30 jaw-dropping hero section examples from real websites

How can you create a great first impression that makes your brand memorable? Here are 30 hero section examples to help inspire your next web design.

Karen Spaeder
Post by
Karen S
30 jaw-dropping hero section examples from real websites

As a marketer or web designer, you know that a website’s first impression is everything when it comes to conversions.

It’s the moment when visitors decide whether to stick around and explore further — or click away quickly and move on to another site.

Behind the scenes of this pivotal moment is the hero section (the header): the visually captivating area at the top of a webpage that sets the tone for the entire user experience. It’s such an important part of a website that we’ve dedicated this entire article to hero section examples. Below, we provide a quick overview of why the hero section is so critical, followed by 30 of our favorite jaw-dropping hero sections worth exploring in 2024.

What is a hero section?

Before we delve into the captivating hero section examples, let’s establish what a hero section is and why it holds such significance in website design. In the realm of web development, a hero section refers to the prominent and visually striking area at the top of a webpage.

Whether for a landing page, a blog, a SaaS website, a portfolio website, an ecommerce website, or any other kind of site, the hero section is the gateway to the rest of the content. It plays a crucial role in grabbing visitors’ attention, enticing them to explore further.

Get your hero section right, and you’ll keep visitors on your page. Get it wrong, and you’ll lose them (maybe forever). So yes, the hero section dictates how successful your website will be.

The best hero section examples in 2024

Creating an exceptional hero section is both an art and a science. It requires a careful balance of stunning visuals, compelling messaging, and intuitive design elements.

To help get your creative juices flowing, we have curated a collection of 30 jaw-dropping hero section examples from various web pages, including website homepages, landing pages, blog homepages, website templates, and more. Within these examples, you’ll find innovative approaches to HTML, CSS, typography, color schemes, imagery, video integration, CTAs, and interactive elements.

So no matter what your desired aesthetic might be, you’re likely to find a design example that works for your specific use case. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your next landing page or looking to revamp your website’s homepage, these examples will provide you with a wealth of design trend ideas and insights to help you craft an exceptional first impression. Let’s dive right in.

1. Runway

Runway
  • Website built with: Custom React code

The moment users land on Runway’s website, they’re greeted with an attention-grabbing hero section that features bold fonts and copy, plus an immersive background video. Like a flight attendant explaining an airplane’s safety features, Runway guides visitors through its “First Class Amenities,” integrations, modeling and scenario tools, and other features and benefits as they scroll.

The video seamlessly integrates snippets of Runway’s platform in action, showcasing its capabilities and piquing the curiosity of visitors. A clean and minimalistic design balances the dynamic nature of the hero section, with a clear hierarchy and intuitive navigation that makes it easy to get a feel for Runway at a glance. Overall, Runway’s combination of captivating video, concise messaging, and intuitive design elements make it a compelling example for designers and marketers looking for impactful hero sections.

2. Glide

Glide apps
  • Website built with: Custom React code

If you’re looking for conversion-oriented hero section examples, let Glide serve as your inspiration. The app builder’s hero section showcases a dark-themed hero section with a concise and compelling headline that reinforces their value proposition: “Build business software you actually want.”

The white copy against a dark background succinctly communicates the platform’s unique capability, instantly capturing the interest of potential users who seek a simple and efficient way to build and deploy software tools to solve business problems. There’s no coding required, a fact Glide communicates effectively in its hero section, and a call-to-action button pops out prominently on the page, encouraging visitors to jump in and get started for free.

3. Notion

Notion
  • Website built with: Custom React code

When people think of project management, the word “chaotic” might come to mind for those who have worked with an ineffective PM system. When visitors land on Notion’s PM page, however, they’re instantly reassured that while projects are complex, project management doesn’t have to be. A clutter-free hero section conveys simplicity and clarity, while the copy offers the promise of AI-powered technology to help manage any project.

The all-in-one nature of Notion appeals to teams and individuals looking for a streamlined solution to manage projects, tasks, and notes. Scroll down the page, and Notion provides snippets of the platform to help visitors visualize use cases like team projects, product roadmaps, and launch checklists. With Notion, it’s easy to envision becoming a project management whiz, making this one of the best hero section examples on our list.

