Create a Pro Looking Hero Image Header

I'm sure you've seen them around... Those professional looking header sections with a big "hero" image and a title text on top.

All the pros are using this layout on their website. 

But somehow, when you try this on your own homepage, it never looks quite as professional.

Let me show you step by step how to create these gorgeous looking header sections and how to make them look good on desktop AND on mobile. 

The Hero Image Header Section

If you're having a personal brand, you are the most important element of your business. 

Having a hero image header section on your homepage will allow to establish that personal connection you're looking for.

Here are a few examples:

1. A Professional Picture

I'm probably stating the obvious here, but if you want the first impression to be a good one, you'll need a high quality image.

Your holiday picture or a selfie will instantly discredit your brand.

Your image needs to be suitable for a text overlay. This might be a white background or you might need to add an overlay on (part) of the picture to allow the text to stand out.

The big advantage of Thrive Architect is that you can accomplish this overlay from within the plugin! No need for photo editing software.

3. Right or Left aligned Text Elements (4:55 min)

There are many different options to align a text on one or the other side of your image but each option has different outcomes on mobile.

Understanding what really happens will avoid some serious hair-pulling later on especially with mobile responsiveness.

4. What Happens on Mobile? (12:18 min)

One of the most difficult parts to get right is the mobile look of this type of headers. 

There are different solutions:

1. Replace the image with a plain background

This approach has two big advantages. First of all, you don't have to worry about readability and on top of that your site will load faster which is always an advantage when thinking about the mobile experience.

In the tutorial we take it one step further and we actually use a solid colored background but without loosing the "personal branding touch".

2. Adapt the overlay for readability

Instead of replacing the image, you could adapt the overlay so that the text is readable no matter where the text is on the image. This allows you to keep the "personal branding" aspect without having to worry about different mobile screen sizes.

3. Tweak the Layout

This is the most difficult option and I don't really recommend trying this... You will never be able to check on all different devices and might run into readability problems at some point.

Now It's Your Turn

How do you like this layout? Are you going to use it on your site? Any other layouts you would like us to build? Make sure to check out our guide on how to create a personal branding website with Thrive Suite, too.