The hidden potential of footers on websites

The posts on the various Blackbaud blogs are usually a little too technical for me, but a recent item by website designer Raheel Gauba caught my eye with a discussion about the hidden potential of footers on websites.  Raheel writes: "Most organizations, including some fairly large ones, are not taking advantage of the hidden potential of footers. The approach is a fairly standard, boring and expected one with the format of (c) Date, Organization Name, All Rights Reserved." 

And then goes on:

"From a design point of view, especially for those organizations who are very brand conscious (as should all), a functional footer opens up a world of possibilities to do something a little different and unexpected and provides an easy way to re-enforce the organizations brand in creative ways! Here are some possible elements that could be used when designing a functional footer:

• Partner logos
• Key calls to action
• Breadcrumbs
• Search
• Complete sitemap
• Short blurb describing the organization's purpose
• Promotional links to podcasts, blogs, etc.
• Use of social networking/bookmarking icons
• 'thought of the day', 'Psalm of the day', 'Comment of the day'
• What we're doing, How you can help (Quick links)
• Recently updated content
• Staff or constituent profile teasers

It's a very good post with some excellent screen shots, very useful.

Read about the hidden potential of footers

Comments

[Raheel Gauba]

Michael... Thanks for the mention! Great blog!!!!