Website Announcement Bar Uses and Hacks

There’s no doubt that a website announcement bar can be useful. Let’s define it first, though (just so that we’re on the same page — no pun intended). Announcement bars are fixed/static message bars generally placed toward the top of a website, above the navigation menu bar. They’re not mandatory, but they do serve a purpose, and effectively so, when used appropriately.

For a more permanent result, the little X (usually found on the upper-right corner of the bar itself) can be removed, either with a bit of code or through the system/platform you’re using to build out & edit your site. This is often done to add navigation items (i.e., links to important sections/pages [or, to a lesser degree, page folders]) separate from the standard site menu.

A common use of announcement bars is to, well, announce events (or anything time-sensitive the publisher feels may be worth noting for visitors, rather). We’d agree that it’s likely the most intuitive method of getting regular users informed on upcoming dates associated with special occasions (or simply what might deserve their immediate attention), SMS (i.e., Short [mobile phone/device text] Message Service) & email marketing aside, of course.

With the above being said, a website announcement bar is, at the root, and as mentioned, a placement (maybe even a mini-billboard, if you will) displaying a message like any other. In other words, use it to say whatever it is that you need to say. But there are caveats.

If your site is an e-commerce initiative, then, sales (specials, that is) are inevitable… and so, you should let visitors know when timely discounts arise (as well as when they’ll be expiring). Still, some restraint would be prudent, as it would be wise for brands (or whoever is selling the product[s]/service[s]) to not appear overly aggressive and/or overzealous at the very top of most of their site’s pages (since announcement bars, almost by default, tend to be site-wide).

Do NOT use it for tooting your own horn, putting yourself on a pedestal, or any other metaphor that suggests you are the best. We know that emerging start-ups enjoy stating that their customers love them, but it’s unnecessary to have it painted across the majority of your website; the Home page provides ample space for gloating (insert smiley-face… oh, yeah, and relax with the emojis).