4. ViralCuts

ViralCuts

“We make videos that make your brand go big” — it’s a bold headline that gets the job done for anyone wanting to create short-form videos and grow a brand. ViralCuts’ visually stunning hero section is not only clear and striking but also built for conversions, with clear calls to action to view pricing or book a strategy call.

Just below the fold, colorful, engaging visuals offer an enticing mashup of user testimonials combined with video snippets that showcase ViralCuts’ work. The site also features easy, single-page navigation that makes it easy to hop to different sections of the site without scrolling or clicking away from the main content. If you’re looking to achieve professional-quality videos that help your content go viral, then ViralCuts is worth a closer look.

5. Jasper

Jasper AI

The hero section on Jasper offers a bold headline that conveys the primary superpower of the AI-powered writing assistant, which will generate on-brand content wherever people create it. Anyone who has ever struggled to produce end-to-end marketing campaigns that don’t feel disjointed will immediately be drawn to the idea of generating cohesive content.

With a minimalistic design and ample white space, Jasper’s hero section effectively showcases the platform’s primary capabilities. The above-the-fold calls to action encourage users to select their brand tone of voice, get started for free, and watch Jasper get to work. From there, it’s smooth scrolling from top to bottom as Jasper handily guides you through its features and benefits.

6. Memorisely

Memorisely

Anyone looking to kickstart a career in UX/UI will be instantly drawn to the hero section of Memorisely, which offers live and online video courses. Real photos of happy users capture attention and instill brand trust and confidence that the platform can help users gain the skills they need to launch a new career in the rapidly growing field of UX and UI.

Memorisely also conveys the idea of community, something every student of UX/UI can appreciate when seeking support and answers to common questions. Through dropdown menus above the hero section, they’ll find opportunities for membership and hubs that bring together designers on Slack, through live events, in a virtual community, and through interviews with like-minded professionals.

7. Testimonial

Testimonial
  • Website built with: Custom React code

Gathering testimonials is no easy feat when businesses don’t have a system and process for doing so — and yet it’s such a crucial factor for a brand’s overall health. Testimonial solves that problem in minutes, and its hero section communicates its value proposition in seconds.

Simple yet impactful, the hero section features bold typography and eye-catching calls to action. Ample white space, clean lines, and a prominently placed video explainer communicate professionalism, emphasizing the platform’s ability to help businesses leverage customer testimonials for growth.

8. Webflow

Webflow

One thing that’s immediately apparent upon visiting Webflow is a popup offer to get matched with a certified Webflow expert. Should users click away from that call to action, they’ll see a striking hero section inviting them to build with the power of code, without writing any.

Under the fold, a video explainer walks users through the process. But at this point, they might not need much more convincing to start a free trial and generate a beautiful, fully customized site without the headaches of traditional web development.

9. Zchry

Zach Hayes web developer portfolio

One word comes to mind upon visiting Zchry.org: unique. A simple black-and-white theme and left-hand menu serve as the hero section of designer and developer Zach Hayes’ website, where you can browse his work, reach out to work together, or learn fun facts about him.

The hero section gives way to a scrollable right-hand section featuring samples of Zach’s work. As you can see, he’s a talented generalist, capable of adapting and scaling his work across mediums, infrastructures, and tech stacks. If nothing else, you’re sure to get inspired to create your own beautifully designed projects after browsing through his portfolio.

10. Same Same Studio

Same Same Studio
  • Website built with: Custom React code

Don’t let the name fool you; Same Same Studio is anything but common in a sea of other design and development firms. This is one of our hero section examples where a picture (or video) is worth a thousand words. Claiming the above-the-fold real estate are several striking visuals that effectively communicate the brand’s focus on modern, dynamic design and technology.

Based in Vienna, Austria, Same Same Studio is a female-led firm that offers full-service digital solutions. Clear, concise, and design-first, the website captures your attention and gently urges you to learn more by simply tapping on the contact button.

11. The Intercom Blog

The Intercom blog
  • Website built with: WordPress

You may be familiar with Intercom as a help-desk platform that provides customer support solutions. But did you know they’ve also got an entire blog dedicated to articles on customer service, product design, and other customer-centric topics?

Not only that, but they’ve got a hero section that impactfully draws you into the content. Whether visitors are looking to learn more about AI chatbots or find the latest news in engineering, Intercom’s got them covered — and it’s not a stretch to say that plenty of people will be compelled to add their email and tap on the “Subscribe” button.

