When building your website using our template, it’s important to understand how to manage headers, especially since the home page header is not global. Unlike global headers that remain consistent across every page, the home page in this template has a separate, customizable header that allows for greater flexibility and a unique design. This help file will guide you through the process of customizing your headers effectively and explain why we’ve set up a distinct header for the home page.
Content
Why Is the Home Page Header Not Global?
The reason we’ve set up a separate header for the home page is to give you more creative freedom. The home page is often the first point of contact for your visitors, so you may want a design that is more visually engaging or tailored specifically to your brand message.
A different header here allows for:
Unique Designs: You can have a larger, more dynamic header on the home page, with different elements like hero images, videos, or call-to-action buttons.
Different Menus: If you need a more simplified or enhanced navigation for the home page, separating the header gives you control over the menu items.
Enhanced Visual Appeal: Since the home page is usually the most visited page, having the ability to customize the header lets you showcase something visually compelling, like a bold logo, brand tagline, or featured promotions.
While the rest of your site uses a global header to maintain consistency, this setup allows the home page to stand out with its unique layout.
Editing the Home Page Header
Step 1: Locate the Home Page Header
To edit the home page header:
Open the Wix Editor and navigate to your home page.
Click on the header section at the top of the page. You'll notice that this header is distinct and not marked as a “global” section like other headers.
Select the Header. You’ll see the editor options specifically for this home page header.
Step 2: Customize the Content
Since the home page header is unique, you can edit it just like any other section on your site.
Logo: Click on the logo element to upload a different logo or reposition it. You may want a larger or more centered logo here compared to the rest of the site.
Menu: Click on the menu to adjust the navigation. You can choose to highlight fewer or more menu items for the home page, or even hide the menu altogether for a more minimalistic look.
Background: Customize the background with an image, video, or solid color. You might want a full-width hero image or a video background for a more dramatic effect on the home page.
Call-to-Action (CTA): Add or modify buttons in the header to direct users to important areas of your site, such as booking a service or viewing a promotion.
Editing the Global Header
The rest of your site uses a global header, which means any changes made to it will be automatically reflected across all pages (except the home page). This ensures design consistency, making it easier for visitors to navigate your site.
Step 1: Locate the Global Header
Navigate to Any Page (other than the home page) in the Wix Editor.
Click on the header at the top of the page. This is your global header, and you’ll see a label indicating that it’s global.
Step 2: Customize the Content
Logo: You can update the logo here, but keep in mind that this logo will appear on every page where the global header is used. Ensure it aligns with your overall branding.
Menu: Edit the menu items that appear across all pages. If you want a consistent navigation bar, you can add, remove, or reorder the items here.
Background and Colors: Change the background color, transparency, or add a simple pattern. Since this header is global, you may want to keep the design clean and consistent across the site.
Sticky Header: You can make the global header sticky (always visible as users scroll) by adjusting the settings in the header’s properties. A sticky header can be helpful for better navigation.
Switching Between Headers
To ensure a seamless user experience, it's important to understand that the home page header and global header are two separate entities. Here’s how to switch between them for editing:
Home Page Header: Always return to the home page in the editor to customize this header. Any edits made here will only affect the home page.
Global Header: To edit the global header, simply navigate to any page other than the home page. Changes made to the global header will automatically apply to all other pages across your site.
Key Differences Between the Home Page Header and the Global Header
Home Page Header:
Separate design for a unique look on the home page.
You can experiment with a different layout, background, or navigation style.
Changes here affect only the home page.
Global Header:
Consistent across all pages (except the home page).
Designed for easier navigation and brand consistency.
Any change to the global header reflects across the entire site.
Best Practices for Managing Multiple Headers
Keep Consistency: While it’s tempting to make the home page header very different, try to maintain some consistency with your global header—such as using the same logo and similar menu structure—so users don't feel confused as they navigate.
Ensure Mobile Optimization: Always check both headers (home page and global) on mobile devices. You may need to simplify the home page header on mobile for a better user experience.
Use Clear Call-to-Actions (CTAs): Especially on the home page header, place visible CTAs that lead to important sections of your site (e.g., “Book Now” or “View Treatments”).
Keep It Simple: Although you have creative freedom with the home page header, avoid overcrowding it with too many elements. A clean, bold design often works best.
Common Questions
Why Can’t I See the Changes I Made to the Home Page Header on Other Pages?
The home page header is not global, meaning any changes you make to it will only appear on the home page. To update the header on all other pages, you need to edit the global header separately.
Can I Make the Home Page Header Global?
Yes, but it requires manually setting the home page header as a global section. This removes the ability to have a unique design for your home page header, so only do this if you prefer consistency across all pages.
How Do I Add Elements to the Global Header?
To add new elements (like buttons, icons, or text) to the global header, simply navigate to any page that uses the global header, click on the header, and use the “+ Add” button in the Wix Editor. Be aware that any changes will appear across all pages.
Conclusion
Managing headers in your Wix template is easy once you understand the difference between the home page header and the global header. While the home page header is non-global for greater customization, the global header provides consistency across your site. By following this guide, you’ll have the flexibility to create a visually stunning and user-friendly website that engages visitors from the very first click.
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