What to include in your website footer

I often hear the website footer referred to as “everything under the kitchen sink.” It’s that place on your website that tends to be an afterthought. An extra space to fill. But as a designer I truly wish this section isn’t so overlooked because it has a LOT of value when it’s thoughtfully organized.

It’s easy to slap your copyright information and legal policies down then call it a day, but what if we could make this section really work to your advantage? Your copyright date as well as your terms, conditions, and privacy policy are super important, there’s just more fun to be had here!

Think of your footer section as the Marauder’s Map of your website. It shows your visitors everything there is to explore on your website. Your footer actually is one of the most valuable sections of your website! Why? Because it will appear on every single page. A constant reminder to your visitors of what you want them to be looking into. 

What Should You Include In Your Website Footer?

Now your visitors likely won’t be visiting every page of your website so what you include in the footer section is extra important. Here’s a list to get you started:

• Copyright information
• Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
• Your location (even if your work is not geographically relevant a potential client may have a connection to the area you’re from! I’ve had clients hop on a call and say,”I saw you’re from Wisconsin…I went to college there.”)
• Link to your other pages (about, services, contact etc.)
• A quote that really captures the essence of your brand
• A one line bio and a brand photo of yourself (you might make this short one-liner a bit more personable or informal!)
• Social media links
• A link to your lead magnet (this is a GREAT place to remind your visitors of what free resources you have to offer them!)

Your website footer can serve as a secondary menu, but with more flare! In your main menu you want to keep page titles very straightforward. In your footer I encourage you to have more fun with your links! Instead of adding a link that says “about” maybe have one that says:

 “a peek at my story” or “meet your coach.”

When it comes time to design your footer, take some time to think through the value you can provide in this section of your website. What is really important that you want visitors to see or know about? How can you sprinkle some personality here to deepen that human to human connection?