12. Stripe Checkout

Stripe Checkout
  • Website built with: Custom React code + Contentful CMS

Those looking for a payment processor will find Stripe Checkout’s hero section to be attention-grabbing and compelling enough to get started — or at least book a demo and learn more. With ample white space, clear copy, and a bold visual featuring a sample checkout page, the page effectively communicates Stripe’s value proposition.

From one-time purchases to subscriptions, Stripe solves the problem of collecting payments online. And with an interactive site that walks users through the entire process, Stripe makes a convincing argument for trying Stripe’s payment solution.

13. Contiant

Contiant

The hero section design of Contiant incorporates several outstanding design elements that contribute to its effectiveness and visual appeal. The animated text instantly captures visitors’ attention at the top — automatically scrolling to reveal the key benefits of this innovative banking solution.

Scroll a bit further, and visitors can see that Contiant eliminates chargebacks, reduces costs, instantly settles payments, and cuts out a lot of the costly and unnecessary steps associated with collecting payments. Overall, Contiant’s focus on interactivity and a clear value proposition enhance the user experience, encouraging visitors to take the next step and get started.

14. Column

Column
  • Website built with: Custom React code

Column has visual hierarchy mastered on its hero section, where a bold headline and subheading stand out and entice developers to learn more about the developer infrastructure bank. Considering that Column was built to solve its own problem, it’s not a surprise that they’ve partnered with some of the largest and most sophisticated fintech companies and enterprises.

Under the hero section, visitors experience responsive scrolling and get a clear picture of how Column can help them achieve their development goals. Anyone who’s a developer or a builder looking to create new financial products will be instantly intrigued by the idea of moving beyond outdated and limiting core systems.

15. Focal

Focal

There’s no other way to say it: Visiting the Focal site is just plain fun. The hero section features bold typography and animations that encourage visitors to join the waitlist — something that anyone who needs to manage, share, review, and control creative assets will be eager to do.

Just past the hero section, there’s an immersive experience where the text and visuals respond to every scroll. Given the nature of Focal’s offering, would you trust this platform to handle your creative assets? We’d venture to guess that most creatives would offer a resounding “yes” after browsing this dynamic and visually stunning site.

16. Diagram

Diagram

“Design tools from the future” is what Diagram promises — and its hero section delivers a glimpse into what that future might look like. A dark theme, contrasting text, and planetary animations invite users to explore innovative design solutions powered by AI.

Forget about placeholder visuals, “lorem ipsum” text, and complicated Figma designs; Diagram helps users get more design work done in less time using the power of automation. Those who are struggling to get designs done and delivered may find Diagram’s captivating hero section convincing enough to bring it on as their AI design companion.

17. Ruul

Ruul
  • Website built with: Custom React code

Ruul’s hero section — and indeed, the entire site itself — is simply stunning. Gorgeous colors, crisp typography, clear hierarchy, and alluring visuals tell the brand’s story in few, impactful words.

The worktech solutions site is paving the way for modern payroll systems and employment protocols that bridge the gap between top talent and businesses. And it’s always nice when a brand’s mission and vision align with its hero section and website’s overall aesthetic. One scroll through Ruul, and users will be inspired to create a stunning hero section of their own.

18. Reflect

Reflect
  • Website built with: Qwik JavaScript framework

Everybody needs to pause and reflect sometimes, and let’s just say Reflect makes that process a bit easier. The platform uses GPT-4 and Whisper from OpenAI to serve as an intellectual companion, helping to improve writing, organize thoughts, and ensure users never miss a note, idea, or connection.

With a hero section that contrasts a dark theme with mesmerizing visuals, Reflect conveys order and organization. Meanwhile, a prominently placed explainer video eases users into the idea of trusting an AI assistant to capture their every thought.

19. Pera

Pera
  • Website built with: Bootstrap

With a vibrant color palette, tidy typography, and concise copy, Pera’s hero section evokes a modern vibe that’s perfect for this Algorand wallet app. The clean, minimalist design employs plenty of white space, engaging visuals, and a simple layout — helping to make a complex topic accessible for anyone looking to store, buy, and swap on the Algorand blockchain.

