The Death of the Hero Banner: What really works in 2025?

I remember the first time I designed a website back in the early 2000s, hero banners were everywhere. They became popular around the mid-2010s when brands realized they could use large, eye-catching images to make a strong first impression. 

For years, they dominated web design, appearing on almost every homepage, from startups to major corporations. But as we step into 2025, things have changed. You’ve seen it, a big, beautiful image at the top of a webpage, often with a catchy headline and a call-to-action (CTA) button. 

It was everywhere, and for a while, it worked. But in 2025, things changed.

But why is the Hero Banner fading away?

Hero banners used to be exciting, but over time, they lost their impact. At first, they made websites look modern and professional. Companies loved them because they could showcase a big, bold message. But as more and more websites started using the same approach, people stopped paying attention.

The problem with hero banners is that they have become predictable and ineffective. Here’s why:

Banner Blindness because people see them so often that they don’t even notice them anymore. It’s like how we ignore ads on a webpage. Visitors quickly scroll past them without reading anything.

It slows load times because it usually contains large images or videos, which can slow down websites. A slow site frustrates users, and search engines rank it lower.

Gives a poor mobile experience because it doesn’t adjust well to smaller screens. On mobile devices, they can take up too much space or make navigation difficult.

There is a lack of engagement because people don’t always scroll past the hero section. If important content is hidden below, visitors might leave before seeing it.

And what works now?

If hero banners are on their way out, what’s replacing them? Here are some web design trends that are proving to be more effective in 2025:

Personalized and data-driven experiences

Instead of a generic hero image, many websites now greet visitors with personalized content based on their behavior or location. Dynamic content that adapts to the user’s needs improves engagement and conversions.

Text-first and clear value propositions

Rather than oversized images, websites now lead with clear, concise messaging. Visitors want to immediately know what a site offers and why it matters to them—no fluff, just value.

Minimalist and fast-Loading design

Speed is everything. Sites that prioritize lightweight design, simple navigation, and fast-loading elements perform better. This means fewer large background images and more optimized layouts.

Interactive and engaging elements

Static images are being replaced by interactive experiences like micro-animations, hover effects, and scroll-triggered animations. These elements capture attention without overwhelming the page.

Video in a smarter way

Instead of auto-playing background videos in the hero section (which can be annoying and slow down a site), brands are using short, engaging clips that are strategically placed in the content.

Conversational interfaces and AI-powered assistants

With AI advancing rapidly, many websites now offer chat-based navigation or AI-powered recommendations, making it easier for users to find what they need without endless scrolling.

The evolution of the home page and the importance of simplicity

Web design has come a long way since the early days of the internet. Homepages used to be cluttered with flashy graphics, animations, and overwhelming amounts of text. Over time, designers realized that users preferred a cleaner, more focused experience.

The hero banner had its moment, but in 2025, websites need to evolve. The key to a successful web experience today is clarity, speed, and personalization. By focusing on what users actually need, businesses can create websites that don’t just look good but actually work.

If you’re still relying on a giant hero image to make an impression, it might be time to rethink your approach. The future of web design is about putting the user first, and that means moving beyond outdated trends.

Read this and more articles from Nadia Nikolaidou on Linkedin.