A website footer is the strip of content at the bottom of a web page. At a minimum, the footer should contain the company logo and contact information. Ideally it will also include a navigation menu. And, while there are exceptions to every rule, it is safe to say that the footer (and the header) should be consistent on every page throughout the site.
What makes a good website footer?
Contact information
As with most aspects of web design, you are trying to satisfy at least two sets of users: real people and search engines. When you include your contact information in the website footer, you are providing the user with a consistent and easily accessible way for them to reach you. Also, search engines like when contact info is displayed prominently because it indicates a level of transparency, legitimacy and trustworthiness. Therefore, when you include your contact information in the footer, you are likely to rewarded with a higher search engine ranking. When possible, include a phone number, email address, physical address and social media links.
Legal information in the footer
Users can navigate a site and find what they are looking for easily when the design provides familiar elements and layouts. Copyright notices, privacy policies and terms of service are frequently included in the footer of a website. For that reason, we often recommend placing them there.
An email signup form in the footer
If you don’t already have an email list, it may be time to consider adding it to your marketing plan. A comprehensive list of customers’ email addresses can be one of a business’ most valuable assets. Everyone on your email marketing list has asked you to contact them directly. They want you to hear from you. They are just waiting for you to give them a reason to be even more loyal than they already are.
We have written several blog articles about email marketing:
How important is your email marketing list?
How to start an email list from scratch
Eight ideas to inspire your next email marketing campaign
Email marketing checklist
When you decide to go ahead and add email marketing to your efforts, consider including a signup link in the website footer.
Is it time to improve your website footer?
If you’d like to improve the appearance and effectiveness of your website footer, give us a call at (518) 392-0846 or email [email protected]. And for those interested in learning more about all our services, visit our WordPress website design and development services page.