Included in the hero section are calls to action to either download the Pera app or launch Pera Web, making it easy for users to quickly get where they need to be. Anyone looking for “simply the best Algorand wallet” is likely to get on board with Pera’s value proposition after browsing through this effective hero section example.

20. Synthesized

Synthesized

Visit Synthesized, and you’ll immediately notice the sharp typography, striking background image, and use of negative space. Positioned prominently on the hero section, the headline, “The fastest way to create trusted data,” delivers a clear and succinct message about the platform’s core offering.

The overall design of the hero section also exudes a professional and a modern aesthetic that’s hard to pass up. The section incorporates a bold-colored call-to-action button that invites users to get started for free and stands out against the white background. Together, the visual elements work together to capture attention, subtly communicate the platform’s value proposition, and nudge visitors to take the next step.

21. Mixpanel

Mixpanel
  • Website built with: Custom React code

“Progress is possible” — that’s the headline at Mixpanel, which features a simple yet visually captivating hero section. With a vibrant, dynamic design that creates a sense of energy and forward motion, the hero area aligns with the platform’s focus on analytics and data-driven insights.

Scroll past the fold, and engaging illustrations make a memorable impression and invoke curiosity, encouraging users to continue down the page. Another headline, “Analytics you’ll enjoy using,” is sure to grab the attention of anyone who requires actionable insights to gain deeper insights into how people are using their app.

22. Ahrefs

Ahrefs
  • Website built with: Custom React code

Bold blue contrasts with bright white in the hero section of Ahrefs, where users can find the tools and resources they need to grow their search traffic. Subtle mountaintop imagery establishes an emotional connection with visitors looking to climb higher in search rankings.

Accompanying the visual, the hero section features clear and impactful messaging and a call to action displayed prominently. That’s followed by the option to view a demo with real examples of the platform in action, making it easy to visualize its features and benefits. Clean, fun, and bold, Ahrefs’ hero section and overall layout are engaging enough to turn visitors into paying users.

23. Umbrel

Umbrel
  • Website built with: Custom React code

Umbrel’s hero section is an experience in its own right, with a responsive design that seamlessly guides users from one thought to the next. Following a “Ready to own your data?” headline, the page transforms into an image of the Umbrel personal home server and additional text that answers that question with “Let’s bring it home.”

What makes Umbrel’s website shine are its dark theme, engaging visuals, and compelling value proposition inviting users to take control of their private information. Anyone curious about pairing the convenience of the cloud with the security of a private home server will be naturally intrigued by Umbrel’s hero section and subsequent design elements.

24. Gladia

Gladia

Gladia has a hero section that speaks volumes in just a few words, with a dark theme and striking visuals. It packs a lot of information into a small space, including a news ticker above the main headline, a bold headline, an explanatory subheader, and a call to action to get started for free or schedule a demo.

Above the hero section, there’s a clear navigation menu with dropdowns that make it easy to find information. Anyone looking to unlock the full potential of their audio data is likely to be intrigued by the idea of utilizing the power of AI transcription, translation, and audio intelligence — all with a single API.

25. Everyday Finds

Everyday Finds
  • Website built with: WordPress

Ignoring the fact that, as of this writing, Everyday Finds hadn’t updated its posts since November 2022, the hero section is one of the most pleasing to the eye. The site offers honest reviews of everyday products like specialty dog food, skin care products, and cookware — all organized into categories from a dropdown menu at the top of the page.

Clean, minimalist, and easy to read, Everyday Finds utilizes simple typography and visually engaging photos. The site relies on content to draw readers into the world of direct-to-consumer products, with partners featured prominently on each post. Whether visitors are in the market for a new houseplant or looking for inspiration to create a blog, Everyday Finds delivers the goods.

26. OldRiga KVEST

OldRiga KVEST
  • Website built with: Tilda website builder

Those seeking adventure should take a look at the hero section of OldRiga Kvest, a site that walks users along the hidden streets of Riga, Latvia’s capital city, through the eyes of locals. An awe-inspiring hero image design occupies the background, on top of which there’s a “Let’s go” call to action that requests payment in order to take the quest through Riga.

Toggle between Russian and English to view the content of the site, or tap on the top-level navigation to hop down the page and get more information on what the quest entails. Anyone looking to build a travel website should take a look at OldRiga Kvest for inspiration; this is one journey you won’t regret taking.

