UI Design

Build a Hero Section

Build a hero section by clarifying the offer, writing a direct headline, choosing one primary action and making the first viewport readable on both desktop and mobile.

What this workflow solves

Target outcome

A hero section that explains the page quickly, supports the main conversion path and remains readable without visual clutter.

Work through Hero section

Track each step, focus the current task and copy a starter outline for your project notes or implementation plan.

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Write the first-screen message

The hero should tell visitors what the page is about before they have to scroll.

  • Make the H1 the product, offer or page category.
  • Put the value proposition in supporting copy.
  • Avoid vague headlines that could fit any website.
Starter codeCopy and adapt this outline for the workflow.
<section aria-labelledby="build-hero-section-title">
  <p>Hero section</p>
  <h2 id="build-hero-section-title">Build a Hero Section</h2>
  <p>A hero section that explains the page quickly, supports the main conversion path and remains readable without visual clutter.</p>
  <ol>
    <li>Write the first-screen message</li>
    <li>Choose the call to action</li>
    <li>Design for scan speed</li>
  </ol>
</section>

Work this way

These are the patterns that keep the workflow practical, accessible and easier to maintain.

Make the H1 the product, offer or page category.
Use action text that describes what happens next.
Keep the hero copy to a few useful sentences.

Avoid these traps

Adding sections because they look impressive instead of helping a decision.
Using inconsistent spacing, button styles or card treatments.
Treating mobile layout as a smaller desktop layout.

Step-by-step workflow

Follow the steps in order, then use the resource sections when you need a tool, reference or UI pattern.

1

Write the first-screen message

The hero should tell visitors what the page is about before they have to scroll.

  • Make the H1 the product, offer or page category.
  • Put the value proposition in supporting copy.
  • Avoid vague headlines that could fit any website.
2

Choose the call to action

A strong hero usually has one primary action and one lower-pressure secondary action.

  • Use action text that describes what happens next.
  • Keep secondary actions visually quieter.
  • Make button text short enough for mobile.
3

Design for scan speed

Spacing, type scale and contrast should help visitors understand the page in seconds.

  • Keep the hero copy to a few useful sentences.
  • Check text and button contrast.
  • Ensure the next section is hinted below the fold where possible.

Tools, cheatsheets and components

Use these linked DevKitYard sections when the guide moves from planning to doing.

Build hero sections in ElementYard

Use ElementYard hero presets to visually customise first-screen layout, copy and CTA spacing.

Open ElementYard

Hero section questions

Should a hero headline be a slogan?

Usually no. A clear product, offer or category headline is easier to understand and better for search intent.

How many CTAs should a hero include?

One primary CTA is ideal. A secondary CTA can help users who are not ready for the main action yet.