Your hero section is the first thing visitors see on your coaching website.
It sets the tone, communicates value, and drives action within seconds.
It can either capture attention and encourage engagement—or drive visitors away.
A well-designed hero section:
- Captures attention instantly.
- Clearly communicates what you offer.
- Guides visitors with a strong CTA.
- Builds trust with social proof.
But what exactly makes a perfect hero section? And how do leading brands design theirs for maximum impact?
In this post, we’ll break down a proven formula for crafting a high-converting hero section, backed by real-world examples to inspire you.
Let’s get started:
The Perfect Hero Section Formula
A strong hero section answers these three questions:
- How do you make your customer’s life better? (Clear benefit-driven message)
- What do you offer? (Straightforward explanation of your product or service)
- How can I buy your product or service? (A clear and compelling CTA)
Here’s a 4-step formula for designing your Hero section that instantly grab attention, clarify the brand’s message, and guide users toward an action.
A Clear and Compelling Headline
Your headline should immediately answer what you offer and how it benefits your customer.
A vague or clever tagline can confuse visitors—clarity always wins.
Tips:
- Clearly state the core benefit of your product or service.
- Use simple, easy-to-understand language.
- Speak directly to your customer’s pain point or goal.
Examples:
- Airbnb – “Book unique homes and experiences.” (Tells users exactly what they get.)
- Calendly – “Easy scheduling ahead.” (Solves a common frustration with simplicity.)
A Persuasive Subheadline
The subheadline supports the main message by adding clarity and reinforcing the promise. This is your chance to expand on why your solution matters.
Tips:
- Explain how your product works or delivers value.
- Keep it to one or two simple sentences.
- Focus on the problem you solve or the transformation you create.
Examples:
- Slack – “Great teamwork starts with a digital HQ.” (Communicates the deeper value of the tool.)
- Shopify – “The platform commerce is built on. Millions of the world’s most successful brands trust Shopify to sell, ship, and process payments anywhere.”
A Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)
Visitors should never have to guess what to do next. Your CTA should be obvious, action-oriented, and repeated throughout the page.
Tips:
- Use a direct, benefit-driven CTA (e.g., “Get Started,” “Start Free Trial”).
- Make sure the button stands out visually.
- Avoid weak CTAs like “Learn More” unless it’s truly necessary.
Examples:
- Dropbox – “Sign up for free.” (Clear, no-risk CTA.)
- Basecamp – “Try Basecamp for free – No credit card required.” (Addresses friction immediately.)
High-Quality Visuals (Image or Video)
A great hero section shows, not just tells. Whether it’s a product image, an engaging video, or a customer in action, visuals help visitors quickly understand what you offer and how it benefits them.
Tips:
- Use real, high-quality images that reinforce the message.
- Feature a product demo or lifestyle shot that reflects your audience.
- Avoid generic stock photos that don’t add value.
Examples:
- Apple – Large, crisp product images that highlight design and innovation.
- Trello – A clean interface preview showing how easy it is to organize work.
Examples of High-Performing Hero Sections
A great hero section instantly communicates what you offer, how it benefits your audience, and what action they should take next. Below are examples of brands that do this exceptionally well.
1. Mediation Northwest
Why it works:
- Descriptive CTAs
- High-quality authentic image
- Clear headline
2. Stark Smiles
Why it works:
- Clear and compelling headline
- Text that explains their service
- Precise CTA
3. Moellering
Why it works:
- Straight-to-the-Point CTA
- Minimalist Yet Impactful Headline
- The refined typography create an impression of luxury. and precision.
4. Internos
Why it works:
- Explains how they make your life better
- Emphasize on pain points
- Clear CTA
5. Michael Maddus
Why it works:
- Instantly adds value
- Subtext helps to understand how he can help
- Personal image captures attention
6. The Happy Sleeper
Why it works:
- Attention grabbing headline
- Speaks to the audience
- Subtle CTA
7. ATL
Why it works:
- Shows what they want to offer
- Concise yet impactful text
- Direct CTA
Common Hero Section Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls to keep your hero section clear and effective:
- Poor Mobile Optimization – Ensure your hero section is responsive and easy to navigate on all devices.
- Unclear Messaging – Your headline should instantly communicate what you offer and how it benefits the visitor.
- No Clear Call-to-Action (CTA) – Guide users with a strong, action-oriented CTA like “Get Started” or “Book a Free Consultation.”
- Overly Cluttered Design – Too many elements create confusion. Keep it clean and focused
- Too Much Text – A concise message is more impactful than long-winded explanations.
- Poor Visuals – Low-quality or irrelevant images reduce credibility. Use high-resolution, purposeful visuals.
- Lack of Social Proof – Testimonials, client logos, or media mentions build trust instantly.
Conclusion
Your hero section is the first thing visitors see—make sure it’s clear, compelling, and conversion-focused. Avoid common mistakes and follow a proven formula to maximize impact.
Not sure if your hero section is working? Request a free audit, and we’ll review it for you!
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