Website Footer

The importance of footers

Many studies have shown that if a web user is unable to find a certain page in the primary navigation, they will scroll down to the footer to find it next. This is especially important for very deep websites that may require more complex menu systems in the primary navigation.

While it isn’t necessary to include every page of your website in the footer, doing so can be a useful SEO strategy. By listing your pages in the footer, you can incorporate relevant keywords on every page of your website.

Footers are also home to key information like company contact details, which should be easily accessible to your users at all times.

What to include in a website footer

There is a wide range of content that can be included in your website footer, and what you choose to include should be dictated by the goals of your website. For example, if you’re trying to increase the number of conversions on your website via a “Book Demo” button, you might consider including a call to action in your footer. If you have a deep website that can make it challenging for users to locate certain pages, you might want to list out all of your pages within the footer.

Though not exhaustive, here is a list of the most common footer elements.

• Contact information – this can include details like phone number, email address, physical address, and map
• Page navigation – listing all or certain pages of your website in the footer can make it easier for users to find the page they’re looking for. Listing page names can also improve keyword inclusion
• Sitemap – linking your sitemap in the footer enables Google to crawl your website more efficiently
• Privacy policy and terms of use – these are standard for all websites, typically found in small print at the very bottom of the page. These must be provided to inform users about what information you collect, how and why you use it, and the terms the user agrees to when they use your website
• Call to action buttons – often buttons like “Contact”, “Book Demo”, or “Donate”, CTA buttons provide users with another opportunity to engage with your brand
• Email signups and subscriptions – if you have a blog or newsletter, including a signup bar in the footer makes it convenient for users to enter their email address to receive communications from your brand
• Social media buttons – placing these links to your social media accounts within easy reach provides users with the opportunity to explore other ways to engage with your brand
• Copyright notice – while not legally mandated, you should always include this as it acts as a deterrent against plagiarism
• Logo – it’s common practice to include your company logo in the footer at it can help build familiarity with your brand
• Credentials, affiliations, awards – including these logos can build credibility for your brand and reassure users of your reputation and status