I will put it in use soon.
Thanks!