Why and How to Add a Hello Bar to Your WordPress Site
Setting up your WordPress site can be overwhelming. Getting your site’s content and design up to speed is the first step – and many WordPress users tend to stagnate after they set up a blog and lock in the basics of their site. However, there are a few bells, whistles, and tools that all sites really need to make them stand out. One of these tools is the Hello Bar.
What is a Hello Bar?
A Hello Bar is a small, unobtrusive banner that sits at the top of your website. It’s usually used to promote a specific action or message, such as signing up for a newsletter, promoting a sale, or directing visitors to a specific page. The Hello Bar is a great way to grab your visitors’ attention without being too pushy or intrusive.
Why Do You Need a Hello Bar?
The Hello Bar is an excellent tool for increasing conversions and engagement on your website. It can help you promote specific actions or messages that you want your visitors to take, such as signing up for your newsletter or following you on social media. By using a Hello Bar, you can increase the visibility of these messages and encourage more visitors to take action.
In addition, the Hello Bar is a great way to promote your brand and increase brand awareness. By using your brand colors and logo in the Hello Bar, you can create a consistent look and feel across your website. This can help visitors remember your brand and recognize it when they see it elsewhere.
How to Add a Hello Bar to Your WordPress Site
Adding a Hello Bar to your WordPress site is easy. There are several plugins available that allow you to create and customize your own Hello Bar. Here are some steps to follow:
Step 1: Choose a Plugin
There are several plugins available for adding a Hello Bar to your WordPress site. Some popular options include Hello Bar, OptinMonster, and SumoMe. Choose the plugin that best fits your needs and install it on your WordPress site.
Step 2: Create Your Hello Bar
Once you’ve installed your plugin, you can create your Hello Bar. Most plugins will have a simple drag-and-drop interface that allows you to customize the look and feel of your Hello Bar. You can choose the colors, fonts, and message that you want to display.
Step 3: Set Your Display Options
After you’ve created your Hello Bar, you’ll need to set your display options. This includes choosing where on your website the Hello Bar will appear, how often it will appear, and who will see it. You can choose to display the Hello Bar on specific pages or posts, or you can display it site-wide.
Step 4: Test Your Hello Bar
Before you publish your Hello Bar, be sure to test it to make sure it’s working properly. Check that the message is displaying correctly and that the links are working. You may also want to test the Hello Bar on different devices to make sure it looks good on mobile and desktop.
Step 5: Publish Your Hello Bar
Once you’ve tested your Hello Bar, you can publish it on your website. Depending on the plugin you’re using, you may need to add a code snippet to your website’s header or footer to activate the Hello Bar.
Best Practices for Using a Hello Bar
While the Hello Bar is a great tool for increasing conversions and engagement on your website, there are some best practices you should follow to get the most out of it:
1. Keep it Simple
The Hello Bar should be simple and straightforward. Don’t try to cram too much information into it or make it too flashy. Keep the message short and sweet, and use clear language that visitors will understand.
2. Use Eye-Catching Colors
The colors you choose for your Hello Bar can make a big difference in how effective it is. Use colors that stand out and grab visitors’ attention. You can also use your brand colors to create a consistent look and feel across your website.
3. Test Different Messages
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different messages in your Hello Bar. Test different calls-to-action and see which ones work best for your audience. You can also test different colors and designs to see what resonates with your visitors.
4. Don’t Overuse It
While the Hello Bar can be a powerful tool, it’s important not to overuse it. If you have too many Hello Bars on your website, they can become annoying and intrusive. Stick to one or two Hello Bars at most, and make sure they’re relevant to the content on your website.
Conclusion
The Hello Bar is a simple but effective tool for increasing conversions and engagement on your WordPress site. By using a Hello Bar, you can promote specific actions or messages that you want your visitors to take, while also promoting your brand and increasing brand awareness. Follow these steps to add a Hello Bar to your WordPress site, and use these best practices to get the most out of it.
