1. Distraction From Primary Goals
You’ve done the hard work of getting a visitor to your site, which in itself is difficult. The visitor is interested and ready to explore what you offer. But then, they spot shiny social media icons at the top of the page that stand out. They see that your promoting them to check out your social media and decide to click it. They end up never coming back to your website and although that is not always the case, you can bet that at least 20% don’t return. That’s exactly why it’s crucial to consider why to not put social media icons in header.
Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing
The main goal of your website is clear. You want users to engage directly with your content, services, or products. The primary purpose isn’t to send visitors off to browse through Instagram selfies or Facebook updates. Think of your website as the final destination, not a pit stop. The direction you want your social media followers to go is to your landing page to get a conversion. So why go backwards? Why would you want to divert traffic away just as they’re getting to the heart of what you offer?
Your website should be designed to funnel visitors towards making a decision, like booking a service, signing up for a newsletter, or purchasing a product. Each element on your page should drive towards this conversion. Social media icons, however, tend to pull them in a different direction, restarting the engagement cycle rather than closing it.
Navigation Clear and Uncluttered
When a user lands on your website, you have a limited window to capture their attention and guide them to your call to action. A clean and focused navigation helps maintain this attention and directs it rightly. Cluttering the header with social media icons can dilute this focus. It’s like being at a crossroad with too many signposts. Confusing, isn’t it?
Your header should serve as a beacon, guiding visitors swiftly to your most valuable pages. We always prefer to put a call to action button in our headers as you can see on the blog your reading. Don’t let social media icons outshine the more critical paths that lead to direct engagement or sales. It’s all about making the user’s journey as straightforward and distraction-free as possible.
Design for Conversion, Not Distraction
Think about the layout and design of your site. Each element should contribute to the story you are telling and the actions you want your visitors to take. When social media icons are placed prominently in the header, they compete for attention.
Instead, consider placing these icons more discreetly, like in the footer. This way, after visitors have engaged with your content and absorbed what you have to offer, they can choose to connect with you further on social media. This placement supports a natural flow of interaction, guiding visitors through your content first, then offering social connections as a secondary option if they are still on the fence of converting.
Streamline the Experience
Your website is your digital storefront. It’s where you get to make a pitch, showcase your products, and close deals. Keeping social media icons out of the header ensures that your visitors aren’t prematurely pulled away from this experience. Let your website do its job to convert interest into action without unnecessary detours. Keep your visitors focused, guide them wisely, and watch your primary goals turn into achievements.
2. Decreases On-Site Engagement & SEO
The Temptation to Leave
When you visit a website, what keeps you there? It’s usually the content or the services it offers, right? Now, imagine that at every turn, there’s a little icon tempting you to leave. That’s what social media icons in the header do. It’s like the little voice in your head telling you to do the wrong thing essentially. They catch your eye, and suddenly, you’re not exploring the site anymore. You’re scrolling through Twitter or Facebook, far away from the website you initially visited. The goal is to keep visitors engaged with your content, not send them elsewhere.
Engagement is Key for SEO
Let’s talk about SEO, which stands for Search Engine Optimization. Search engines like Google love websites where visitors stick around. It tells them that the site is valuable and worth recommending to others. If visitors are clicking off your site quickly because social media icons lead them away, that’s bad news for your SEO. Lower engagement means lower rankings, which means fewer visitors. It’s a cycle you don’t want to start.
Time on Site Matters
Why does the amount of time someone spends on your site matter so much? It’s all about engagement. The more time visitors spend, the more likely they are to convert into customers or followers. If your main header, the first thing people see, has social media icons, you’re inviting them to leave before they even see what you offer. Keep them browsing your pages, not your Instagram feed.
Convert, Don’t Divert
Your website’s main job is to convert visitors, whether that’s selling products, getting sign-ups, or leading them to contact you. Every element on your site should support this goal. Social media is a support tool, not the main event. Use it wisely to enhance, not diminish, user engagement.
3. People Go Away From Brand Message
Your Brand Message Matters
When someone visits your website, they’re there to learn about what you and your business have to offer. Your website is your domain, where you control the narrative and showcase what makes your brand special. If social media icons take center stage, they can overshadow your unique value proposition. Remember, you want your brand message to resonate with visitors, not to send them off to platforms where numerous distractions await.
Stay On Message, Stay Engaged
Imagine your website as one time opportunity for a job offer. Instead of sharing about who you are, what you offer, and why you’re different, instead you talk about your cool images online. That’s what social media icons in your header can do. They can pull visitors away, diluting the power of your message. Keep your audience engaged with your content, and let your brand message shine brightly.
A Direct Relationship Is Key
The ultimate goal of your website is to build a relationship with your visitors. This connection is what turns a casual browser into a loyal customer (the final step of the funnel). When social media icons dominate the header, they can interrupt this building process. Think about it: do you want to start a relationship with someone who’s always pointing you to someone else? Probably not. The same goes for your website. Let visitors get to know your brand directly without distractions.
Conclusion: Enhance, Don’t Eclipse
Your brand deserves the spotlight on your website. Don’t let social media icons steal this light. By keeping these icons subtle and non-intrusive, you ensure that your brand message remains undiluted. Let your website serve as a powerful platform for what you uniquely offer, building a direct and lasting relationship with your visitors. After all, strong brands are built on focused messages, not scattered attention.
Those are the 3 reasons why to not put social media icons in header of website. If interested in getting a website done, contact us!
Do you think otherwise and believe headers should be in header? If so, explain in the comments.