27. Slite

Slite

Whether they need to create onboarding guides or all-hands notes, Slite empowers teams to create one trusted source of company information. The Slite hero section effectively conveys the platform’s capabilities, with eye-catching visuals, a warm color scheme, and beautiful typography.

At the front and center, there’s a call to action to get started for free — making it a no-brainer for decision-makers charged with creating a knowledge base. At the same time, there are plenty of ways to explore the site from the hero section, from booking a demo to viewing pricing and product features. This is one of the hero section examples that’ll make sense to marketers and developers seeking a modern, clean aesthetic to communicate a value proposition.

28. Marketer Milk

Marketer Milk

We might be biased, but we think Marketer Milk offers one of the best hero section examples for sites driven by industry news and resources. At the top, there’s an easy way to collect subscriber information, followed by examples of brands that know and love Marketer Milk’s content.

The right-hand column features a scrollable newsfeed where marketers can access the most up-to-date marketing information from respected marketing sites and professionals. And while Marketer Milk relies heavily on content, the site still feels digestible and accessible, making it a must-see for anyone looking to develop a content-driven website.

29. Argyle

Argyle
  • Website built with: Custom React code

The soothing aesthetic of Argyle will make you want to stick around and explore the site, which offers payroll connectivity solutions. We like the subtle, not-too-overwhelming animation in the hero section, along with the contrasting typography and clear call to action.

Argyle takes a complex topic, income and employment data, and makes it more accessible for those looking to build next-level financial services. In short, it’s a great lesson in simplicity and functionality for marketers and developers that we think is worth exploring.

30. Xwing

Xwing
  • Website built with: Wix

The hero section of Xwing immediately captures attention with impactful background footage that showcases the company’s core offering: autonomous flights managed solely by ground crews. The site creates a sense of excitement and conveys the company’s focus on innovation and cutting-edge technology.

The hero section utilizes bold typography and crisp visuals to tell the brand’s story and engage visitors, allowing the imagery to take center stage. The combination of impactful imagery, clear messaging, and top-level navigation make the hero section a powerful introduction to Xwing’s autonomous flight solutions.

What should be included in a hero section?

Let’s look at some of the key elements that define a hero section.

Prime real estate

Positioned at the top of the page, the hero section occupies the most valuable real estate on a website. It is the first thing visitors see upon visiting a website, making it a critical opportunity to make a memorable impression.

Visual impact

A hero section thrives on full-screen, captivating visuals that leave a lasting impact. This includes high-quality images, videos, or illustrations that instantly grab attention and evoke an emotional response. The visual elements should align with the overall branding and convey the essence of the message or product being showcased.

Compelling messaging

Alongside the visual elements, a hero section typically includes concise and impactful messaging. This can be a headline, a tagline, or a call to action that communicates the core value proposition, piques curiosity, or encourages visitors to take action.

Clear hierarchy and navigation

While the hero section is visually captivating, it should also provide clarity in terms of hierarchy and navigation. Visitors should have a clear understanding of the page’s purpose and be able to easily navigate to other sections of the website if desired.

Responsive Design

With the increasing prevalence of mobile devices, it is vital for hero sections to be designed responsively. This ensures that the visual and textual elements adapt and display optimally across various screen sizes, providing a seamless user experience for all visitors.

Conclusion

A well-crafted hero section serves as the gateway to your website, captivating visitors and enticing them to explore further. The hero image examples we’ve explored in this article demonstrate the immense potential of a thoughtfully designed hero section.

A great hero section goes beyond aesthetics; it has the power to evoke emotions and establish a strong brand identity. Whether through captivating visuals, compelling messaging, or interactive elements, each example we’ve examined showcases the ability to leave a lasting impression on visitors. These hero sections are carefully constructed to guide users toward their desired actions, whether it’s signing up for a demo, starting a free trial, or requesting more information.

As you design your own hero section, take the time to explore each of these exemplary examples. Remember to consider the balance between stunning visuals, concise messaging, and clear calls to action. Tailor your hero section to your unique brand identity and user needs, and don’t forget to add your own flair.

Do all of the above, and you’ll ensure a seamless and engaging user experience that leaves a lasting impact on your visitors.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to Marketer Milk at no cost to you if you decide to purchase a paid plan. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our disclaimers.